I don't think the Boston Tea Party is any way similar to the recent lootings under discussion here. The tea was destroyed - not stolen for personal gain. The tea was specifically targeted because it was relevant to the issue, and no other property was damaged or looted. Electronics, clothing, and other items that are being looted today have nothing to do with the protest issues, but are simply being stolen.
Also, some back in the time of the Boston Tea Party didn't like the fact that the tea was destroyed because it was private property - some like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. I read that Franklin even offered to pay for it.