This is a terrible position to put LEO in - get all of these wannabe heroes all riled up and then encourage them to carry. This is a catastrophe waiting to happen.
What we have seen over the last two weeks isn't just an escalation of chaos and low level violence but a progressive normalization of unacceptable behavior - more racist verbal attacks, more violence. This is in turn clearly attracting more people who want trouble - on both sides. If you're an angry racist who wants to act out on his anger, can you imagine any better place to go than a Trump rally? If you hate Trump, his supporters and all he stands for and want to get physical about it, where best to go?
Again, this is not meant to equate the two sides. As I mentioned yesterday, Trump has repeatedly claimed that instances of crowd violence at his rallies occurred when protestors - "bad dudes" - attacked his supporters and his supporters fought back. Until the events last night in Chicago, there is no evidence that anything like this ever happened. Not once. It is all lies. It's still not clear exactly what happened last night in Chicago. I have seen numerous reports from the event that show that the great majority of protestors were peaceful, in many cases there as families, from various political and community organizations. But clearly there were scuffles and disorderly behavior inside that both sides participated in - who started what, I have no idea. It was a qualitative advance, or descent, from what had come before it.
But let's go back to the incident with Dimassimo, who appears to be a left wing activist affiliated with Black Lives Matter and similar groups. This is not only totally unacceptable behavior, it is also totally unhinged behavior. When you try to rush the stage when a presidential candidate with Secret Service protection is speaking, you are literally taking your life in your hands. This is the kind of crazy thinking, which even if Dimassimo didn't intend to hurt Trump, leads to very bad outcomes. And this is from the anti-Trump side!
The climate Trump is creating at his events is one that not only disinhibits people who normally act within acceptable societal norms. He is drawing in, like moths to a flame, those who most want to act out on their animosities, drives and beliefs. It is the kind of climate where someone will eventually get killed.
Chilling, surreal video. Trump supporters streaming out of rally. One yells either at a protestor or member of the press (not clear whether this is considered a distinction any more): "Go to Auschwitz. Go to fucking Auschwitz." Video after the jump
Chilling, surreal video. Trump supporters streaming out of rally. One yells either at a protestor or member of the press (not clear whether this is considered a distinction any more): "Go to Auschwitz. Go to fucking Auschwitz." Video after the jump
The comparisons to nazis are obvious from the outside. But I didn't realize trump supporters were actually excited about that? This is something they are excited about, sending those they hate to auschwitz? What is wrong with people?
I live in an open carry state. So what this tells me is that my toddler will be staying home when I go to vote. What the fuck?
I really hope most people leave their children at home this year if this is how things are going to be, and I could never have imagined myself saying that . Usually, I love to see children at the polls, getting excited about the process.
Chilling, surreal video. Trump supporters streaming out of rally. One yells either at a protestor or member of the press (not clear whether this is considered a distinction any more): "Go to Auschwitz. Go to fucking Auschwitz." Video after the jump
The comparisons to nazis are obvious from the outside. But I didn't realize trump supporters were actually excited about that? This is something they are excited about, sending those they hate to auschwitz? What is wrong with people?
I think they're delusional enough to be excited about the comparison to Nazis. They see Nazis as the best/ white power/ winning, & they've clung to that image.
From the video, the speaker of Auschwitz order didn't appear to be highly intelligent, super successful, or very worldly. That is why these people cling to the racism so tightly. They're winning at life by doing nothing of their own accord. He's a white middle-aged man= Winning!
Chilling, surreal video. Trump supporters streaming out of rally. One yells either at a protestor or member of the press (not clear whether this is considered a distinction any more): "Go to Auschwitz. Go to fucking Auschwitz." Video after the jump
It's when I see this kind of stuff that I wonder how long before the civil war without even feeling like I'm being hyperbolic.
My H would roll his eyes at me if I said this. I don't think it's hyperbolic though. I am seriously freaked out by how unhinged these people are. As a country, on many issues, we seem to be moving backward.
Chilling, surreal video. Trump supporters streaming out of rally. One yells either at a protestor or member of the press (not clear whether this is considered a distinction any more): "Go to Auschwitz. Go to fucking Auschwitz." Video after the jump
Ok, I try not to post memes because they are inflammatory and negative. But this shall be my exception because it speaks resounding truth.
I wonder if it's ohio, because there is no firearms allowed in voting locations here.
In fact, poll workers are taught that If someone tries to use their ccw permit as voter ID to politely reiterate that no weapons are allowed in the precinct and suggest if they have it on them to go secure it in their vehicle then return.
Man, I hope I don't have to deal with any of that this Tuesday.
I wonder if it's ohio, because there is no firearms allowed in voting locations here.
In fact, poll workers are taught that If someone tries to use their ccw permit as voter ID to politely reiterate that no weapons are allowed in the precinct and suggest if they have it on them to go secure it in their vehicle then return.
Man, I hope I don't have to deal with any of that this Tuesday.
Looks like that particular guy lives in Chicago, and a scary pro-gun forum I found in my google search tells me that IL polling locations don't allow weapons.
What we have seen over the last two weeks isn't just an escalation of chaos and low level violence but a progressive normalization of unacceptable behavior - more racist verbal attacks, more violence. This is in turn clearly attracting more people who want trouble - on both sides. If you're an angry racist who wants to act out on his anger, can you imagine any better place to go than a Trump rally? If you hate Trump, his supporters and all he stands for and want to get physical about it, where best to go?
Again, this is not meant to equate the two sides. As I mentioned yesterday, Trump has repeatedly claimed that instances of crowd violence at his rallies occurred when protestors - "bad dudes" - attacked his supporters and his supporters fought back. Until the events last night in Chicago, there is no evidence that anything like this ever happened. Not once. It is all lies. It's still not clear exactly what happened last night in Chicago. I have seen numerous reports from the event that show that the great majority of protestors were peaceful, in many cases there as families, from various political and community organizations. But clearly there were scuffles and disorderly behavior inside that both sides participated in - who started what, I have no idea. It was a qualitative advance, or descent, from what had come before it.
But let's go back to the incident with Dimassimo, who appears to be a left wing activist affiliated with Black Lives Matter and similar groups. This is not only totally unacceptable behavior, it is also totally unhinged behavior. When you try to rush the stage when a presidential candidate with Secret Service protection is speaking, you are literally taking your life in your hands. This is the kind of crazy thinking, which even if Dimassimo didn't intend to hurt Trump, leads to very bad outcomes. And this is from the anti-Trump side!
The climate Trump is creating at his events is one that not only disinhibits people who normally act within acceptable societal norms. He is drawing in, like moths to a flame, those who most want to act out on their animosities, drives and beliefs. It is the kind of climate where someone will eventually get killed.
That was a good article, thanks.
What I am wondering is, at what point does Trump get arrested or charged for inciting violence? Where is the line there and how has he not crossed it when those without the microphone are doing so much less (and have less influence over the crowd) and getting arrested?