We don’t think of them as terrorists, but they do fit the definition: “One who favors or uses terrorizing methods for the accomplishment of some object…” I’m referring to the BLM movement, Antifa, and similar groups who are now announcing their intent to arrive in a city to “demonstrate” for a cause. They don’t even have to show up and they’ve caused part of their purpose. Their announced arrival disrupts lives and businesses. The police and other first repsonders have their lives disrupted as they are put on alert and scheduled for extra shifts. This also costs taxpayer funds that could be better used. Store owners and residents in the target area have to interrupt their lives and spend money they may not have boarding up and protecting their property. Businesses lose money because they have to close. (This disruption of “normal” life sounds just like what the international terrorists have done with airline security, etc.).
Free speech, you say? I’m all for free speech that is peaceful. This is not peaceful and they are only using the First Amendment as a cover for their real goal — causing senseless chaos, enriching themselves through stealing, and wanton destruction of someone else’s, even their neighbor’s, property. And can their real intent be anything else, when they name the event “Night of Mischief and Philadelphia Solidarity March”, especially in light of what has occurred in Philadelphia?
Hmm, if they are “terrorists”, shouldn’t those who are arrested be treated the same as international terrorists? Probably not, but anyone who is arrested should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, including making full restitution for the damage they have participated in, even if others were also responsible. Remember the day when the whole school class was “punished” for the actions of one or two because nobody would “rat” on them?
However, and this is an important point, as we pray for protection for our cities, we should also pray for the salvation of the perpetrators. We, and the Lord, may hate their actions, but He loves them and wants them in His family, and so should we! Let’s pray for the protection of our cities and that the intentions of the demonstrators in Raleigh, NC, and elsewhere, will be thwarted!
See also my related post on the reaction of the Mayor of Raleigh to requests for a curfew tonight, Nov 30.
Until next time…”May the LORD bless and protect you…May He give you Shalom.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
Bill
WJB's Turn 