I wanted to share a gift link to an NYTimes column by David French that resonated. French writes eloquently about the bigger picture within all the Trumpian drama and nonsense: The rise of violent threats against people the MAGA cult doesn’t like. Even in the bluest county of our (mostly) reliable blue state, and even in my very progressive neighborhood within that county, we face a constant background fear. In my family’s case, it has been more along the lines of harassment rather than direct threats or swatting, but it lurks regardless. Could the veiled threats escalate to real violence? Even here?
I have a hard time imagining the fear that Mr. French’s family must feel in blood red MAGA Tennessee. Below the fold, some block quotes that give the flavor of the column and its sort-of inspiring conclusion. Despite the idiotic horse race coverage and bothsiderism that has infested the NYTimes, I encourage you to click the gift link and read the whole for its examples and and links. MAGA isn’t defined by ideology or a consistent political strategy — instead, it is defined by a tactic: the use of violent threats and intimidation to acquire and hold power. That’s all MAGA really amounts to — violence as a tactic is the underlying essence or definition of the MAGA movement.
From Mr. French’s column:
Amid the constant drumbeat of sensational news stories — the scandals, the legal rulings, the wild political gambits — it’s sometimes easy to overlook the deeper trends that are shaping American life. For example, are you aware how much the constant threat of violence, principally from MAGA sources, is now warping American politics? If you wonder why so few people in red America seem to stand up directly against the MAGA movement, are you aware of the price they might pay if they did?
After discussing threats against political figures, election officials, prosecutors etc., French concludes with a discussion of threats his family has endured, including a discussion with a deputy who helped guard his home after a specific assassination threat:
I hesitated before I told him [why I was the target of threats]. Our community is so MAGA that I had a pang of concern about his response. “I’m a columnist,” I said, “and we’ve had lots of threats ever since I wrote against Donald Trump.”
The deputy paused for a moment. “I’m a vet,” he said, “and I volunteered to serve because I believe in our Constitution. I believe in free speech.” And then he said words I’ll never forget: “You keep speaking, and I’ll stand guard.” [my emphasis]