ANTIFA: Friend or Facist?

Fascism is defined as a form of radical right-wing, authoritarian ultra-nationalism characterized by dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition, and strong regimentation of society. In this age of the Presidency under Donald J. Trump, there have been many critics who condemn the Trump administration and compare the President to the likenesses of Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, and Joseph Stalin. I don’t have a problem with this as it’s simply American citizens exercising their right to Freedom of Speech, however, there have recently been several peaceful protests that devolved into violent riots. The most prominent of these protests include the 2016 Portland riot and the 2017 UC Berkeley riots. The source of those riots originated in groups of self-proclaimed “anti-fascists” who detached from the central group of peaceful protesters in order to destroy property and assault civilian counter-protesters, under the anonymity of the black bloc tactic, usually without any repercussion. From burning private property to attacking people with bike locks and pipes, they’ve done it all, and will continue to do so in order to further their political agenda unless American citizens, as a populace, do something to prevent these civil terrorists from destroying the livelihoods of innocent civilians. Fortunately, President Trump has been very outspoken about his opinions on ANTIFA as he has stated, “Consideration is being given to declaring ANTIFA a major Organization of Terror. This would make it easier for police to do their job!” Whether you support or oppose President Trump, this should be something that all rational Americans agree on, we can’t allow these violent fascist thugs to continue, for these riots do not fall under freedom of speech or expression. We mustn’t allow this fascist movement to spread further.