The left believes breaking the law is a constitutional right
In a previous commentary, I noted that most of the unconstitutional, illegal and violent protest in America has been produced by the political left – with the 2021 Capitol Hill riot as a notable exception.
My life spans the major outbreaks of civil protest. It was iconic in the 1960s, it reemerged of significant civil protest with the Tea Party Movement at the beginning of the 21st Century – and is again in full bloom today.
There were differences, for sure. The 1960s was the convergence of four social movements – anti-Vietnam War, civil rights, gay rights and the feminist movement. The latter two tended to be less violent, but still significant illegal actions.
The most notable in terms of violence were the anti-war and the civil rights movements. The war movement was fueled by the reality of thousands of American young men dying in Southeast Asia – and millions more fearing or dodging the draft.
The civil rights movement was the rising tide of opposition to black oppression in which millions of Black Americans were not only being denied their constitutional rights but were being summarily murdered by the Democrat racist regimes in the old Confederacy. Disobeying laws that themselves were Illegal and unconstitutional was more understandable and acceptable to most Americans.
The 1960s were appropriately dubbed as America’s “days of rage” – largely due to the left-wing anti-war movement. It was more than protest and free speech. The riots were characterized by violence – often deadly. It was an era marked by bombings and assassinations. It was the worst civil unrest since the Civil War – and not surpassed since.
The 21st Century demonstrations arose from the conservative side of the political continuum and were dubbed the Tea Party Movement. It was largely in opposition to the expansion of federal power, spending and taxing. In many ways, it showed the stark contrast in conservative protesting and left-wing protesting.
In the era of the Tea Party, there was no notable violence. There was no vandalism. No clashes with police. No arrests. Demonstrators did not illegally block roads or interfere with the mobility of the public. At the time, the press noted that the demonstrators cleaned up the sites afterward.
Since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1964, there have been perennial pro-life protests mostly by conservative women. Again, these right-wing demonstrations were carried legally and peacefully, out without violence, injury, vandalism or arrests.
The Tea Party and pro-life protests provide a stark contrast between right- and left-wing protests in terms of respecting law and the Constitution while exercising the right to assemble, speak and petition government.
Today, we see another left-wing uprising. While they say that are only exercising their constitutional rights, that is an obvious, absurd and audacious lie. A large number of the student protestors at Columbia, UNYC, Fordham, UCLA and other campuses are NOT exercising their constitutional rights. They are committing numerous crimes – some felonies – in VIOLATION of the Constitution. In fact, they are denying the constitutional rights of other Americans.
Left-wing public officials and their media cronies play down the rioting. Even in the face of obvious violence – vandalism, trespassing, blocking access, physical antisemitism (attacking Jewish students, spitting on them, barring them from classes and even calling for their deaths) leftwing Democrats and media remain silent or preposterously claim it is all “peaceful protest.”
As is typical, the left blames the more violent confrontations on the police. They should not have been called in to restore order. They should not be allowed to arrest the student lawbreakers. They are too rough on protestors. They should not be allowed to do what they are paid to do – enforce the law and protect the rights of the greater populace.
Those on the left assume that unless there are brutal physical confrontations – and some bloodshed – the protest is “peaceful.” As long as buildings are not be torched, it is peaceful.
That does not mean that the protests are “legal.” Virtually every person you have seen “protesting” on college campuses in recent days is a lawbreaker. But those on the left believe that breaking the law is okay as long as they agree with the cause. We see that philosophy played out in the difference between prosecutors’ treatment of left-wing rioters and everyone else.
In America, we have developed an unfortunate social tolerance and acceptance of left-wing thuggery and criminality. And that is the trademark of authoritarianism in which the law is used — or abused – based on the political interests of the party in power. We saw that in the authoritarian regimes in the old “solid Democrat southland.” We see it in the major American urban centers. We see it in such countries as Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and others.
When it comes to social protest, those on the left do not believe in a rule-of-law. They hope to achieve their objectives with violence and intimidation. In many cases, they even openly claim that breaking the law is justified.
If we were to adhere to a rule-of-law and constitutional rights, illegal protestors would be arrested, charged and tried. But where the left holds the power of law enforcement, we have the opposite. The lawbreakers are praised for their civic zeal – excused in the name of youthful exuberance — and face virtually no accountability for their crimes (yes, crimes) against the people.
That is not to suggest that we go to the opposite by applying excessive punishment far beyond the nature of the crime. Our criminal justice system naturally biases in favor of the defendant – as it should. But that does not mean the elimination of all accountability – especially when the crime happens to have political ramifications.
Of course, any person who was peacefully protesting should face no legal consequences. Those who broke laws, however, should be punished according to the level of the crime – and not just by the courts. Those illegally remaining on private property should be charged accordingly. Those refusing police orders to leave the premises should be charged with trespassing and resisting arrest. Those who attack police should be charged with assault and battery.
All those who broke into Hamilton Hall should be charged appropriately – breaking and entering, vandalism, etc. If they are students, they should be expelled. If they are faculty, they should be fired. If they are foreign students or non-citizens, they should be deported.
While the underlying antisemitism and pro-terrorist nature of the protest is repugnant and offensive, it should have no bearing on the equal application of the laws. The disturbing antisemitism that has surfaced is a different issue – and will be addressed in a subsequent commentary.
So, there ‘tis.
Which of those 60’s protests did you attend?
Frank Stetson …. Many for various reasons. The riots after MLK assassination. The 1968 Dem National Convention riot. A number of school protests. Was in DC at the the two major anti-war protests — and in the crowd, not just in town.. Did get some tear gas … and a little shoving on occasion. Got the pics to prove it. But I did not take any shots from police, like you. And I am sure you have no pics to prove it. LOL
Got to love those passive-aggressive Horstian jabs taking “shots” again. Horist, you have a few years on me. While we lived 15 miles out of town, Mom and Dad would not let me go to the DC protests. My sibling went and we hosted close to a dozen participants for one of the big ones. Still remember Dad yelling “Mary, Mary, there’s boys and girls sleeping together down here,” only to hear back: “we’re all dudes man, the girls are upstairs…..” No metro, it was a trip to get there.
So felt I was there, but I was not. Nor Woodstock, my sibling went, I have a blanket that was there, but I was just under age to do it. Woodstock II I could have made, Watkins Glenn is familiar ground to me; I have even driving a really short distance on the grand pre track there, but…….. I went to WV to do bluegrass and look for Jerry Garcia. Good show, no Jerry. Stumptown WV — anyone else go to that festival?
Re: the shots, I think you need to extract your head from your ass. I have explained that fully, it’s innocent, makes sense, and if you cant understand, you’re just being rude, again. Not sure your intent except that you think it hurts me and that makes you glad. Whatever.
Funny you got pictures. I never thought to bring a camera to a protest. What, were you taking pictures of the indigenous species you encountered in the wild real world? Weird old man stuff even then, eh? Was it a brownie? Let’s see your shoving, tear gas pics. Can’ wait for that one. Was it you that told the 1.6 idiots to post their antics? Pictures at a protest. Fucking rocket scientists.
But as often as I have reminisced, since you keep missing it: I came of age in the mid 70’s, think Dazed and Confused. Or Bowie’s “all the young dudes” where he says “we never really got it off on that revolution stuff. Such a drag, so many snags.” Although I’m a little darker, so try The Bewlay Brothers. That’s spot on. I readily admit we lived by the mantra: “it’s Springtime and the halters are in full bloom. Time to protest, what are we against this year……” Sorry, but just a kid having a good time. Party on Wayne. Even the memorable “shots” incident was not a planned protest that I can recall. At that time, people just gathered round the white house and we got people on Pennsylvania honk horns if they were for impeaching Nixon, against Nixon, or something like that. Pretty ad hoc but my friend working inside the white house said the horns could be heard. Not really sure of that, could you hear them? Probably late Spring 74. At another one on the mall, I was behind the stage, trying to get on,, kinda ripped, when suddenly I saw a hat coming through the crowd. It was Bella and as she passed by, I muttered “hat, hat, hat…..” as hands grabbed me and put me to the side. Not even sure what that protest was. Most of the others were at the college level. Pretty low key, by that time you could burn your draft card and everyone would yawn.
And no: I did not carry a camera when I protested. I was there to protest, not sure why you would take pictures, not sure what you wanted to document. But your are a serious fellow.
Hillary and her emails? Hmmmm!!!dudes sleeping together? I rest my case
Dudes sleeping together is not illegal. You keep talking gay. What’s up with that.
Been done since dawn of man. Many cultures don’t even call it out. But you love talking gay all the time. Interesting.
Too fkng Wordy snd saying the same thing every time!
Boring.
Frank Stetson … Oh… I forgot. When I was leading the fight to sage the historic Chicago Theater, I organized a protest. It was relatively modest and peaceful, but it was a protest. Later, I was involved in a few Tea Party demonstrations. Very peaceful … actually boring by left-wing protest standards..
Frank if you woke up hungover with a condom hanging from your butthole would you tell anyone?
Archie, did you after your experience? Your father already knew though.
Oh yeah Archie. Unlike you, I don’t get hangovers. I don’t drink.
University of WI. Fall 1968
Larry, If you find yourself called to serve on a jury of 12 where the accused is someone you label a leftist. Out of honesty you would inform the lawyers of your bias and admit you can not promise neutrality. The facts presented in the case may prove the person innocent, but you can’t see past the person’s leftist philosophy.
All people who identify as liberal are, in your humble conservative opinion, are not trustworthy, demonstrate illegally, know nothing about constitutionality, intentionally break the law and believe there will be no consequences.
Your suppositions do not hold up under the most basic inspection.
You color a large swath of the American population summarily in a negative light. In general parlance the use of “all”, “every”, “none”, “never” and the like other sweeping condemnations assuming a certain class of folks are cookie- cutter identical. Thinking people are massed into political segments and the individual person covered by your general opinion on liberalism would disagree with your judgement on which this commentary was built.
Your rough treatment in this case reminds me of the military action meant to clear enemy combatants called carpet bombings. Some innocents could be harmed or killed in the action. Those harmed or killed are factored into the action’s cost. These losses are labeled with an innocuous term that minimizes accountability and associated responsibilities.
Military actions as part of an active war assume carpet bombing, wholesale targeting with heavy artillery, and military methods which disregard noncombatants in the cause of silencing opposition with mad destruction.
Your lumping together your mortal political
enemies using your term The Left is so typical Horstian nonsense. It is your measuring American History without the true historian’s standard objective rule device. A fair representation of the facts is what history deserves and will not receive from you.
Unfortunately, your biased opinion has not cast the events happening during your lifetime in real, actual true fact, and a balanced context.
History as seen through one particularly narrow perspective is like driving on the Interstate Highway System with tunnel vision.
You know the Vietnam conflict had its Hawks and Doves. Those from either side saw the war through one of the two perspectives. When either one relates the war’s history it will not be an actual true telling.
Larry, the way you view the world your perspective limits seeing its sum value and real true vitality possible, especially related to our form of democracy
When you hold only the other side guilty of our social ills through years of unrest, you are in error. The entire contextual universe that is historical balance does not appear in your opinion. If you are in your writing who you have said you are, personally and professionally, then you in your commentary should follow through with integrity. Meaning. Your relating with others in a professional no confrontational attitude, agree to be in disagreement, and portray serious maturity due your profession.
As PBP and your contributions stand today, serious journalism appears unlikely. Unless your target readership is of the political right conservative mind and you aim low for your choir’s appreciation, then PBP is what it is, no big deal. You get out what you put in.
Thinking individuals from other perspectives who happen along and comment are not welcomed nor treated with democratic purpose.
Saying you bear no hatred for anyone smacks of hypocrisy while you ridicule and demean reader commenters and the subjects you write about.
Your view is not altogether informed or correct. How can it ever otherwise rise to serious journalism while your focus on the left dominates with negativity and disrespect.
Even AI generated articles provide better articulate informative messaging and that comes from a heartless, soulless machine. As it ages maybe as social change comes it will keep up and assimilate information with context.
Doubt you or your readers pick this up.
But, being predictable as well as negative in reply, when and if, no doubt this word salad is
Greek in your eyes.
suspect at the outset. Exceptions exist in such generalizations, stereotypes, broad strokes, and
I wouldn’t trust a Liberal if my life depended on it. I was one long enough to know how low they will go!!!
Well, Larry, Harry, Frank, Archie, whatever or whoever y’all are, I graduated from college in the 1969, was immediately drafted and shortly after Basic and AIT, less than a year after graduating, was stand at guard on a defensive line against college student Vietnam protesters. I didn’t see them as liberals, conservatives, enemies, or constitutional breakers. I saw them as angry citizens. Fact is I really didn’t know what I was going to do standing in line with my fellow college graduates, combat ready uniform on, heavy helmet, holding a heavy M-14 Rifle with bayonet fixed, no ammunition thank God, facing young college students and others, scared to death. Fortunately we didn’t have to do anything. Fact is, to this day, I still don’t know what I would have done, other than obey the orders of my commander according to the law of the Constitution, and probably go into a defensive mode to save my own life if I had to. Am I a liberal. I don’t really know what that means. My MAGA-conservative neighbors seem to think so because I am absolutely anti-Trump who breaks the law of God and the Constitution virtually every time he opens his mouth. I am an American Citizen and 99% of the time when I look at someone I have no idea whether they are a liberal or a conservative, nor do I care, and I don’t care whether they are white, black, brown, or anything in between. They are people.
jontbl ….You demonstrate what I think of as a typical American experience — tied to the times. You indicated that hou went from College to military to standing on guard during protests. No mention of Vietnam. Does that mean you were in the military reserves? I was in Washington working at the White House during the HUGE anti- war protests. We are talking hundreds of thousands of protestors — largely peaceful. Even the violence was mostly pushing and shoving. Most injuries were accidents as I could see from my occasionally hanging around the Red Cross main medial facility. Like you, I viewed those folks as good Americans. I enjoyed hanging around with them — even treating some to a dinner at a local restaurant. It was a different experience that I had in Chicago in 1968. You comments are testimony to my belief that Americans are great folks regardless of political preferences, race, religion or sexual preferences. That is why I often refer to my commentary that the American people are NOT racists — or hateful. There is a deference in the people from the political narrative of politicians. Contrary to Frank’s repeated and mendacious claims, I think most Democrats are great people. My writings refer to the left-wing policies and narratives of the leadership — not the people. I am critical of the left-wing narrative that demonizes Trump supporters. The young generally have idealistic and anti-establishment views. As I believe Churchill said, never trust a conservative under 30 or a liberal over 30 … LOL Age and wisdom provide perspective for most folks. My concern is that the American culture is shattering under divisive woke policies of political correctness, identity politics, censorship and the focus on juxtaposed demographic groups in permanent competition. I can relate to your experience — and it serves as an example of my own philosophy.
Jontbl: great post. Was scary on the other side too and I did not go to any really exciting ones being five years after you.
I am a second generation American on my mothers side, a few more on my father’s, and I rarely ask anyone about politics, never have. It seems an unfortunate sign of the times that it’s become important. Like you, but the flip side, Mom called me her little Republican; she may have wanted a civil rights attorney or politician but got a Fortune 100 business dude instead. Thank you for your service and glad it did not get exciting for you those days beyond the stress and fear.
I am a gypsy, moved every five years growing up. Job had me travelling 50% or more every month. Been in many a big business board room, also in their factories —- but never mentioned politics at all. Lately, as I plan my next move, the final chapter, I note that the color of the state, the local area, matters. For a guy who has often lived rural, and I mean pretty far out there, suburban, and I mean ginormous planned suburbia’s, from next door to West Virginia to Kavanaugh-country in DC to Buffalo to Newark, and suddenly the politics of where I live become relevant. I find that a sad condemnation of our national discourse in our current times that we judge each other by party.
Great post, thanks.