I don't like Nazis much, nor do I like the KKK or any other bigoted and
racist groups. I don't like Communists or Socialists much either (actually
the original Nazis were Socialists).
To be truthful, I really hate these kind of groups because they are
responsible for so much suffering to so many millions of people over the
last few decades.
But, what sets a free country apart from a government run by these types
of despots is the freedom of all of our citizens to speak and demonstrate
peacefully, regardless of how offensive our speech may be. Whatever
happened to "I may disagree with what you have to say, but I'll defend
with my life your right to say it"?
To the best of my knowledge, the white supremacists had a permit to
march and speak in Charlottesville. I believe they were marching, but
were not rioting, looting, or burning stores. I think they were probably
within their rights, before the fighting started.
I don't know if the counter demonstrators had a permit to be there, but,
even if they didn't, in a case where there are pro and con demonstrators,
the police usually keep them apart to avoid confrontations. I don't know
why that didn't happen in Charlottesville.
I do know the counter demonstrators came loaded for bear, with baseball
bats and other weapons...not exactly the normal debate preparations.
What normally would have been a small demonstration by a bunch of
losers, ignored by the national media and discounted by the public at
large, was turned from a nothing burger into a major confrontation.
The whole situation seems to be a setup to create a flashpoint incident
for a television ratings windfall and a political shit storm. I don't know if
the white supremacists were willing participants in the charade, or if they
were just too dumb to realize they were being played.
But what really bothers me is the political aftermath following this
ridiculous and brutal incident. Politicians far and wide placed the blame
on the original marchers for claiming their rights to free speech and
peacefully marching.
Republicans and Democrats were all "against racism". Business
leaders wanted out of the White House. What a brave stand these political
icons and business titans took...we're ALL against racism...99.9% of America
is against racism. Most of the ones for racism were marching in the demonstration.
Our leaders missed the point. Almost none of them took a stand protecting the
right of freedom of speech in our country. The danger of KKK racists taking over
the country is zilch. The danger of political zealots shutting down free speech
is getting greater and greater.
When opposition political zealots (or paid thugs) can shut down a political
opponent, even an unpopular one, we all lose a little freedom. When political
operators can gain political advantage by rioting in the streets (and not be arrested
and jailed), we all lose political freedom. Our freedoms are fragile. Our rights are
not guaranteed, if our leaders don't secure them.
Until I listened to and saw the reaction of so many of our political and
business leaders to Charlottesville, I never realized how many of them
just don't get it...and I never before felt so worried that our leaders could
be so blind, so crass, so weak, and so wrong.
President Trump, even if no other politician sees it, you, and the American
Civil Liberties Union, were almost the only adults in the room on this. Stand
tall, apply the same standards to both sides, and all freedom-loving
Americans will have your back. History will treat you well.
