It was convenient to call them snipers, because if they weren't snipers, then what were they? The governor didn't say it; the newspapers didn't say it; the history books still do not say it, but I, who watched the entire thing on my bike, saw it clearly: in Detroit, in July of 1967, what happened was nothing less than a guerrilla uprising. The Second American Revolution.
The narrative suggests that labeling individuals as "snipers" simplifies the complexities of the events in Detroit during July 1967. This term obscures the truth that those involved were partaking in a broader struggle, which some observers recognized as a guerrilla uprising rather than just random violence. The distinction highlights the underlying social tensions and unrest prevalent in that era.
Furthermore, the author emphasizes that despite official narratives and historical accounts falling short of acknowledging the true nature of the events, firsthand witnesses understood the situation differently. The reference to this period as a potential "Second American Revolution" underscores the significance of the conflict and its impact on American society, revealing a deeper struggle for rights and recognition.