I am broadly optimistic about the impact of the President's (accidental?) platforming of the Proud Boys. Part of why the group has been allowed to get away with so much violence is that they've been all-but ignored by the media and law enforcement.
"Antifa" has been the bogeyman for even moderate liberals in media through most of Trump's term. Every bottle and punch thrown generated headlines and thinkpieces. The Proud Boys barely got mentioned unless they committed a truly heinous mass assault (New York)
I am quite critical of "sunlight is the best disinfectant" as a blanket statement.
But in this case? I think sunlight might destroy the Proud Boys. Even MINOR action by law enforcement is deeply disruptive, because almost none of these guys believe enough to do time.
But in this case? I think sunlight might destroy the Proud Boys. Even MINOR action by law enforcement is deeply disruptive, because almost none of these guys believe enough to do time.
This is not to say that I think the danger is over. Only time will tell. But I'd be surprised if a lot of these guys weren't pissing in their boots over Swinney's charges.
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