As our Riot Anniversary approaches a month from today, I'd like to throw a brick through some myths spread by protesters, rioters and anyone else who can't say “rioting is wrong” without adding a big “but.”

        Myth No. 1: Cincinnati is divided, white against black. Not true. Only 45 percent of the black community backs the boycott. It is opposed by 37 percent of blacks and nearly all whites (WCPO-TV poll by SurveyUSA).

        But while the Rev. Damon Lynch III trashes our city, many black leaders have been silent. The reason may be intimidation.

        Some don't want to be labeled “Uncle Toms” by the boycott bullies.

        It may be an isolated case. I know of no others like it. But one respected member of the black community told me he was threatened. He feared talking about it on the record.

        But Tom Jones is fearless. As a candidate for city council and former president of the Avondale Community Council, he has harshly criticized the Rev. Lynch for making excuses for rioters and condoning crime. He has also been shot at fighting crime, so he's not afraid to call out the boycotters.
       

Leave town or else

        “Some of them have had problems with the police, they have records. Some have thrown bricks through windows,” he said. “Anybody who is for law and order, those people end up coming at you.”

        Mr. Jones said he has been pressured to leave town because of his battles against crime and criticism of the boycott leaders. “There are decent people protesting who are misguided. But there are also people who are completely out of their minds. They've been doing wrong so long they think it's right.

        “There's a solid majority who are afraid to speak because they're afraid of these lunatics,” he said.

        The boycott gets press like a fire draws oxygen. Crazy claims by boycotters are seldom balanced with comments from someone like Mr. Jones. “The only people who get air time are the loud mouths,” he said.

        Myth No. 2: Looting and beatings were a spontaneous “rebellion.”

        The protest may have started that way, but it was ratcheted into riots by thugs and outsiders who came to “party.”
       

Professional protesters

        “There were a lot of people who came in from outside Cincinnati who are, for lack of a better word, professional protesters,” said Police Chief Tom Streicher. “Several groups came in last year, and we expect them to be back this year.

        “If somebody has the idea of coming here to start things up again, it's not going to be easy,” he warned.

        It doesn't take many to start a riot, he said. “You have a crowd that looks peaceful. Then someone breaks a window or throws a rock and merges back into the crowd. At some point, the police have to take action against that crowd.”

        And when they do, protesters yell police brutality.

        “Let's get serious,” he said. “There was a significant group that was just out to steal. If there is a threat to somebody, to hurt someone or damage property, we're going to take action. There is zero tolerance.”

        “We're there to protect their constitutional rights to protest, but we're also there to make sure they obey the law.”

        Myth No. 3: Talking is the answer. I don't think so. All we're hearing is a conversation between black-rage militants and white-guilt appeasers who all agree there was a “root cause” justification for the riots. We need to hear more from people like Tom Jones and Chief Streicher, who refuse to condone crime.

        Rioting is wrong. No buts.

        Contact Peter Bronson at 768-8301; e-mail: pbronson@enquirer.com. Cincinnati.Com keyword: Bronson.

Area families of victims savor moments
Gun at the bus stop: Dad on trial
Police back to walking Over-the-Rhine streets
Racetrack fans favor electronic gambling
Tristate blown away by cold front
Churches focus on AIDS among African-Americans
Donation to GOP challenged
Minority labor shortage likely
Sinn Fein president visits N. Ky. cathedral
Tristate A.M. Report
BRONSON: Three myths
CROWLEY: Kentucky Politics
HOWARD: Some Good News
PULFER: Victim's mom:
SMITH AMOS: Racial gaps
FBI looking for heist clues
Evolution foes target Ohio
Battle site targeted for preservation
Kenton sends tax refunds, slowly
UK honors Loretta Lynn