Always Up For A Fight

Over the last few days there has been several dramatic demonstrations in Oslo due to the conflict in Gaza. I am not going to make any statements on the conflict itself, but I find it interesting that a war fought halfway across the world has consequences for the streets in which I walk every day.
Almost every demonstration, with intention to be peaceful or not, has broken out into massive fights between the authorities and the protesters. I understand that for someone who is passionate about a cause and only wish to execute their right of free speech, the heavy involvement from the police can be considered provocative. But after the fighting the last few days many have said they believe that a large number of the protesters have no interest in the cause at all and are there mainly to encourage conflicts with the authorities and provoke a reaction from the police. I also believe this to be true.
Last night I was out in Oslo, after the worst part of the demonstrations and riots had settled and I saw the damages around the city. Broken windows, burned out garbage cans and vandalism on buses and subway cars just to name a few. Whatever the reason for these demonstrations, I doubt that McDonald's or the Oslo bus companies have any part in the violence that is taking place in the middle east, but they are certainly suffering with the consequences.
I lived in Copenhagen during the closing and demolition of the infamous "Ungdomshuset" a few years ago. The reaction from a certain part of the community was overwhelming and the fights and riots in the streets were much larger and more dangerous compared to the ones in Oslo these last few days. The damages to the city and innocent peoples property was incredible and many stores and businesses had to shut down due to the constant unsettlement. The violence was horrific and it even went so far that lives were lost. The motive of the protesters was questioned at this occasion too. After one night of riots a danish police officer was quoted in a newspaper saying: "If you show up for a peaceful demonstration with a shopping cart full of bricks it is obvious that your intentions are anything but peaceful."
I have never been a politically engaged person and I respect other people's opinion and fully understand that our views and beliefs of this world can be different. And I don't pretend to know more than I actually do about anything. But I do know this: if you don't know what you are talking about it is best to keep your mouth shut. And if you don't know what it is you are fighting for, you should put your hands down.