As we wrestle with the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict, remember that all wars are borne from miscalculation.
America's far-right believes that it has no path forward with politics; that the bullet will supplant the ballot, soon.
They believe if it comes to a gunfight, they'll win.
America's far-right believes that it has no path forward with politics; that the bullet will supplant the ballot, soon.
They believe if it comes to a gunfight, they'll win.
They're wrong. They're wildly outnumbered and deeply unpopular. Open armed conflict will result in a unified effort to crush them.
But the Rittenhouse verdict will bolster militants. They can now argue their chances on guns to people looking for an excuse to kill.
But the Rittenhouse verdict will bolster militants. They can now argue their chances on guns to people looking for an excuse to kill.
On its own, I think we could write this verdict off as a product of specific conditions. But consider how it interfaces with the "Stop the Steal" rhetoric of the right.
The argument will shift. We will now hear how the polls can't be trusted, but you've got a chance in court if you just shoot political demonstrators.
Because, surely, those demonstrators can be cowed by strong, white, armed conservatives ... right?
Because, surely, those demonstrators can be cowed by strong, white, armed conservatives ... right?
Miscalculation.
The far right may begin to believe it has a political future in violence now. The threat is in their testing that belief, because it's a bloody examination all around.
The far right may begin to believe it has a political future in violence now. The threat is in their testing that belief, because it's a bloody examination all around.
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