Idk about that, mate. If used correctly the permits would have stopped the racist gathering in Charlottesville for “Unite the Right” and even though it was permitted it was also still highly effective as a show of intimidation and awareness of their racist message.
Something we all need to come to terms with is when we make rules it doesn’t just apply to our enemies and doesn’t just apply to us, either.
I dont believe in stopping protest just because I disagree with what’s being protested. People got fired for attending that protest, which was good, though not worth Heather’s life. I absolutely believe in social consequences for speech like that, that’s extremely healthy.
Let the racists protest, and let society punish them socially if we as a society have any worth at all. If we’re ultimately bad, racist people, banning racist protests won’t change that, and would only embolden and validate them.
I absolutely think protests by those who wish harm on or infringe upon the rights of others need to be broken up, including religious fanatics barricading abortion clinics and racists gathering in front of a black man’s home in white robes.
There is either full tolerance or zero tolerance with the laws, we don’t get to pick and choose.
