FROM OUR INBOX
indicate that violence on American streets was “the fault of ” American officials. I agree that looters (as opposed to “protestors”) are breaking the law on their own accord... and should be punished accordingly. You’re joking right? I don’t think I condone violence by rioting in the streets in any circumstance. But Hong Kong may well be fighting for its collective life as a brutal and amoral government tightens the screws on what has been for some time a free society. World wars have been fought over less. The “similar” violence in the U.S. is simply a bunch of lawless morons trying to usurp the rights of peaceful protesters to show their frustration over what appears to be an appallingly inappropriate action on the part of a local cop. These criminals have no remorse regarding the murder of someone who deserved much better; they just either (a) want to foster unrest or (b) steal stuff. In either case they care nothing about ruining the lives of the hundreds of small business owners. While the Hong Kong situation is easily more complex, the one in the U.S. is clear- cut, IMO. Peaceful protests are allowed by the constitution in this country. Looting and burning is most definitely not. – Richard B. Kim Iskyan comment: Richard, thanks for your e-mail. I think there’s limited value in drawing a parallel between protests in Hong Kong and those in the U.S. On another front, in both cases I think it makes sense to differentiate between peaceful protestors – and bad actors who take advantage of the situation to, as you say, foster unrest and/or
Re: Violence, Supersized
According to Kim, the violence over George Floyd’s death is the fault of “American officials for abusing human rights and inciting violence.” Complete and utter bull. Violent and looting “protesters” are SOLELY responsible for their actions, and should be treated like the criminals they are. – John C. Kim Iskyan comment: Hi John, thank you for writing in. I wrote that I think there’s a good chance that other countries “will threaten similar sanctions [that is, like the sanctions the U.S. has imposed on members of government from other countries] on U.S. officials for abusing human rights and inciting violence.” Have U.S. officials abused human rights? Well, on the most basic level, human rights entail “the right to life and liberty”... that’s straight out of the United Nations definition (and it also happens to be part of the American Declaration of Independence). I think we can agree that freedom from torture is also a core human right. Watch the heartbreaking video of George Floyd’s murder, and there’s little question that he was being denied his human rights on many levels. And that incited violence. According to Merriam-Webster, “incite” means “to move to action” or “stir up.” It doesn’t entail responsibility. It implies a reaction. (And whether or not producing that reaction is intentional – that’s not the point.) Contrary to what you suggest, I didn’t
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June 2020
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