Letter to the editor: Political violence from the left

I’ve heard and read the quote “there is no place for political violence” many times in the past week or so. It’s been said by elected government officials, pundits and podcasters. While political violence does seem on the rise, and it is not unique to the left, I find it hard to believe how one cannot recognize the frequency and intensity of the violence coming from the left as compared to the right.

The provided justification for these events is varied; however, all have commonality with Democrat grievances, evidencing a not so isolated wing of the party and widespread acceptance. From the Hamas supporters taking over college campuses, climate activists shutting down highways, the George Floyd riots, violent G20 agitators here in Pittsburgh not long ago and two attempts on President Trump’s life — the list runs on and on.

What did mainstream Democrats provide when these events got to be too much for regular people just trying to go about their lives? Not contrition, but justification.

It seems to me that there is, in fact, a place for political violence in this country. And that place is today’s Democratic Party. I wonder how many people who have considered themselves Democrats for decades still feel that they are in line with the party today?

Matt Pergar

Unity