FROM THE EDITOR
The First Amendment guarantees people the right to “peaceably … assemble” in protest.
It does not permit blocking streets, keeping folks from going to work or classes or running errands, looting businesses, vandalizing property or burning cars.
The Israeli Defense Force’s strikes in Gaza recently provoked outrage in some U.S. quarters, with agitators at college campuses calling for universities and businesses to divest themselves of any ties to Israel.
However, in all fairness, the military action was sparked by the senseless deaths of 1,200 men, women and children, many of whom ironically were enjoying a concert to celebrate peace. The militants also took hundreds hostage.
These campus demonstrations led to criminal acts against property, the illegal obstruction of students going to classes and the cancelation of graduation ceremonies for thousands who also were denied high school commencements four years earlier due to draconian COVID-19 lockdowns.
Arrest reports indicate a majority of the agitators were not even registered students.
These out-of-control demonstrations are becoming part of a disturbing national pattern.
Not so long ago, other groups of protestors took to American streets, including in Austin, to raise an outcry against what they perceived as police brutality.
They absolutely had a constitutional right to air their grievances with the government. What they didn’t have a right to do was destroy property and disturb the general peace. One shudders to think what might happen after the U.S. general election in November, which includes voting on a president. Folks in east Williamson County won’t put up with any nonsense, but Austin is just around the corner and any zaniness there could potentially spill over.
Peaceful demonstrations advocating reforms are completely in keeping with the American character.
However, any rally that begins with nonviolent speeches and marches but devolves into mob violence is inexcusable. How does breaking into a business translate to fighting injustice?
It seems apparent organized groups bent on destruction rather than dialogue hijack many of these assemblies.
When violence escalates, the important messages — no matter how relevant —are lost and support dies on the vine.
Inconveniencing people, clashing with police, vandalizing buildings and stopping traffic — especially emergency vehicles — will not move the mainstream to side with the protestors, nor will it convince voters to effect change at the ballot box.
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