Our country sends a clear message that violence works and that if you are in a position of power you can get away with practically anything -- unless, of course, you happen to anger someone else who happens to be equally powerful.

Violence from the top down is not only permissible; it's often admired.
Violence from the bottom up, on the other hand, is reprehensible.

For the record, I oppose all violence, but it's impossible to overlook the gross hypocrisy and inequity in our system.