White nationalist shot at protesters after Richard Spencer speech in Florida, police say

[sun rise]

Those terrorists need to be stopped. The current group in power in DC has no interest in doing so but hopefully starting next year the pendulum will swing to people who will hunt down and arrest terrorist militia members and other terrorists who commit such crimes.

White nationalist shot at protesters after Richard Spencer speech in Florida, police say

 

[Wirey]

Not excusing anything, but they were yelling "Hail Hitler" (read the article) and someone struck their vehicle window with a baton. I can scream all the foolish crap I want, but once someone crosses the line and attacks physically, retaliation should be expected. The aftermath in this case is unacceptable, but if you're going to interrupt someone else's right to free speech (even a dumb someone) with actual physical intervention, you should be prepared for rapid escalation.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

The aftermath in this case is unacceptable, but if you're going to interrupt someone else's right to free speech (even a dumb someone) with actual physical intervention, you should be prepared for rapid escalation.

Property damage just does not compare to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Definitely not one of those things you be "shooting to kill" over. Both were in the wrong, but there is just not way to "equalize" the two reactions.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

White nationalist shot at protesters after Richard Spencer speech in Florida, police say

“Now I’m not saying you have to be a white nationalist, but understanding that it’s OK and it doesn’t make you a racist.”

I wonder if they will ever just accept that yes, they are racist. There is no getting around it.

 

[Wirey]

Property damage just does not compare to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Definitely not one of those things you be "shooting to kill" over. Both were in the wrong, but there is just not way to "equalize" the two reactions.

In a country where "stand your ground" is an acceptable defense, and 59 people getting their heads blown off shouldn't lead to gun control, property damage is absolutely comparable. Americans see guns as a problem solving tool, so if you decide to escalate a problem, you'd better be ready.

 

[The Emperor of Mankind]

Not excusing anything, but they were yelling "Hail Hitler" (read the article) and someone struck their vehicle window with a baton. I can scream all the foolish crap I want, but once someone crosses the line and attacks physically, retaliation should be expected. The aftermath in this case is unacceptable, but if you're going to interrupt someone else's right to free speech (even a dumb someone) with actual physical intervention, you should be prepared for rapid escalation.

Does this mean it's the victim's fault?

 

[Wirey]

Does this mean it's the victim's fault?

Not saying that. But in the US, people shoot each other over everything. The culture suggests a peaceful solution is a weak solution. If there's an idiot screaming quotes from a racist idiot, and you engage him, there's a chance he'll do something idiotic.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

In a country where "stand your ground" is an acceptable defense, and 59 people getting their heads blown off shouldn't lead to gun control, property damage is absolutely comparable. Americans see guns as a problem solving tool, so if you decide to escalate a problem, you'd better be ready.

And yet lots of Americans oppose "stand your ground" laws, and have been on board with tighter and reasonable gun control measures since before Columbine (or the oft' forgotten Jonesborrow Middle School shooting, which was probably the most diabolic school shooting in American history). Lots of us think the NRA even deserves a good steel-toed kick to the nuts.

 

[columbus]

Does this mean it's the victim's fault?

Largely, yes.
The victim is also the attacker.
Tom

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Not saying that. But in the US, people shoot each other over everything. The culture suggests a peaceful solution is a weak solution. If there's an idiot screaming quotes from a racist idiot, and you engage him, there's a chance he'll do something idiotic.

Niavity considered, shooting at someone over such a thing is not considered appropriate by probably most Americans.

 

[Wirey]

And yet lots of Americans oppose "stand your ground" laws, and have been on board with tighter and reasonable gun control measures since before Columbine (or the oft' forgotten Jonesborrow Middle School shooting, which was probably the most diabolic school shooting in American history). Lots of us think the NRA even deserves a good steel-toed kick to the nuts.

But not enough to change the law. In the meantime, here in reality, Americans kill to solve problems, even small ones. Engage an idiot, and he'll act like an idiot. Taking his picture and slamming it on social media would have been far more effective.

 

[Wirey]

Niavity considered, shooting at someone over such a thing is not considered appropriate by probably most Americans.

Then why does the NRA hold such sway over your elected officials?

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Then why does the NRA hold such sway over your elected officials?

Incase you haven't noticed, loud, vocal minorities run the government, especially in the Republican branch. Groups such as the NRA (there are actually a ton of lobbyists from all sorts of groups and interests with an infuriating-level of sway over politics) just happen to have the money to fund the show. The real question is, why don't more would-be Democrat voters get out and vote?

 

[The Emperor of Mankind]

Not saying that.

I know. I was asking for clarification because you're not the type of poster who likes to blame the victim.

But in the US, people shoot each other over everything. The culture suggests a peaceful solution is a weak solution. If there's an idiot screaming quotes from a racist idiot, and you engage him, there's a chance he'll do something idiotic.

What solution do you think would have been best here? If angry white folks are able to invoke the name of a man who turned Western Europe into a bunch of (literal) death factories while calling for the same thing to happen in America and the police won't interfere, but will involve themselves with gusto when minorities protest to call attention to social inequalities (indeed the police are the cause of one of these) they experience, what other course of action do you think these people should resort to?

Largely, yes.
The victim is also the attacker.
Tom

Did their actions justify being shot though? That seems like a massive overreaction and frankly it sounds like the nutter wielding the gun was looking for the slightest excuse to use it. If I had an itchy trigger finger and you shoved me roughly, would I be justified in pulling a gun out and shooting you?

 

[columbus]

Did their actions justify being shot though?

Nobody said it did. But when you start something like that, then yeah you are largely responsible for the outcome. And the attacker (whose name was left out) started the physical altercation.
Tom

 

[Father Heathen]

What solution do you think would have been best here? If angry white folks are able to invoke the name of a man who turned Western Europe into a bunch of (literal) death factories while calling for the same thing to happen in America and the police won't interfere,

Why would the police interfere unless an actual crime is occurring? Words of ignorance should be countered by words of wisdom.

but will involve themselves with gusto when minorities protest to call attention to social inequalities (indeed the police are the cause of one of these) they experience, what other course of action do you think these people should resort to?

So you're saying being offended by words justifies property damage? That's as much as an overreaction as shooting someone over property damage.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

Not excusing anything, but ...
I can scream all the foolish crap I want, but ...
The aftermath in this case is unacceptable, but ...

Notice a pattern?

 

[Wirey]

What solution do you think would have been best here? If angry white folks are able to invoke the name of a man who turned Western Europe into a bunch of (literal) death factories while calling for the same thing to happen in America and the police won't interfere, but will involve themselves with gusto when minorities protest to call attention to social inequalities (indeed the police are the cause of one of these) they experience, what other course of action do you think these people should resort to?

QUOTE]

Take picture, post to Facebook / Twitter. Non-violent and unemployment-able.

 

[Wirey]

Notice a pattern?

But, but, but....

It's still true. If you disagree with me and start hitting my car, prepare for a date with the Louisville Slugger Fairy. I'm not paying for a back window because you have political ideals.

 

[Twilight Hue]

Think about who started it. The person giving the speech, or the Baton?

Looks like there's some blame all around.