Gaza war protests have spread to college campuses all across the United States and anti-war protesters have conducted civil disobedience at Google’s headquarters and on city streets.
Hundreds of people have been arrested and scores of workers have been fired as a result of their actions. The protests have disrupted universities, workplaces and commutes . . . and that’s the idea.
Since when have anti-war protests been convenient and non-disruptive?
Yes, it’s terrible that some protesters are voicing antisemitic views and spreading hateful rhetoric — but they don’t represent the vast majority of people standing against the Gaza war.
Stupid and destructive elements are a part of nearly every protest movement, from Iraq War protests to George Floyd protests.
But to hear right-wing pundits and certain Democrats tell it, the entire anti-war movement wants to wipe Israel off the map and is bent on “surrendering our way of life.”
No, most people just want Israel to stop killing Palestinian civilians.
Remember when Silicon Valley lionized its “disruptors?”
Now disrupting the workplace can get you fired.
This round of protests and civil disobedience seems different and potentially more dangerous — the right-wing now has a perfect campaign issue and is not hesitant to throw gasoline on the fire.
Universities and police departments are quick to send in the riot squads, flash-bang grenades and tear gas and I fear it may get worse.
Meanwhile, millions of lives hang in the balance a world away in Gaza.
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