we can't allow thug's true definition to be swallowed by mis-use.

the fact that some ppl use 'thugs' as code for 'nigger' doesn't mean that's always the case. and here...he'd have something if the ppl being described couldn't be said to have exhibited 'thuggish' behavior (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thug). not that everyone has to agree the folks engaged in the violence have acted 'thuggishly'.

and now i wish they'd both just used adjectives and/or adverbs instead of the noun. the prez and the mayor would've been better off if they'd described the behavior as 'thuggish' and not labeled the ppl as 'thugs' w/o knowing more about them. b/c the folks engaged in the violence are mad and understandably so...but they may not actually be 'thugs'.

still...i disagree that they were using a code for 'nigger'.