When does a protest evolve into a riot? When does a riot evolve into an insurrection? Both are good questions. The most obvious answer to the first question is the destruction of property and people get hurt. But, if the reason for the protest, aligns with the views of the democratic party leadership and property is destroyed and people do get hurt, it’s still a protest. The BLM and Antifi “protest” of 2020 are examples of this. But, the act of protest leaps to an insurrection when the opposing party has participants entering a federal building. At least that is what we have been hearing since Jan. 6, 2021.
This past September 15, I watched a news broadcast of citizens in New York City protesting against President Biden and his “open border” policy. The protest occurred as Congresswomen AOC attempted to conduct a press conference from a sidewalk in downtown. She was shouted down by chants of, “Close the border!” Amazingly, she continued with her muffled speech.
From the actions of the protesters, one can surmise the citizens are not happy about the mayor’s declaration that New York City is a sanctuary city. I think he, too, is unhappy about it now. Yet, he hasn’t publicly asked the President to close the border. He just wants federal money to help with the financial burden the city is now facing regarding the housing and feeding of so many illegal immigrants. The local police can’t adequately deal with the mass influx of people. Especially since the democratic run city is known for its “defund the police” politics. Reality has come home to roost.
So, what’s the next step? Federal money to cover the cost of food and housing? Currently, New York City is spending millions of dollars to study which public statues of historical persons to remove from public grounds. This effort supposedly to correct a historical wrong. I hope congress is more responsible than to fund this type mismanagement. OK, if not funding then what? Deportation? That ain’t gonna happen. Too many potential democratic voters, and democrats will give them the vote. It will be disguised within “immigration reform” legislation. Just enforce the laws we have now. So, back to law and order. Local or state government has to ask the federal government for assistance. Does one think, mayors of blue cities will ask for federal law enforcement? The National Guard? How bad must the riots be?
On the night of November 9-10, 1938, “The Night of the Broken Glass,” also known as, Kristallnacht, organized and coordinated violent riots occurred in Germany, Austria, and Sudetenland. These riots were targeted against Jews. Destruction of 267 synagogues, 7000 businesses damaged or destroyed, 30,000 Jewish men were arrested and more than 90 Jews were killed. Jewish homes, hospitals and schools were damaged or destroyed. Those conducting the riots included forces from the Nazi Party paramilitary; notably the Sturmabteilung (SA), the Schutzstaffel (SS) and the Hitler Youth. Local German authorities watched and did nothing. Hitler ordered the police to stand down. His government initiated the violence! He and Goebbels, his minister of propaganda, used the assassination of the German diplomat, Ernst vom Rath, as a pretext or reason for the riots.
Students (?) on American college campuses are protesting against US support for Israel and chanting “genocide of the Jews.”
These “protests” are coordinated! Just like Hitler’s paramilitary. The White House response to critics concerning these protests is to do nothing or say little. Just as Hitler did.
This administration knows that chants of racism/antisemitism will either cause or be the subject of protest and riots. The suffering of the victims will be on the hands of the democratic party leadership. In 2016 some measure of immigration control was in place. Look at it now.
Walter Allen has a BA degree from Auburn University and is retired from the paper industry. He is a published author and a former President of the Laurens County Museum Association. He now lives in Tuscaloosa County in Alabama.
