Election Day Riots: Burn, Baby! BURN!

It appears that there are two possible outcomes for the presidential election:

1. Barack Obama is elected and the world spontaneously unites in peace and harmony and love. Spread the wealth around.

2. Barack Obama loses and the nation's cities erupt in riots. Spread the violence around.

From The Hill:

Police departments in cities across the country are beefing up their ranks for Election Day, preparing for possible civil unrest and riots after the historic presidential contest.

Some worry that if Barack Obama loses and there is suspicion of foul play in the election, violence could ensue in cities with large black populations. Others based the need for enhanced patrols on past riots in urban areas (following professional sports events) and also on Internet rumors.

Democratic strategists and advocates for black voters say they understand officers wanting to keep the peace, but caution that excessive police presence could intimidate voters.

Sen. Obama (Ill.), the Democratic nominee for president, has seen his lead over rival Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) grow in recent weeks, prompting speculation that there could be a violent backlash if he loses unexpectedly.

Cities that have suffered unrest before, such as Detroit, Chicago, Oakland and Philadelphia, will have extra police deployed.

In Oakland, the police will deploy extra units trained in riot control, as well as extra traffic police, and even put SWAT teams on standby.

“Are we anticipating it will be a riot situation? No. But will we be prepared if it goes awry? Yes,” said Jeff Thomason, spokesman for the Oakland Police Department.

“I think it is a big deal — you got an African-American running and [a] woman running,” he added, in reference to Obama and GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin. “Whoever wins it, it will be a national event. We will have more officers on the street in anticipation that things may go south.”

Public safety officials said in interviews with The Hill that the election, which will end with either the nation’s first black president or its first female vice president, demanded a stronger police presence.

Isn't it racist to suggest that there's a possibility there will be riots if Barack Obama loses?

Isn't it racist for police departments to prepare for problems?

The clear concern here is that Obama's supporters will lash out violently if John McCain is elected president. There could be fighting in the streets, mayhem.

Such preparations weren't put in place for other elections. Riots weren't an issue in the past.

I think it's insulting to Obama's supporters.

Are police departments concerned that women will take to the streets and riot if Sarah Palin isn't elected?

We already know that there's "foul play" thanks to ACORN. We know about the early voting irregularities. There's already reason to question the results of the election.

Are SWAT teams being put on standby in the event that Palin supporters run amok?

As a woman and a Palin supporter, I'm insulted at the suggestion that I will become violent and riot if John McCain and Sarah Palin aren't victorious.

I guess I can't blame the police departments. It's their duty to keep the peace.

I can only speak for myself, but I'm sure I won't be rioting in the event that Obama wins.