"No Kings Day" recently set a record, or so it was claimed, of 2,600+ protests across the country. The protests were mostly peaceful demonstrations organized not only in the US but around the world. Their stated purpose was to express opposition to what the participants see as rising authoritarianism in the Trump administration. There is the perception, and I emphasize the word 'perception', that the constitutional democratic form of government of the United States is under threat of, I'm not exactly sure what the protesters are afraid of, but I presume, ceasing to exist. That we are entering into a fascist dictatorship ruled by Donald Trump.
Peaceful protests and demonstrations are a civil right in the US, a right afforded to every US citizen. They are a hallmark of a free, civil society. Are we really on the brink of authoritarian rule? Fascism? Naziism? Dictatorship? In the United States every citizen is entitled to their own opinion, as well as the right to openly speak their opinion. However, while it may not be a requirement of law, every citizen also bears the moral responsibility of adhering to the principles of right and wrong. Every American has the right to call Donald Trump whatever moniker they choose. Nazi, fascist, Hitler, that's a civil right. Untold numbers of American soldiers gave their lives so that we may preserve that right.
When the activist fervor carries into violence, then there are no rights. At that point, it becomes a crime and the rule of law comes into play. Attacking federal officers, ramming personal vehicles into Immigration and Customs vehicles, endangering the lives of federal officers conducting federal sanctioned operations is not only illegal, it's morally inept. Far too many activists are under the misconception that ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, are conducting raids on innocent Americans. The vast majority of these raids have been targeted against illegal aliens with criminal records. And these criminal records are not pedestrian offenses. Rape, murder, drug offenses, human trafficking, assault, property crimes, et cetera. Unfortunately, the victims of these crimes are inevitably American citizens. It's worth noting that far too many of these victims are deceased as a result of the crimes inflicted upon them. And the claims of ripping innocent, hard-working victims from their homes and families is patently baseless. Illegal entry, re-entry or remaining without authorization is a crime. It's in the statutes and has been for generations. The fact that Biden and Obama chose to ignore immigration laws does not revoke them. The fact that the Trump administration is enforcing them does not make them inhumane.
If leftist activists are frightened that we are devolving into authoritarian rule, I suggest enlightening oneself with some knowledge of history. Was czarist Russia a constitutional democracy before Stalin and Lenin took control? Was Germany a constitutional democracy before Hitler assumed power? Does anyone of sound mind and some knowledge of world history believe that 535 elected members of Congress who hold the power of impeachment believe that a president could choose to, and succeed in eliminating the legislative branch? About the same odds as a meteorite hitting planet earth and destroying all forms of life. It's a possibility, but highly unlikely...
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