Even disregarding the personal danger aspect, the police presence is well justified simply by looking at similar protests in the past. A bunch of people rallyin

Even disregarding the personal danger aspect, the police presence is well justified simply by looking at similar protests in the past. A bunch of people rallying around hating another group of people is, following San Francisco patterns, highly likely to result in violence, property destruction, vandalism, or some combination of the above. I feel very much that the Black Bloc and anarchist protesters that infest every cause and protest in San Francisco is a huge part of why the city is the way it is. Otherwise legitimate, worthwhile causes can garner no public support because a highly visible minority of their base takes every chance they get to smash shit up. They become politically untenable to support for city politicians lest they look like they are soft on crime - because protesting is synonymous with crime thanks to these people. They also drive away moderates as no one really wants to be caught on the wrong side of a riot (is there a right side to being in a riot?).