Racists want a war. They have always wanted one. As soon as the Civil War ended, Klansmen were engaged in domestic terrorism and uprisings, and calling for more battles.
Now, in America, they have their guy in office, and a compliant Congress, with 28 states run almost entirely by reactionary Republicans. They would very much like an excuse to crack down on opposition.
Notice the bills in various state legislatures to outlaw protest or make it ok to run down protesters in the streets. Chaos and violence will only hasten their calls for 'law and order'.
Peaceful protest, letter writing campaigns, and direct action hand them no such excuses. They hate that stuff. But they revel in every punch and brick thrown.
Most recent protests have been nonviolent. Even those featuring clashes have been 'mostly peaceful'.
Nor is all violence surrounding these events the fault of anti-fascist, anti-Trump, or anti-hate protesters. There were apparently clashes not just between police and protesters but also between Breitbart styled neonazis and protesters at the U.C. Berkley protest against Milo Yiannopoulous. Someone was shot at the University of Washington by a counter protester a week before Berkeley's dust-up. Fights or riots at these events can start with a small group. I also know people may feel a need to defend themselves. I am not suggesting an easy road, or one which will pay off immediately or definitely.
Though not close to perfect, the track record of peaceful protest is, in my estimation, better and more often effective than vandalism, rioting, or street fights. It works more readily, both as propaganda and as a means to concrete ends.
Consider your actions carefully.
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