To be clear, are you saying it's OK to use violence against people with opinions you don't like?
— ? SuperAwesomeCoolDude? (@handsoffmyjunk) January 26, 2017
Last week during the Inauguration Day protests, alt-Right leader and white supremacist Richard Spencer was punched in the face by an anti-Trump rioter. Lefties were OK with it, though, because while Spencer was socked in the middle of an interview and was not actually posing a physical threat to anyone, his abominable ideas meant he was totally asking for it.
apparently Hollywood has decided that the best way to fight Trump is to act like an asshole https://t.co/OuHsaAaI32
— Greg Pollowitz (@GPollowitz) January 26, 2017
That’s certainly how actor-comedian Patton Oswalt feels about the whole thing:
Oh, and yeah, Richard Spencer was punched…twice. Wheeeee! pic.twitter.com/DbOiEKG5je
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 26, 2017
Violence is totes hilarious when it’s directed at someone you don’t like!
I reject absolutely ANY use of violence against someone you disagree with.
Oh, except Nazis. They should be constantly punched. #MAGA https://t.co/jFKThFHIor
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) January 26, 2017
Literal Nazis, Patton? Or just the people you designate as Nazis because they get on your nerves?
Who gets to decide if the person is a Nazi or not?
Is there a vote on it? https://t.co/g11MqZOc4a
— RBe (@RBPundit) January 26, 2017
Who defines what a Nazi is? Some people think half the country is Nazis.
— You Should Have Voted Gary (@colorblindk1d) January 26, 2017
Yep. For years, liberals have referred to Republicans and conservatives as Nazis. Does that mean it’s OK to assault them?
Recommended
Call everyone and everything Nazis.
Normalize punching "Nazis."
Free pass to punch people with whom you disagree.
Good job.
— "Professor Debbie" (@mosesmosesmoses) January 26, 2017
There’s no question that Richard Spencer subscribes to and espouses some heinous ideologies. But if you decide that it’s fine to start punching everyone you disagree with, who’s to say someone won’t punch you someday?
So I sometimes think your celebrity status and rhetoric makes you a dangerously influential individual..
…can I punch you in the face?
— Serathin (@Serathin_saber) January 26, 2017
Patton once you start choosing exceptions, perspective comes into play. Others' perspectives too. You ok with that?
— Ed S (@esark33) January 26, 2017
@GPollowitz as long as he isn't acting on his beliefs he should be afforded same rights as others… incl prot fm assault!
— Justin (@wakeuphicks00) January 26, 2017
Here’s some parting reading material for Patton’s consideration:
No, Of Course You Can’t Punch Nazis In the Face https://t.co/6zb3Q6Qfki
— Charles C. W. Cooke (@charlescwcooke) January 23, 2017
On Punching Nazis https://t.co/medjNdD7Y8
— IWantNothingHat (@Popehat) January 21, 2017
***
Related:
Join the conversation as a VIP Member