Rarely do I agree with Conor Friedersdorf. Today, I agree completely with Conor Friedersdorf. What happened in San Jose was a damned disgrace. Everyone who participated should be ashamed of themselves. Many should be arrested.
We can expect more of this should we elect Fat Crybaby to the presidency. When you push people into believing that they are not only not part of the polity but something that the polity actively rejects, then you get reactions like yesterday.
But understanding that does not mean exculpating the violent. And while the idiots who burned an American flag have every right to do so, it is mind-bogglingly stupid politics.
This was a predictable phenomenon months ago. It make me wonder whether the reaction to the election results will be riots in the streets.
Posted by: Dave K. | June 03, 2016 at 03:03 PM
I think these are basically the same idiots who sometimes show up at Occupy and BLM protests and try to smash things up, start fights with the cops and generally make trouble. If right-wing organizations were trying to plant agents provocateurs to sabotage social-justice movements they couldn't do a better job.
Posted by: Matt McIrvin | June 03, 2016 at 04:01 PM
Freddie DeBoer is now complaining that it's hypocritical to condemn these people but lionize Harriet Tubman. Is there any way of being wrong that he hasn't yet explored?
Posted by: Matt McIrvin | June 04, 2016 at 11:25 AM
So, so concerned. It isn't civil! We're sharpening the axes for you rich assholes.
Posted by: CV6287 | June 05, 2016 at 12:26 AM
Wait, are you pro-Trump or pro-attacking people who are pro-Trump? Or both?
Posted by: Matt McIrvin | June 05, 2016 at 01:26 AM
A genuine cowardly troll! I really wonder about the motivation. I guess vague anonymous threats are a form of masturbatory pleasure?
Anyway, it's sort of a badge of honor to get one.
Posted by: Noel Maurer | June 05, 2016 at 06:03 PM