Is the Right Going to Talk Itself Back into Political Violence?

If you’ve read me at all, you know that I’m alarmed about alarmism. The differences between our two political parties are far less consequential than the animosity between members of those parties. The challenges to American liberty, to the American family, and to the American economy are less significant than fears about liberty, the family, and the economy. 

For about five minutes after January 6 I thought the shock of seeing the Capitol overrun might shock a critical mass of the right back to its senses. That hope died a quick death. Across the length and breadth of social media I saw Republican friends blame antifa. I saw right-wing pundits minimize the violence. I saw new grievances erupt online—this time aimed at progressives and Never Trumpers who allegedly “exaggerate” the gravity of the attempted insurrection.

And, of course, there has been absolutely no slowdown in catastrophic rhetoric. 

Case in point: Here’s the most-watched cable news host in America describing vaccination requirements in select jurisdictions and select businesses as “medical Jim Crow.” 

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