Thread by @Cajsa

I think this poll that a third of Americans think violence against the government can be justified might be overhyped. I mean, it is part of our American ideology that our government exists with the "consent of the governed." Our Declaration of Independence says when the gov't

impinges on our rights, becomes oppressive, we can replace it. This is part of American cultural history. I would be more concerned if it was a more specific question, but the general question is one that conforms to our founding principles.

And yes, if our government becomes a fascist authoritarian government with a cult leader who exploits racism and imprisons, even kills people based on their race, ethnicity, or country of origin, then we should resist that government.

If our elections become frauds like Russian elections, only allowing certain people to run, blocking large swathes of people from voting, well, then it's our job to resist them and replace them with a democracy, not a cult.

I think if they asked if violence was justified now, the numbers would be much smaller, though still alarmingly high among Republicans. But theoretically, our American history tells us we are obligated to take up arms against a dictatorship.

I mean, Germany was a democracy, Hitler was elected. And the Germans who went along to get along are condemned.