WITH the whole world in turmoil in trying to contain the pandemic, mob violence and riots have broken out in Minneapolis and spread to other states in America.

The main cause of the violence and riots are in protest over the death of a 46-year-old Black man, who died while in the custody of the police, over an alleged minor offence.

Sadly, criminal elements have used the protest as an excuse to loot and vandalise stores and businesses, which diminished the credibility of the genuine Black protesters. This behaviour by the looters has allowed the unhinged and undiplomatic Donald Trump to make retaliatory threats to the protesters, using a phrase from another era: “When the looting starts, the shooting starts.”

Trump is a loose cannon, with his finger on the Nuclear Button, who continually disregards world opinion. Therefore I have no doubt he would carry out his threat to the protesters, regardless of the consequences.

RD

Via email

THE riots in America over the death of George Floyd by police are just a symptom of what has been happening for hundreds of years. That man’s life meant nothing to those police officers. This is 2020 for goodness’ sake. The coronavirus epidemic has to be defeated but the epidemic racism also has to be eradicated.

A Martin

Glasgow

THE large empty void at the very centre of UK Government, otherwise known as Boris Johnson (right), is notorious for inaction. Former Telegraph editor Max Hastings warned us before the Tory leadership elections that Johnson was weak, totally unsuited to prime minister. He has been proved right.

Johnson’s weak acceptance of the wrecking ball that Dominic Cummings has driven through the government coronavirus policy reveals just how dependent he is on Cummings.

But Cummings has learned arrogance from Boris Johnson, the Old Etonian, that mere plebs can be disregarded. Ordinary people are there to be instructed in their duties. The elite, now including Cummings, are not bound by such restrains – that is for lesser mortals who are punished for breaking lockdown. We are not all in it together.

Boris Johnson’s weakness is sending out dangerous messages to the circling vultures within the Tory Party, always ready to sense any tremor or indecision.

Andrew Milroy

Via email