Sunday, January 22, 2017

Liberal Civility on Display

Free speech for me, but not for thee. 

"The Washington Post reported that the officers in attendance at the K Street riot said that they were giving the rioters lots of room to act out. “We are here to protect their rights to protest.” But what about the rest of us? What about our rights?"

"Standing inside the lobby of the Press Club I met a group of lively young men — Mexicans and African Americans — who’d driven up from Florida for the Ball, bringing with them some hand-made signs. The Mexican gentlemen’s sign read: “I came to the U.S. legally. Looking for the American Dream. Not the Mexican nightmare. Make Mexico pay for the wall.”

"He was not permitted to hold it up. It might provoke the protesters. “What about my free speech rights?” he asked. “Look,” replied the beleaguered officer, “This is a private building. You haven’t rented the lobby. I could make you wait outside.” Provocation is a one-way ratchet. Only liberals can claim to be provoked."