I think it would have gotten worse. It could have ended up with the Guard being attacked, the Guard defending themselves, then the blacks striking back even worse. Yes, it could have escalated.
No, it would not have “escalated”. It did not “escalate” once they came in. The “protesters” (rioters) are not suddenly undefeatable monsters compared to how they were in the past.
“It could have ended up with the Guard being attacked, the Guard defending themselves, then the blacks striking back even worse.”
Isn’t that what the Guard is for? How can anyone just lie down to lawless gibsmedats? If you had something at stake in Ferguson you would wish they’d take whatever steps are necessary to protect you hard-earned investment.