# This has to stop: extreme actions at political gathering **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 24, 2019, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927 "2019-11-24T19:15:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/81 "2019-11-25T15:57:21Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Freedom to hit trucks and impede lawful progress is not freedom from being consequenced. Let’s hope that the masked fool learned a valuable lesson. That there is a difference between a dented vehicle and a dented human being? No, wait-that’s a valuable lesson people like _you_ need to learn. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/82 "2019-11-25T16:03:13Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Freedom to hit trucks and impede lawful progress is not freedom from being consequenced. Let’s hope that the masked fool learned a valuable lesson. Was Heather Heyer wearing a mask? ---
**Author:** ![Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mundane_super_hero/32/6304_2.png) [@Mundane\_Super\_Hero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mundane_Super_Hero)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/83 "2019-11-25T16:06:40Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > That there is a difference between a dented vehicle and a dented human being? > No, wait-that’s a valuable lesson people like _you_ need to learn. Dammit, this board has no up-vote button…! \< checks again \> ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/84 "2019-11-25T16:11:49Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Was Heather Heyer wearing a mask? Mob violence can result in serious injuries or death. I don’t advocate for political violence. Unlike many of you. I believe in the rule of law and democratic engagement following orderly and established procedures not mob rule. Unlike many of you. ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/85 "2019-11-25T16:15:52Z")
> [@pool](#): > > The definition of terrorism includes “intimidation especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims” so explain how it’s not terrorism. If you’re going to play the “literal/dictionary” game, do it better; point out where RTFirefly explicitly said blocking traffic was not terrorism. Instead, he suggested that flying planes into buildings was not the only method for terrorism, granting your suggestion that blocking traffic also qualified. > [@](#): > > Do I think it’s ok to run people over? No but I have to admit it’s funny to watch when they get a “helpful” nudge from the vehicle. Both should face charges, but I don’t have any sympathy for the guy who got his ass beat, I have some for the driver. Out of curiosity, would you feel exactly the same way if the pedestrian was wearing a MAGA hat and the driver was black? As hypothetical alternatives go, it’s less of a stretch than some of the scenarios postulated in this thread. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/86 "2019-11-25T16:18:57Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Mob violence can result in serious injuries or death. I don’t advocate for political violence. Unlike many of you. I believe in the rule of law and democratic engagement following orderly and established procedures not mob rule. Unlike many of you. Was Heather Heyer engaged in political violence, then ? ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/87 "2019-11-25T16:19:34Z")
“Agent Philbert Desanex? We are sending you to infiltrate Antifas.” “OK. Where do I go, who do I contact” “We have no idea. Here’s a mask, good luck.” ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/88 "2019-11-25T16:22:13Z")
This is just the break that the Hunter Biden Impeachment Inquiry has been waiting for!! ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/89 "2019-11-25T16:25:56Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > **Mob violence can result in serious injuries or death.** I don’t advocate for political violence. Unlike many of you. I believe in the rule of law and democratic engagement following orderly and established procedures not mob rule. Unlike many of you. Cite that Heather Heyer was engaged in mob violence. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/90 "2019-11-25T16:31:24Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > Was Heather Heyer engaged in political violence, then ? Rewatching the video, at the moment there didn’t appear to be any political violence. It’s folks walking down the street. I seem to recall scattered violence initiated by members of each group that preceded this event. That’s why I don’t recommend or support any mob violence. Once it’s legitimized as a valid tactic in any sphere the most psychopathic wins. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/91 "2019-11-25T16:32:23Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Mob violence can result in serious injuries or death. I don’t advocate for political violence. Unlike many of you. I believe in the rule of law and democratic engagement following orderly and established procedures not mob rule. Unlike many of you. Says the hypocrite who thinks people should take the law into their own hands and “bump” human beings with multi-thousand lb. vehicles. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/92 "2019-11-25T16:33:00Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Cite that Heather Heyer was engaged in mob violence. Pssst… you can ask once per thread. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/93 "2019-11-25T16:34:13Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Rewatching the video, at the moment there didn’t appear to be any political violence. It’s folks walking down the street. I seem to recall scattered violence initiated by members of each group that preceded this event. That’s why I don’t recommend or support any mob violence. Once it’s legitimized as a valid tactic in any sphere the most psychopathic wins. … yeah yeah so who was engaged in political violence then ? C’mon, it’s on the tip of your tongue I’m sure. It’s OK. We won’t judge. This is a safe space where you can disavow murderous fascists. Or _can’t_ you ? ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/94 "2019-11-25T16:35:41Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Says the hypocrite who thinks people should take the law into their own hands and “bump” human beings with multi-thousand lb. vehicles. It’s not hypocrisy you illiterate, low IQ fool. See, even if the events share some similarities one is a grape and one is kumquat. Thus, they are different and no relationship between the discrepancies can be established. Not that there is a discrepancy. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tooth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c67d28/32.png) [@The\_Tooth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tooth)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/95 "2019-11-25T16:36:15Z")
> [@RTFirefly](#): > > Sure. And it’s a reality-based worldview that there will be people on the Internet who are assholish enough to cheer on the people who are handing out the beatings, rather than saying, “yeah, Guy 1 was acting like an ass, but that nowhere near justifies Guy 2 ramming his car into Guy 1.” > > That this is reality doesn’t mean they’re right or good. We can still make moral judgments while acknowledging reality as it is. In fact, the people at RedState cheering Guy 2 on (which, given the presentation of the video on their site, includes the people running the site) are horrible, amoral people. Don’t you be one of them. Oh, it’s far too late for that. Ditka supports torturing prisoners and murdering their families. He supports blanket discrimination against people based on their religion. He supports putting children in concentration camps. He supports forcing women to bear children against their will in order to appease his imaginary god and get sent to an imaginary paradise. He probably likes country music and eats his pizza with a knife and fork too. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/96 "2019-11-25T16:38:15Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > … yeah yeah so who was engaged in political violence then ? C’mon, it’s on the tip of your tongue I’m sure. It’s OK. We won’t judge. This is a safe space where you can disavow murderous fascists. > Or _can’t_ you ? I’m not sure what you don’t understand about disliking any political violence. I don’t care if it’s initiated by fascists or Antifa or anyone in between. It’s all bad. And I don’t believe speech to be a license for assault. Regardless, dude hopefully learned his lesson and will keep his hands and implements off of other people’s property. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/97 "2019-11-25T16:39:00Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Pssst… you can ask once per thread. You haven’t said whether you think her death was deserved. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/98 "2019-11-25T16:50:08Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > I’m not sure what you don’t understand about disliking any political violence. I don’t care if it’s initiated by fascists or Antifa or anyone in between. I And yet you’re still dodging a direct answer to a question the answer to which is pretty fucking obvious to everyone else. I’ll ask it again : in the case of Heather Heyer’s murder, who was engaged in political violence ? ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/99 "2019-11-25T16:50:37Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > You haven’t said whether you think her death was deserved. I don’t think it was. But she was at a place where mob violence due to politics was or did happen and when mob violence occurs it’s like letting a genie out of the bottle. That’s why I don’t go to political rallies. Running into you pit loons in real life with your bike locks, your sticks, your Dodge Challengers. Not my idea of a good time. Now of course the _usual subjects_ will whine that this is victim blaming and then start completely misrepresenting what I said while concurrently opening up 3-4 ATMB threads which will result in the dart throwing monkey being employed once or twice again. Just a prediction. Anyways, I’ll be honest I’m really surprised that the violence hasn’t escalated more. I’d have thought we’d have had IEDs and stuff at these political rallies. I’m surprised by the restraint the various shadowy factions are showing and frankly it’s puzzling. My guess is they are all aware of the need to maintain some level of support or tolerance from the public as a whole. Since this is the kinder gentler pit, have a happy thanksgiving.🦃 ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2019, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927/100 "2019-11-25T16:51:59Z")
> [@pool](#): > > the greater topic of large organized political demonstrations that block traffic and intimidate drivers, which I find to be a form of terrorism Ah, “and intimidate drivers.” Uprooted them goalposts, I see. Once again: blocking traffic isn’t terrorism, because **nobody’s terrorized**. Annoyed or irritated, maybe even upset. But **not** terrorized. That’s why it’s not terrorism. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/this-has-to-stop-extreme-actions-at-political-gathering/843927.md?page=6)