After seeing letters like “Democratic leaders must speak out, too” and plenty of fearful tweets and Facebook posts, I feel the need to share some thoughts about the threat of left-wing extremist violence.
It’s completely overblown. Pundits throw out misused buzzwords — “Marxist, socialist, antifa”— to create a fearsome boogeyman. Sure, there are extremists of all stripes, but the threat of left-wing violence is statistically tiny, despite what news outlets would lead you to believe.
In Gettysburg on July 4, armed right-wing white nationalists gathered to prevent an imaginary group reportedly out to burn flags. As it was, obviously, a hoax, no mobs appeared. So the group instead spent the day agitating locals and confronting a Methodist pastor visiting a cemetery.
News outlets stoking fears of violent radicals is not only dangerous but intentional. Fear is a great motivator to vote and also serves as a distraction.
The big picture remains that millions are out of work, and thousands are dead — in my opinion, because of the current administration’s incompetence in handling coronavirus. Bad faith actors drawing attention to culture wars about statues, flags and riots are attempting to distract you for their political benefit. Don’t fall for it.
Matt Achtziger
Mt. Pleasant Township