The Maelstrom of Violence

[Eric the Green]

(08-30-2017, 11:48 AM)Warren Dew Wrote:

(08-30-2017, 11:19 AM)Eric the Green Wrote: Antifa's tactics are not just violent though; they actually prefer non-violence from what I'm reading; it's just that sometimes they get violent, usually when provoked.

I think your reading is exceptionally charitable.  Yes, if they can shut down free speech representing views they oppose without resorting to violence, they will, but that's nearly as bad as doing it through violence - possibly worse, since the violence at least discredits them to some extent.

I don't think antifa can close down free speech without resorting to violence. They show up to express their speech too. If they use violence, then yes, that discredits them to some extent, although they can justify it. But it's not good tactics overall because of how the right-wing uses it to their advantage. And they are entitled to defend themselves if attacked.

They shut down Milo's speech at Cal Berkeley, by smashing windows and setting fires. Not good methods on their part. But Milo should never have been allowed to speak at Cal. A university has discretion in whom it invites to speak on campus. It should choose qualified speakers who do not stir up hate and violence. Hateful prejudice of the kind Milo represents has no place on a university campus. Nor does speech which incites violence, as Milo's does. The University is quite capable of inviting conservative speakers who are qualified.