Conservative Activist Attacked at Berkeley

Ana the Ist

Aggressively serene!
Feb 21, 2012
37,386
11,317
✟433,395.00
Country
United States
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Married
Pretty simple incident really...

Conservative activist allegedly attacked on UC Berkeley's campus - CNN

This guy was on campus for whatever reason...promoting some conservative group. Then guy who disagrees assaults him...punching him several times. I've seen the video, I'm not going to post it but it's easy to find.

I hope the assailant gets time and Berkeley starts to seriously consider the safety of those with potentially "unpopular" political views. I daresay this is the result of not showing support for free speech. It may start with people punching nazis...which people might be ok with...but it inevitably leads to these things. Once people accept that physically attacking those with different views is acceptable....

Well, everyone has views that someone disagrees with.
 

Shemjaza

Regular Member
Supporter
Apr 17, 2006
6,200
3,819
45
✟917,196.00
Country
Australia
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Single
Politics
AU-Greens
Pretty simple incident really...

Conservative activist allegedly attacked on UC Berkeley's campus - CNN

This guy was on campus for whatever reason...promoting some conservative group. Then guy who disagrees assaults him...punching him several times. I've seen the video, I'm not going to post it but it's easy to find.

I hope the assailant gets time and Berkeley starts to seriously consider the safety of those with potentially "unpopular" political views. I daresay this is the result of not showing support for free speech. It may start with people punching nazis...which people might be ok with...but it inevitably leads to these things. Once people accept that physically attacking those with different views is acceptable....

Well, everyone has views that someone disagrees with.
I think there's more granular issues between "unpopular speech" and "endorsing genocide".
 
  • Agree
Reactions: FireDragon76
Upvote 0

Ana the Ist

Aggressively serene!
Feb 21, 2012
37,386
11,317
✟433,395.00
Country
United States
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Married
I think there's more granular issues between "unpopular speech" and "endorsing genocide".

Well...that's the thing.

You may draw the line at endorsing genocide. Someone else may draw the line at endorsing abortion laws.

How are you going to argue that we shouldn't allow people to be physically attacked for their stance on abortion when so many people consider it genocide? Once physical violence is considered a valid tactic....there's always going to be someone or some group that wants to push that line.
 
Upvote 0

Shemjaza

Regular Member
Supporter
Apr 17, 2006
6,200
3,819
45
✟917,196.00
Country
Australia
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Single
Politics
AU-Greens
Well...that's the thing.

You may draw the line at endorsing genocide. Someone else may draw the line at endorsing abortion laws.

How are you going to argue that we shouldn't allow people to be physically attacked for their stance on abortion when so many people consider it genocide? Once physical violence is considered a valid tactic....there's always going to be someone or some group that wants to push that line.
I can definitely see the logic of your point.

However in the specific case of neo-nazis the physical violence, threats and attacks have already begun. Words that support and direct violent systems, like fascist movements, terrorist groups and some dangerous cults usually considered sufficiently connected to violence that the speakers can be convicted.

A supreme example is Charles Manson, who never killed anyone, but rightly spent his life in jail.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: Astrophile
Upvote 0

(° ͡ ͜ ͡ʖ ͡ °) (ᵔᴥᵔʋ)

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Oct 14, 2015
6,132
3,089
✟405,713.00
Country
United States
Faith
Non-Denom
Marital Status
Married
Pretty simple incident really...

Conservative activist allegedly attacked on UC Berkeley's campus - CNN

This guy was on campus for whatever reason...promoting some conservative group. Then guy who disagrees assaults him...punching him several times. I've seen the video, I'm not going to post it but it's easy to find.

I hope the assailant gets time and Berkeley starts to seriously consider the safety of those with potentially "unpopular" political views. I daresay this is the result of not showing support for free speech. It may start with people punching nazis...which people might be ok with...but it inevitably leads to these things. Once people accept that physically attacking those with different views is acceptable....

Well, everyone has views that someone disagrees with.

I know this issue was brought up by @WinterAngel. My concern is how long will it be until Christianity and the message of the Gospel becomes so "unpopular" that we are going to fine more examples of Christians being punched in the face on their way to church? I know you are an atheist, but as a Christian, I cannot help but wonder where the line will be drawn.

I can definitely see the logic of your point.

However in the specific case of neo-nazis the physical violence, threats and attacks have already begun. Words that support and direct violent systems, like fascist movements, terrorist groups and some dangerous cults usually considered sufficiently connected to violence that the speakers can be convicted.

A supreme example is Charles Manson, who never killed anyone, but rightly spent his life in jail.
The problem with your statement is that absolutely nothing was said or done by the victim that remotely suggested he was supporting or directing violent systems like the ones you have mentioned. I undoubtedly agree that such individuals exists, but they make up less than 1% of the American population and the victim was far from being one of these individuals. The problem is that in order to push an ideological agenda, the left must fabricate a crisis of racism and fascism that doesn't really exist to make their cause relevant and justifiable. The case with Smollett is one of many examples that demonstrate this to be true.
 
Upvote 0

FireDragon76

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Apr 30, 2013
30,473
18,454
Orlando, Florida
✟1,249,087.00
Country
United States
Faith
United Ch. of Christ
Marital Status
Legal Union (Other)
Politics
US-Democrat
If you advocate free speech, you have chosen strange politics. Political conservativism in the US has never really supported free speech. Conservatives used to be known for wanting to jail flag burners, for instance. And of course they advocate gagging doctors and healthcare workers, among other things.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: Shiloh Raven
Upvote 0

Shemjaza

Regular Member
Supporter
Apr 17, 2006
6,200
3,819
45
✟917,196.00
Country
Australia
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Single
Politics
AU-Greens
I know this issue was brought up by @WinterAngel. My concern is how long will it be until Christianity and the message of the Gospel becomes so "unpopular" that we are going to fine more examples of Christians being punched in the face on their way to church? I know you are an atheist, but as a Christian, I cannot help but wonder where the line will be drawn.
Recently, was it an ANTIFA activist who walked into the church with a gun? Or was it one of this horde of neo-reactionary young men from the internet?

The problem with your statement is that absolutely nothing was said or done by the victim that remotely suggested he was supporting or directing violent systems like the ones you have mentioned. I undoubtedly agree that such individuals exists, but they make up less than 1% of the American population and the victim was far from being one of these individuals. The problem is that in order to push an ideological agenda, the left must fabricate a crisis of racism and fascism that doesn't really exist to make their cause relevant and justifiable. The case with Smollett is one of many examples that demonstrate this to be true.
Richard Spencer calls for forced removal of other non whites from what he defines as white territories. He certainly repeats that he want's it done peacefully, but given all human history of how such plans are literally carried out, I think I can be confident that it is only a dishonest marketing spin to cover for his more open Nazi friends from the "unite the right" organisations.
 
Upvote 0

essentialsaltes

Stranger in a Strange Land
Oct 17, 2011
32,794
36,089
Los Angeles Area
✟820,146.00
Country
United States
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Legal Union (Other)
Pretty simple incident really...

Yes.

I hope the assailant gets time and Berkeley starts to seriously consider the safety of those with potentially "unpopular" political views.

The 'tabling' areas is just a free-for-all. Nobody needs any permission to be there [indeed, it's literally the founding location of the Free Speech Movement] so there would be no way for campus police to know who is there.
 
  • Informative
Reactions: DaisyDay
Upvote 0

Shiloh Raven

Well-Known Member
May 14, 2016
12,509
11,495
Texas
✟228,180.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
If you advocate free speech, you have chosen strange politics. Political conservativism in the US has never really supported free speech. Conservatives used to be known for wanting to jail flag burners, for instance. And of course they advocate gagging doctors and healthcare workers, among other things.

I know very few conservatives who have supported my free speech to refuse to recite the pledge of allegiance or to stand for the national anthem or to criticize America for any political and social justice issue. I have been called anti-American, a traitor, and many other unsavory names. I have been told that if I don't love America, then I should leave the country. The vast majority of the support I have received for my political activism efforts has been from liberals, not conservatives. If a conservative does show support for me than I consider that conservative to be the exception and not the rule. I'm speaking from nearly three decades of experience involved in political and social justice activism.
 
Upvote 0

iluvatar5150

Well-Known Member
Aug 3, 2012
25,021
23,928
Baltimore
✟551,652.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Democrat
I know very few conservatives who have supported my free speech to refuse to recite the pledge of allegiance or to stand for the national anthem or to criticize America for any political and social justice issue. I have been called anti-American, a traitor, and many other unsavory names. I have been told that if I don't love America, then I should leave the country. The vast majority of the support I have received for my political activism efforts has been from liberals, not conservatives. If a conservative does show support for me than I consider that conservative to be the exception and not the rule. I'm speaking from nearly three decades of experience involved in political and social justice activism.

And if you take a knee during the anthem, POTUS will attack you in the media.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Ana the Ist

Aggressively serene!
Feb 21, 2012
37,386
11,317
✟433,395.00
Country
United States
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Married
If you advocate free speech, you have chosen strange politics. Political conservativism in the US has never really supported free speech.

I'm not a conservative...and your argument here is basically the same as saying Democrats support slavery.

Past political issues don't determine current ones.
 
Upvote 0

Ana the Ist

Aggressively serene!
Feb 21, 2012
37,386
11,317
✟433,395.00
Country
United States
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Married
I can definitely see the logic of your point.

However in the specific case of neo-nazis the physical violence, threats and attacks have already begun. Words that support and direct violent systems, like fascist movements, terrorist groups and some dangerous cults usually considered sufficiently connected to violence that the speakers can be convicted.

Actually no....they can't. They're protected by the first amendment just like everyone else.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: Darkhorse
Upvote 0

Ana the Ist

Aggressively serene!
Feb 21, 2012
37,386
11,317
✟433,395.00
Country
United States
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Married
I know very few conservatives who have supported my free speech to refuse to recite the pledge of allegiance or to stand for the national anthem or to criticize America for any political and social justice issue. I have been called anti-American, a traitor, and many other unsavory names. I have been told that if I don't love America, then I should leave the country. The vast majority of the support I have received for my political activism efforts has been from liberals, not conservatives. If a conservative does show support for me than I consider that conservative to be the exception and not the rule. I'm speaking from nearly three decades of experience involved in political and social justice activism.

I noticed that at no point did you mention they punched you in the face for any of your positions.

No one has to agree with anyone...but they do have to allow them to say it.
 
Upvote 0

Ana the Ist

Aggressively serene!
Feb 21, 2012
37,386
11,317
✟433,395.00
Country
United States
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Married
And if you take a knee during the anthem, POTUS will attack you in the media.

Yet he never used force to stop anyone from doing anything....

So he's nowhere near as bad as the left.
 
Upvote 0

iluvatar5150

Well-Known Member
Aug 3, 2012
25,021
23,928
Baltimore
✟551,652.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Politics
US-Democrat
Yet he never used force to stop anyone from doing anything....

So he's nowhere near as bad as the left.

I don't have any patience for violence from the left - and I would've loved it if somebody had fought back against the assailant in this video and put him in the hospital.

But don't pretend as if the presidential bully pulpit has no power or influence. He doesn't have to physically pull the trigger in order to incite violence. I don't put all (or even a majority) of the blame for right-wing wacko violence on Trump, but he certainly does seem happy to exploit the rage that's out there and doesn't seem to be interested in moderating his language that encourages it.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Ana the Ist

Aggressively serene!
Feb 21, 2012
37,386
11,317
✟433,395.00
Country
United States
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Married
I don't have any patience for violence from the left - and I would've loved it if somebody had fought back against the assailant in this video and put him in the hospital.

Glad at least one of you does.

Does it trouble you to see others on the left basically trying to find ways to excuse this violence?

But don't pretend as if the presidential bully pulpit has no power or influence.

I'm not arguing that he doesn't have power or influence...he's the president after all.

He also has an opinion though which he is allowed to speak.

He doesn't have to physically pull the trigger in order to incite violence.

Well, he came out as really against kneeling in protest of the anthem....and no one used any violence against Kaepernick....so your argument here falls pretty flat.
 
Upvote 0

Shemjaza

Regular Member
Supporter
Apr 17, 2006
6,200
3,819
45
✟917,196.00
Country
Australia
Faith
Atheist
Marital Status
Single
Politics
AU-Greens
Actually no....they can't. They're protected by the first amendment just like everyone else.
So, why is Charles Manson in prison? Incitement is completely a crime.
 
  • Like
Reactions: iluvatar5150
Upvote 0

Shiloh Raven

Well-Known Member
May 14, 2016
12,509
11,495
Texas
✟228,180.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
I noticed that at no point did you mention they punched you in the face for any of your positions.

No one has to agree with anyone...but they do have to allow them to say it.

I haven't been punched in the face, but I have been pushed, kicked and spit on. Does that count?

I had one counter protestor at a pro-American rally rip the American flag out of my hand because he was mad at me for holding the flag upside down. I was there in a counter protest to the Iraq war.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Ophiolite
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

Pavel Mosko

Arch-Dude of the Apostolic
Supporter
Oct 4, 2016
7,236
7,312
56
Boyertown, PA.
✟768,575.00
Country
United States
Faith
Oriental Orthodox
Marital Status
Single
Well...that's the thing.

You may draw the line at endorsing genocide. Someone else may draw the line at endorsing abortion laws.

How are you going to argue that we shouldn't allow people to be physically attacked for their stance on abortion when so many people consider it genocide? Once physical violence is considered a valid tactic....there's always going to be someone or some group that wants to push that line.

This is especially true with the micro-agression people. They actually equate dissent, or a person expressing an idea they do not like with someone committing an act of aggression.
 
Upvote 0