Master of chaos fans the flames of discontent and anger

STOOD outside Minneapolis’s under siege Third Police Precinct among the tear gas and rubber bullets, I was ordered to the front of the rioting mob.

As I was shoved forward, a demonstrator protesting the death of black George Floyd at the hands of white police officers told me: “Scream ‘No justice’ and we are going to follow you.

“They’re not going to shoot your white ass. They are not going to send any gas over here. You’re here. You’re too clean. I want to hear you say something.”

Another added: “They’re not going to get you, you’ve got a nice tie on. They’re not going to get you.”

My six days on the front line of demonstrations in Minneapolis was a shocking insight into the anger and frustration felt not only in the city but across America too.

Once again, another black man killed at the hands of white cops, all of which was caught on camera.

For almost nine minutes – three of which Floyd was unconscious for – officer Derek Chauvin had placed his knee on the neck of the 46-yearold all on suspicion he had a fake $20 bill.

Thousands have since descended on the nation’s streets in protest over the shocking death leading to fire and fury erupting from east to west coast.

As always, criminals have hijacked their cause as they loot and destroy, but that only adds to the sense of a society at breaking point.

As buildings and businesses continue to burn, state governors, mayors, the church, community leaders and Floyd’s family acknowledge the people’s pain while appealing for calm.

They do so while attempting to ensure the hooligans – whose only agenda is mayhem – do not irreparably shame their plight.

It is not as though America has not been here before.

In the past the country’s presidents, whose words could matter most, have led by example.

Bringing the nation together during its darkest of days – until now. Donald Trump, who this week told America he was “your president of law and order” has instead chosen to play his customary role as human flamethrower.

Instead of using the power of his office to extinguish the rage, he has opted instead to fan the flames. Words matter – none more so than now – as does a pledge to right wrongs.

Good leaders try to deliver both. They acknowledge patterns of brutality endured by African Americans at the hands of white officers, the challenges of systemic injustice and the unequal rates of imprisonment.

They would also understand how the coronavirus has both medically and economically taken its toll, particularly within such communities.

Meanwhile, the Trump vehemently protests as the nation burns, blaming anyone but himself for America’s troubles.

Instead of issuing pleas for restraint, he threatens to deploy the country’s military might on its own citizens. Instead of pleading for unity, Trump warns that “the most ominous weapons” and “the most vicious dogs” would be unleashed. And instead of acknowledging why black Americans see white police as threats to their lives, he sees no systemic challenge to policing, only “a few bad apples” among cops.

In such times, as seen throughout the world, so much depends on moral authority. Without it, troubles are only compounded.

The right message would be to promise that justice will be done regarding Floyd’s death and an insistence on keeping protests peaceful, all while recognising that righting deeper wrongs is an urgent priority.

But when you have a leader that thrives on hatred, racism and disunity, there is no way that message will come from the White House.

Instead, America has a President who tear gasses priests and peaceful protestors to clear them away so he can have a photo opportunity outside a church.

President of law and order? Trumps thrives on chaos to survive.

Trump protests as the nation burns, blaming anyone but himself