“We don’t all have to like one another, or even the current President. What we all need to do is refrain from committing criminal acts, especially when American citizens are exercising their constitutional right to free speech…”
In case anyone is unaware, Berkeley, California is a famously liberal community. It is the site of protests that turned violent back in February, when commentator and former Breitbart employee Milo Yiannopoulos was scheduled to speak at the college. That speaking engagement had to be canceled because of the violent rioting that took place.
Over the weekend, supporters of President Donald Trump participated in “March 4 Trump” rallies to show their support. Although certainly in the minority, Trump supporters in Berkeley came out and gathered to show their favor for the President. Naturally, this did not go over well. Counter-demonstrators showed up and the groups violently clashed. Those protesting the rallies began engaging in altercations with supporters of President Trump. There were elderly supporters in attendance holding signs that read, “Grandmothers for Trump.” They expressed to media that they weren’t looking for a fight. They just wanted to show support for President Trump in a positive way.
Ten arrests were made, including four for assault with a deadly weapon. Some even carried bricks towards the scene. That is absolutely appalling. Luckily, they were detained and the bricks confiscated. While we are a diverse nation with differing beliefs, the fact that violence is involved when some disagree makes entire groups look bad. It’s hard to believe that things happened here in the United States and not a distant, developing country.
One particularly troubling story that has circulated from the Berkeley rally is that of an elderly man who was pepper-sprayed. I am from a culture that places a high value on the elderly. We are taught to respect the elderly no matter what. I believe that value should extend to the entire country. This gentleman acted within his constitutional rights and went out to have his voice heard. It takes an incredibly cowardly individual to assault an elderly man. It doesn’t even matter what the man said. Society should be above these kind of attacks. Violence is never the answer, and especially not where elderly individuals are concerned. These people have lived long lives and bring wisdom and history to those who will listen. We should all give a certain degree of respect to every one of our elders.
Sadly, this violence has become the norm in America where politics are concerned. It seems like Trump supporters are no longer safe to express their support. This is sad. Many people have grown afraid to express their political beliefs to their family or friends. Whether it causes accusations of racism, sexism, or homophobia, it’s become almost taboo to support President Trump and his administration.
We don’t all have to agree on politics. We don’t all have to like one another or even the current President. What we all need to do is refrain from committing criminal acts, especially when American citizens are exercising their constitutional right to free speech.
Angelina Newsom is an OpsLens Contributor and U.S. Army Veteran. She has ten years experience in the military, including a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She studies Criminal Justice and is still active within the military community.
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