I wonder how many folks who choose to give in to their worse nature, to give over reason and even honest passion and simply institutionalize violence, realize that they make enemies of some of their friends in the process.

Most libertarian-to-conservative types are pretty suspicious of state power, and pretty ready to question or even challenge its abuses.  They only need recruiting and a hope for real change to be strong supporters of reforms.

Instead, the lawless and violent hijack these moments, and leave us to choose between the possibly abusive authorities and the obviously violent, lawless mob.

There used to be a bright, easy-to-spot boundary to legitimate, peaceful protest: namely, when it stopped being peaceful. No longer, apparently. Instead, the “wish to destroy” public and private property, commit assault in broad daylight, etc., is an act of self-expression best met with “safe spaces.” You can wreak havoc; just let us zone for it first.

(source: ‘Space’ to Riot: Baltimore’s Mayor Writes a License for Lawlessness)

This is, of course, not an accident in the end (though few who simply give in to criminal and animal passions can be expected to know it).  The constantly enforced dilemma between the violence of mobs and the totalitarianism of the regime is the essential strategic idea of the Left, throughout its history.

“The worse, the better.”

“The worse, the better.”

“The worse, the better.”

Never forget this.