08-09-2018, 10:42 AM
Antifa evolved from the leftist anti-Nazi movement in Europe, morphed into an anti-Racist cause, and is currently focused on resistance against white supremacy and white nationalism. Those Antifa positions align more closely with the left side of U.S. politics at this time, which is unfortunate for decent people on the right.
I don't consider those positions in and of themselves to be 'extreme', as the majority of people in the U.S. do no wish to see Nazism, fascism, and race-based rule rise and become the norm either, though I have no doubt that some members of Antifa and extremists on the left sometimes see fascism and white supremacy where it does not exist.
If a left-wing or liberal government was in place and promoting some of the same policies and rhetoric as the existing one, I believe Antifa would be equally active and aggressive in its resistance, based on Antifa's history and evolution.
In my opinion, there is a weakness in Democrat and Liberal leadership when it comes to addressing Antifa's methods. It seems to me they don't really know how to effectively condemn extremist means of resistance when they consider the reason for resistance to be fully rational and righteous.
Anyway, I stand by my characterizations. I have a solid grasp on the meaning of 'extremism' in this context, which is not simply anything that doesn't conform to my personal opinions and positions. But, it's not a problem for me if you consider me or my observations to be silly. Viewpoints are often partly subjective and dependent on where one is standing.
I don't consider those positions in and of themselves to be 'extreme', as the majority of people in the U.S. do no wish to see Nazism, fascism, and race-based rule rise and become the norm either, though I have no doubt that some members of Antifa and extremists on the left sometimes see fascism and white supremacy where it does not exist.
If a left-wing or liberal government was in place and promoting some of the same policies and rhetoric as the existing one, I believe Antifa would be equally active and aggressive in its resistance, based on Antifa's history and evolution.
In my opinion, there is a weakness in Democrat and Liberal leadership when it comes to addressing Antifa's methods. It seems to me they don't really know how to effectively condemn extremist means of resistance when they consider the reason for resistance to be fully rational and righteous.
Anyway, I stand by my characterizations. I have a solid grasp on the meaning of 'extremism' in this context, which is not simply anything that doesn't conform to my personal opinions and positions. But, it's not a problem for me if you consider me or my observations to be silly. Viewpoints are often partly subjective and dependent on where one is standing.