In light of Gianforte's attack was Malcolm right ?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

Deplorables are becoming hoarse from giving Gianforte Hosannas.

Was Malcolm right?

I don't know if violence is the antidote to violence but I do know acquiescence to it isn't the answer either.

[Initech]

1. Trump fans want us dead.

What happened in Montana is just more proof of that. And the assholes are cheering him as if he's some kind of hero!! I think things are going to get worse before they get better. We need to start standing up to these dipshits, we have as much of a right to free speech as they do, and we need to stop that argument now. They're treading on a very dangerous slippery slope. It needs to be stopped.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

2. Self defense is a human right.

[True Dough]

3. I see your point, but imagine

that Ben Jacobs fought back like hell. Let's say he landed a blow that hospitalized Gianforte. Other than the satisfaction of knowing that he defended himself, Jacobs would then have the worry of what happens if Gianforte dies or suffers permanent damage at his hands. He may face criminal charges himself because even though self-defense is a right, as you point out, the justice system doesn't always excuse those who do so.

The likelihood of Gianforte being arrested and charged is also affected. Even though the Congressional candidate started it, the police/DA may not have prosecuted had he been assaulted in kind. Public sympathy would also be swayed if Jacobs pummeled Gianforte.

So "taking his lumps" has, at least, paid off in criminal charges against Gianforte. In a sane world, the twit would have also lost the election, but that didn't happen, unfortunately.

[Orsino]

4. Any one non-violent resister can be intimidated, injured or killed.

I would also submit that Malcolm wasn't talking about reporters.

Non-violence is most practical when practiced in great numbers. How great? Commensurate with the force available to the oppressor.

I can't demand that anyone die for a cause, but I hope I will always recommend peaceful means to our ends, and that we will stand more or less together.