The Proud Boys were proud when President Trump refused to condemn them in last night's debate with Joe Biden. Trump instead instructed them to "stand back and stand by." For what he did not say but given their propensity towards violence one must look towards the election.
Yes, Trump has now told them to "stand down", but is now also giving his standard "I don't know them very well" line. In which case, I'm afraid the genie is out of the bottle. And it wouldn't take much for Trump to give the order to "stand by" and "engage".
What I fear the most with respect to the Proud Boys and other right-wing militia groups is that they will organize attacks on voters at polling stations throughout the country on election day and possible during early in person voting. By attacks, I mean engage in assault, stabbing and even shooting voters while they wait in line to vote. I can see coordinated attacks occurring in cities like Detroit, Louisville, Milwaukee and especially in Philadelphia given Trump's "bad things happen in Philadelphia" statement during last night's debate.
Election violence is something one associates with countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and India, not in the United States. While it's true the United States has had election day violence it is something that has not happened since the 19th Century. But when a sitting President has abandoned all sense of decorum and propriety and encourages violent behavior then all bets are off. We've already had a Kenosha and the killer's mother gets a standing ovation at a Republican Party event in Wisconsin. If the GOP is OK without protesters being shot in the street then why would they object to voters being shot with the knowledge their ballots won't be cast with President Trump?
Naturally, I hope in person voting proceeds peacefully and without incident. But in this already awful year I cannot say a peaceful vote will come to pass with any kind of certainty or confidence.
Whatever might be in store for us on election day we must get out and vote with the hope saving the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment