There exists a certain subset of left-wingers who seem determined to follow Donald Trump wherever he goes and help generate sympathy for him. They were out in full force last night in San Jose, physically attacking Trump supporters as they left a lawful and peaceful political rally.
We have editorialized on this topic at least twice before this latest round of unprovoked attacks on his supporters. What we said then about his left-wing detractors is as true now as it was then:
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If asked to enumerate what they dislike about [Trump], the list would doubtless include his inclination to threaten opponents, his disdain for rational debate, and his pandering to violence. But these are precisely the traits the lefties are themselves displaying.
By throwing rocks and setting fires, by trying to achieve by force what they should (or cannot?) achieve by argument, they show that when it comes right down to it they believe might makes right. Isn’t that essentially what they claim to abhor?
As we went on to argue, there’s absolutely no excuse for political violence — not even the mere destruction of property — in a nation where people enjoy full freedom of expression and can change the way they are governed by simply persuading enough of their fellow citizens. There’s no excuse for the Trump supporters who have attacked people, and there’s no excuse for his opponents either.
Your frustration that your opinions are unpopular right now is no justification for violence, especially the kind of violence against persons that we keep seeing. It’s childish, it’s stupid and it’s probably a felony.
Along with the many reasonable liberal commentators who have said the same, I certainly hope we see every person involved in this sort of thing identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Please make an example of them, because this sort of thing can quickly get out of hand, and at that point there will be no end to it.
