Ironically, as an opinion column in The Chief condemned right-wing extremism and in his letter to the editor Elijah Dann dismissed far-left violence [both published in The Chief Jan. 21], leftists unleashed another round of destruction in the US. According to Reuters, “anti-fascists” vandalized a Portland Democratic Party office and other buildings, protesting President Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Seattle’s KOMO news reported that hours after President Biden’s swearing in demonstrators smashed windows and hurled objects to block motorists. In New York, violent clashes erupted between BLM protesters and NYPD at a MLK march.
Mr. Dann claims BLM and Antifa are not organizations. Not true. Many BLM activities are co-ordinated by the BLM Global Network Foundation. According to its website, BLM is a “global organization” with chapters in the US, UK, and Canada.
While Antifa lacks formal structure, it has “cells” that operate globally and uses social media to coordinate protests. According to the New Yorker, Rose City Antifa, is “the first official antifascist organization in America.” The New Yorker noted, “some leftists have mobilized under the name Antifa, following a tradition with specific principles, among them a willingness to engage in violence.”
The Seattle Times reported that though not working with Rose City Antifa, the Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front has played a major role in continuing unrest noting, “Youth Liberation Front leaders portray acts of vandalism as part of the broader struggle to make big changes in America.”
Vandalism has cost Portland millions in damages leaving businesses reeling. KGW reported that insurance companies are no longer willing to cover some businesses there.
Mr. Dann wrote Antifa opposes fascism. In reality, Antifa and other leftists act more like fascists, undermining democracy, including free speech and independent media.
For instance, the far-left have muzzled free speech by silencing speakers on college campuses. They have also intimidated journalists. Q13 Fox correspondent Brandi Kruse and her crew were so harassed during a June BLM protest they were forced to seek safety in a fire station.
Extreme leftists have used violence to control citizens. In harrowing detail, a Portland resident described to Willamette Week how gun-toting militants took his neighbourhood hostage in December. The occupation started after eviction proceedings of a black family. Protesters with assault rifles beat police, obstructed streets, set fires, broke ring cameras off residents’ doorbells, and posted armed sentries.
Extremism – in any form – is dangerous. As a life-long progressive, I urge fellow liberals to call-out such extremism when we see it, even when it comes from our side.
Marion von Dehn
Squamish
