Dear Trump Protesters:
If you have been following the candidacy of Donald Trump as of late, you might have noted a new underlying theme at his events. Protesters. Most recently on display in Fountain Hills, Arizona.
Right to assembly and free speech is one of the highest regarded and fundamental rights provided in the constitution. It is a right that was greatly sought after and protected by the framers of the United States. With that being said there are fundamental differences between agitators and protesters. As American citizens, we reserve the right to speak out against opposing views and protest against those opposing views. But we as American citizens do not reserve the right to suppress opposing views.
Understand that I do not support Donald Trump. I take issue with his policies, his temperament, and his lack of judgment. His campaign operates under a framework of fear, hatred, and dangerous rhetoric. But I will not join others and take part in the protests that cover his rallies and events.
We must respect the rights and views of others. We can disagree with them, we can hate them, but we cannot suppress them.
There is a fine line between being a protester and an agitator, and unfortunately, the protests as of late have been leaning on the side of agitation, and I refuse to participate. I commend those who peacefully protest Mr. Trump, it is your right. I do not commend those who merely go to his rallies to agitate his supporters under the guise of being protesters. We must respect the rights and views of others. We can disagree with them, we can hate them, but we cannot suppress them.
If the goal of the anti-Trump supporters is to hurt his candidacy and support, well congratulations, you’re doing quite the opposite, in fact, these protests are counterproductive. Support only grows for Mr. Trump, in fact, people are beginning to sympathize with Mr. Trump. The victim he so greatly tries to play is seeming more credible.
Take issue with his policies. Take issue with his beliefs, or his rhetoric.
Are you protesting, or simply trying to bring about confrontation? I encourage you to peacefully protest, I encourage you to voice your beliefs. But how can you protest hatred while simultaneously taking part in the hatred? You can ‘protest’ his rallies, you can even shut them down, but ultimately, you’re helping him. You’re only fostering an environment for even more partisanship and polarization, the same partisanship and polarization that is eroding the political system and country itself. We must understand, that in order for America to truly be great, we as a people must overcome the hate that is consuming our country. You cannot defeat hate with more hate. If you wish to defeat him, ignore him.
Once again, I reiterate, we have the right to protest, but we also have the right to support and believe what we want, and who we want.
“The true test of an individual lies in their ability to hold two separate and opposing ideas in their mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
You can reach the author at, jlegumina@gmail.com, if you wish to comment or leave a spiteful message.
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