I'm a lawyer who a) swore to uphold the Constitution, b) lauds rule of law, c) supports peaceful protest/civil disobedience, d) scorns violence, e) is a social democrat, f) supports reforming—not abolishing—the state. Anarchists are acting like I haven't said all this 1000 times.
There are many things one could say about this feed—and people have—but that I hide my values, principles and/or ideology is *not* one of them. If any anarchists believed before today I support anarchism as a philosophy, you couldn't possibly have read anything I've written here.
When I see folks in black pajamas with umbrellas and fireworks at 2AM LARPing—not practicing—mature, effective anti-government activism, I'm unimpressed.
No one who worked in public defense will laud anonymous, lawless, ineffective protest that only gets Donald Trump re-elected.
No one who worked in public defense will laud anonymous, lawless, ineffective protest that only gets Donald Trump re-elected.
Many of my heroes spent their careers fighting government misconduct in meaningful ways.
Incredibly, it took something more than buying black clothes at Target, purchasing some illegal fireworks, making a shield out of a trashcan lid, and stealing one of your parents' umbrellas.
Incredibly, it took something more than buying black clothes at Target, purchasing some illegal fireworks, making a shield out of a trashcan lid, and stealing one of your parents' umbrellas.
I admire people who believe earnestly in things—so I admire peaceful anarchists who've studied and sincerely committed themselves to anarchy as a philosophy. That I disagree profoundly with them doesn't diminish that respect.
The 2AM fireworks crowd? They do not have my respect.
The 2AM fireworks crowd? They do not have my respect.
In 2016, everyone saw Trump was a unique threat. Some folks lied and said he wasn't, crying, "A pox on both your houses!" Now here we are. In 2020, folks who *still* don't see Trump as a *unique* threat are going to help him get reelected via 2AM bullsh*t and I'm not here for it.
Anyone who needs to head out now because you're less able to hear me express my views than I am to let you express yours—I've had anarchists on my back all day and haven't tried to shut them down at all—do what you need to do. I don't amend my principles to get or keep followers.
PS/ What I've said here applies equally to revolutionary anarcho-capitalists and anarcho-communists. Evolutionary anarcho-capitalists and anarcho-communists who believe in peaceful protest have (as I said) my full respect for their earnest beliefs, but not my agreement with them.
