These protesters are anarchists. They will protest anything and everything in hopes of sewing discontent.
4
The Times and other media make a fundamental error in characterizing riotous mobs such as we saw yesterday as "protesters". They are instead a fringe of radically anti-social individuals with an eagle eye for any public event of sufficient prominence to make it worthwhile to disrupt. The First Amendment, which we should all read from time, guarantees "the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for redress of grievances". None of these demonstrators, peaceable or not, have any grievances to express except that of their displeasure as to the election of Donald Trump. In a former time, they would have been read the riot act and ordered to disperse. The pathetic nature of this protest was aptly expressed by a woman from Massachusetts who was "ambivalent" about the violence, feeling solidarity with the rioters but "absolutely concerned" about the "image" of violent protest. "Sad", as Trump might Tweet.
5
Not 'resistance', just violent jerks.
7
Mostly people are peaceful a la Women's March. It's great that you open comments on this .05% of violence that happens. How about opening up comment section on Peaceful Women Protesting--the other 99.95%
7
Taina Asili, Janet Mock, Nuns on the Bus, Van Jones -- these are worthy intellectual leaders and allies articulating the causes of justice, inclusivity, respect and defense of the Earth and biodiversity. The theme is a just, peaceful, sustainable future. And we all have to be on board.
2
Before making this a condemnation of Trump or Republican politics, consider the high youth unemployment in D.C., which can be associated with this sort of violence.
There are plenty of unemployed youth in DC, able to get to the area and look for action. It is not surprising this happened.
Maybe some reporting on the demographics of the ones who were arrested could be done as a follow up - how many were local and how many were from out of the area?
There are plenty of unemployed youth in DC, able to get to the area and look for action. It is not surprising this happened.
Maybe some reporting on the demographics of the ones who were arrested could be done as a follow up - how many were local and how many were from out of the area?
5
Thanks to all the observant commenters who pointed out Official Scam #One of Bush#3's presidency - masked fakes pretending to be legitimate protestors, as Repubs install yet another dumb front man in place of a POTUS.
And so we're off to 1 or 2 or even 4 more years of having a rightwing Congress' self-righteous spendthrifts waste our nation's money, prestige, and credibility.
And so we're off to 1 or 2 or even 4 more years of having a rightwing Congress' self-righteous spendthrifts waste our nation's money, prestige, and credibility.
1
After 8 years of silence, Americans can now say God Bless America again and protect our little children from immoral and indecent laws. This election was not about emails, nor about jobs or money. This election was about putting God back in the equation and in doing so, Trump will make America great again.
5
How is this different from the conservative thugs who rioted during Obama's inauguration, violently attacking people and property?
Oh wait....
Oh wait....
18
This is a country that celebrates its history and tradition of the peaceful transition of power. That may never be true again. President Obama did everything he could to maintain that tradition. The rioters stain his legacy.
10
I think you are trying to forget riots in places like Ferguson which took place vet the past with years. It won't work, the rest of us remember things.
6
Dear PWR:
Trump starting staining the presidency beginning yesterday at High Noon (how appropriate). Only now, he is beholden and answerable to we the people. He is a Federal employee subject to stricter rules than he was a conniving tax-evading "businessman".
The glorious push-back and protests begin today. And it will continue until The Demagogue is removed from office. Pence is no better. We will deal with him later.
Three Million More Hillary Voters Lives Matter.
Beginning today in DC around the nation and the world you will hear them roar. As a activist from the Sixties, this is nothing. If you're upset with these mild-mannered protests, you'd better get used to it. This is a never-ending NeverTrump movement that will not go gently into that good night.
DD
Manhattan
Trump starting staining the presidency beginning yesterday at High Noon (how appropriate). Only now, he is beholden and answerable to we the people. He is a Federal employee subject to stricter rules than he was a conniving tax-evading "businessman".
The glorious push-back and protests begin today. And it will continue until The Demagogue is removed from office. Pence is no better. We will deal with him later.
Three Million More Hillary Voters Lives Matter.
Beginning today in DC around the nation and the world you will hear them roar. As a activist from the Sixties, this is nothing. If you're upset with these mild-mannered protests, you'd better get used to it. This is a never-ending NeverTrump movement that will not go gently into that good night.
DD
Manhattan
7
Lawless thugs just using Donald Trump as a scapegoat for all their life's frustrations. President Trump doesn't have an easy job ahead of him, what with the massive debt he has inherited from the Democrat party. These protesting fools don't realise that he wants to put America first. Whatever happened to patriotism; and thinking putting your own citizens first is a great idea for self preservation as a nation. How is destroying fellow citizens property good for self preservation of a nation. These protestors are hypocrites.
14
What a "fair and balanced" article, NY Times! Where is the front page article about the thousands and thousands of concerned citizens who marched peacefully through the streets all around the country? Sure, write about the violence, but what about the nonviolent struggle?
7
Not defending the vandals but standing around with signs, holding hands and singing peace anthems hasn't been working so well. Sometimes violence is necessary to raise attention. Again, not promoting it, just pointing out the differences. Peaceful protests are symbolic but too pacifistic. Make more noise!
Pots and pans and wooden spoons work great!
Pots and pans and wooden spoons work great!
2
You can watch the Women's March live right here. I'm not seeing so much holding hands and singing as impassioned speeches about a myriad of topics. They ARE making noise.
3
Pardon my cynicism, but has it occurred to anyone that these violent protesters are plants? Most anti-Trump supporters would never do this. This is what totalitarian governments do to rile up the people while they push for a "law and order" agenda. Trump's imbeciles, wallowing in their provincial fog and ignorance see these protesters and accuse the "latte-drinking liberals" for what's wrong with this country.
We are wallowing in the GOP elephant dung of ignorance, with Trump somehow coming up smelling like a rose to his followers. Heil Trump!
Am I the only one that reads history? No wonder the American people are walking into a nightmare with both eyes closed; they're ignorant of history.
We are wallowing in the GOP elephant dung of ignorance, with Trump somehow coming up smelling like a rose to his followers. Heil Trump!
Am I the only one that reads history? No wonder the American people are walking into a nightmare with both eyes closed; they're ignorant of history.
16
Really? One only read the comments in the NYT to realize that there is a hard core - not "plants" - for whom such vile conduct is okay and even desired so long as it is targeted at the right people.
8
Like it or not, here is what most Americans are taking away from all of this:
Liberals throwing rocks and destroying property because they lost an election.
Liberals literally attacking and injuring other human beings.
Liberals pitching fits and blocking traffic because they're angry.
Liberals setting things on fire because they're angry.
Liberal, rich celebrities mocking people who enjoy football and martial arts.
Liberal, rich newspaper writers undermining Bernie Sanders.
Liberal commenters trashing Trump supporters.
Liberal newspapers trashing Trump.
Liberal, rich, career politicians acting like sore losers and skipping the Inauguration.
Liberal, rich celebrities promising to move...but not following through.
Even Americans who didn't vote for Trump see this as destructive, anarchist, bullying, and condescending; they won't forget it. They will never empower these people again.
Liberals throwing rocks and destroying property because they lost an election.
Liberals literally attacking and injuring other human beings.
Liberals pitching fits and blocking traffic because they're angry.
Liberals setting things on fire because they're angry.
Liberal, rich celebrities mocking people who enjoy football and martial arts.
Liberal, rich newspaper writers undermining Bernie Sanders.
Liberal commenters trashing Trump supporters.
Liberal newspapers trashing Trump.
Liberal, rich, career politicians acting like sore losers and skipping the Inauguration.
Liberal, rich celebrities promising to move...but not following through.
Even Americans who didn't vote for Trump see this as destructive, anarchist, bullying, and condescending; they won't forget it. They will never empower these people again.
18
The violence against a Starbucks and a MacDonald’s is supposed to accomplish what? A shaming of yuppie expresso fanatics and fast-food meat-eaters?
The Washington Post has been consistently anti-Trump, and that's why young men trying to be thuggish or who knows what lit a parked limousine and started fires nearby?
And we blame Trump for being impulsive and unpredictable.
Trump promised to bring manufacturing jobs back to America and restore "the rusted out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation ..."
A more pointed protest would be to erect large "Now Open For Business" signs in front every one of these tombstones while holding "Will Work for Food" signs — never leaving until the new president makes good on that very particular promise.
Another possibility: March to the local Walmart and take a careful inventory of key items and their current price. If Trump's “buy American and hire American” promise unfolds via 35% tariffs, prices on typical Walmart items are in for a major increase. If prices do rise protest signs can read: "Price increases brought to you by the Trump administration.” The numbers won’t lie.
Undoing the ACA and it mandatory sign-up could raise premiums tremendously. Be sure to keep track.
Trump has made promises that can be easily corroborated by the facts.
No need to resort to violence. That’s stupid.
Trump’s own promises if unmet will be a self-generated wrecking ball.
The Washington Post has been consistently anti-Trump, and that's why young men trying to be thuggish or who knows what lit a parked limousine and started fires nearby?
And we blame Trump for being impulsive and unpredictable.
Trump promised to bring manufacturing jobs back to America and restore "the rusted out factories scattered like tombstones across the landscape of our nation ..."
A more pointed protest would be to erect large "Now Open For Business" signs in front every one of these tombstones while holding "Will Work for Food" signs — never leaving until the new president makes good on that very particular promise.
Another possibility: March to the local Walmart and take a careful inventory of key items and their current price. If Trump's “buy American and hire American” promise unfolds via 35% tariffs, prices on typical Walmart items are in for a major increase. If prices do rise protest signs can read: "Price increases brought to you by the Trump administration.” The numbers won’t lie.
Undoing the ACA and it mandatory sign-up could raise premiums tremendously. Be sure to keep track.
Trump has made promises that can be easily corroborated by the facts.
No need to resort to violence. That’s stupid.
Trump’s own promises if unmet will be a self-generated wrecking ball.
10
The protestors using violence are no different than the brown shirts of Naxi Germany were in the 30s. When all you have as a basis for your protest is an ability to create fear, you have no program that reasonable people can or will accept.
10
The "brown shirts" were organized - who would have organized this?
4
This is where the "Liberal Left" always falls off the rails. They are ever united to PROTEST but their diverse agendas obfuscate any cogent or coherent theme. Pepper the "agenda" with a drum circles and a poetry slam and they're off and yelling- accomplishing ZIP. Hold on to your emotional support animals- it's going to be a long winter.
8
It's so frustrating being a liberal democrat and watching protesters on my side break laws and cause violence. Say what you want about the extremists on the conservative side-- when was the last time you saw a crowd of conservatives throw rocks, block roads, or destroy property? These street clashes with the police are getting to be ridiculous. Democratic leaders need to call this nonsense out. Act with class, or you're not on our side.
32
I am tempted to let this stand, since it supports my side, but...in the interest of accuracy it was not the left who burnt churches in the 60's, was it?
7
Yeah, right.
The anti-choice fanatics don't throw anything -- they just show up one day with a gun and start assassinating "heretics."
Otherwise, conservatives stand for the status quo, so they really don't have anything to protest. They already control the mainstream.
The anti-choice fanatics don't throw anything -- they just show up one day with a gun and start assassinating "heretics."
Otherwise, conservatives stand for the status quo, so they really don't have anything to protest. They already control the mainstream.
8
As some other commenters are pointing out, these are very likely people trying to make the protestors look bad. If so, there's one example of the right loving violence. Here are some others:
• Ammon Bundy and his fellow welfare ranchers occupying and trashing the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
• Anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant bullying.
• Ridiculing and shaming the women who have come forward to complain about Donald’s sexual assaults on them.
• 2nd Amendment absolutism is responsible for ridiculously easy access to guns, which cause 30,000+ deaths every year in this country.
• Bending over backwards to defend every police shooting of an unarmed black man.
• Tough-talking war hawks. They much prefer war to weak and passive diplomacy.
• I would also include voter suppression as a form of violence – legislative or bureaucratic violence. There may be no blood or death, but it’s a kind of systematic oppression reminiscent of, and dating back to, Jim Crow.
• Ammon Bundy and his fellow welfare ranchers occupying and trashing the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
• Anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant bullying.
• Ridiculing and shaming the women who have come forward to complain about Donald’s sexual assaults on them.
• 2nd Amendment absolutism is responsible for ridiculously easy access to guns, which cause 30,000+ deaths every year in this country.
• Bending over backwards to defend every police shooting of an unarmed black man.
• Tough-talking war hawks. They much prefer war to weak and passive diplomacy.
• I would also include voter suppression as a form of violence – legislative or bureaucratic violence. There may be no blood or death, but it’s a kind of systematic oppression reminiscent of, and dating back to, Jim Crow.
6
Trump is such low IQ person it’s unbelievable. He is short-tempered
and an dishonest business man, NEVER HAD EXPIRIENCE OF INTERNATIONAL POLICY.
Ignorance has no excuse, but Mr. Trump will find one!
and an dishonest business man, NEVER HAD EXPIRIENCE OF INTERNATIONAL POLICY.
Ignorance has no excuse, but Mr. Trump will find one!
5
What insight, Tony. Unemployed urban youth act up and it's all about unrealized international relations. I had no idea the DC public school system was so advanced. Perhaps you could expand on this for us.
12
And what "EXPERIENCE OF INTERNATIONAL POLICY" did Mr. Obama have when he was sworn in? None either.
6
We have these types in Oakland who trash downtown stores regularly. They are a very, very small minority of protestors, yet they grab all the media attention and discourage participation. Oakland which needs all the monies for the common good have to spend millions for police and cleanup each year because of them. Businesses close down early and board up windows for every protest. These anarchists or whatever they are, use it as an excuse to vent their destructive anger and in turn subterfuge the meaning of protests because the media focuses on them alone. They are angry young men who do this and serve the purpose of agent provocateurs which is destructive to peaceful protest. Back in the 60's during the DC anti war protests there was discipline where the organizers had monitors keeping people peaceful and united. I hope moving forward we do the same. We're going to need to confront fascism taking hold of our government with non violent protest. Use chalk to express yourself not trashing up the place.
8
Looking at these protesters they appear to be homeless folks hoping to be arrested so they had a place to sleep.
4
These could very well be white supremacists trying to make the movement against Trump seem violent. Let's not put anything past them...they will do anything to try to legitimize Trump's call for more police...police state. James O'Keefe of Bribert news was caught red handed last week trying to hire people to disrupt the inauguration. In the past, he was convicted of tapping phone lines in another Republican race and has since been found to have tampered with recordings of Planned Parenthood employees talking about selling body parts. Even though this has been debunked over and over as a fraud the Republicans continue to use the false narrative to defund PP.
These people know what the news reporters go for...it is simple after all. Anyone find it suspicious that they all wore masks...hmmm.
These people know what the news reporters go for...it is simple after all. Anyone find it suspicious that they all wore masks...hmmm.
11
Can the news separate legitimate protesters from rabble in reporting on this day? People breaking windows and lighting trash cans on fire with masks don't match up with the focus of this march even though they may be photo-ops. That they ran away from reporters suggest they were actors in their own bid for importance. This video shows police using violence in some photos and is that rarely happening or is that the constant response? If this is a peaceful demonstration don't attack the participants. Keep the focus on the meaning of this protest not on any splintering over who speaks or who is angry they aren't speaking. This isn't about divisions it's about women's rights. Please don't miss the importance of Americans/women gathering in force. Many people across the world are growing leary of sensationalism and are asking what is the source they can trust for news.
4
From yesterday and from every day forward this will be how we NeverTrumpers will meet head on Midnight in Amerika.
This land is not our land, for now, not until we remove this malignant cancer known as Trumpitis from our nation.
The human stain of Trump, Pence. Ryan and McConnell will take a great effort to rid our nation of, but we shall overcome.
DD
Manhattan
This land is not our land, for now, not until we remove this malignant cancer known as Trumpitis from our nation.
The human stain of Trump, Pence. Ryan and McConnell will take a great effort to rid our nation of, but we shall overcome.
DD
Manhattan
4
If you find violence and destruction acceptable, you're right: this land is not your land.
If you feel you have the right to commit acts of violence or destruction to get what you want politically, no member of the human race in any land respects you.
If you feel you have the right to commit acts of violence or destruction to get what you want politically, no member of the human race in any land respects you.
10
I see world-wide both those who protest violently as also those who protest peacefully as a sign of hope: Both overcome, as of course also our heatedly engaged media as indications the nation is not indifferent, the ancient curse of lack of skepticism that befalls nations and individuals where dictators rule or such blatant peace prevails that all is honky-dory: Reason, skeptically evaluating the processes active in national and international politics and economics are evaluated with reason: Not only in "democratic" nations such as the USA, France, Germany, UK, etc., are there educated folks who evaluate events with skeptical reason: They can even be heard in Egypt, Russia, Turkey, and other such countries where the dialectical give-and-take of opposing views has seriously eroded. Our greatest hope for such skeptical reasonableness is a functioning legal system - either Constitutional or Common law as in the USA and England or Roman law as in most of western Europe - where such skeptical dialectic of reasonable evaluation prevails at least over the long run, even if such reason appears to be absent in this or that event. One of the most impressive aspect of such skeptical vigilance is the by now rather ancient political order of peaceful transition between administrations that has occurred in the USA now 44 times! Wherever you stood, with Clinton or with Trump, the 45th President of the USA was sworn in by our Chief Justice Roberts: A sign of that amazing stability.
2
I believe the masked protestors are hired thugs used to justify marshall law.
5
First, it's martial law, Marshall Law would be a western sheriff named Jude.
Second, do you have any evidence for the claim or do you just not want to admit that there may be bad people on your side as well?
Second, do you have any evidence for the claim or do you just not want to admit that there may be bad people on your side as well?
16
I condemn the violence but I applaud the enthusiasm and courage to get out there and protest your lungs out for what is right. The Democrats leaders cannot be blind to that, its time to recruit and build a strong young base for the future of the party. Get out there and join the resistance! That's how the Tea party started by the way.
Jail and prosecute those violent "protesters".
b
b
14
Given the right’s penchant for falsely stereotyping other groups – progressives, blacks, Muslims, immigrants, teachers, etc. – and then laughably pretending to have the high moral ground, it needs to be emphasized that all of the inexcusable violence yesterday was committed by a very small faction, “black bloc” anarchists. These idiots do not represent the vast majority of protestors, of the 60% who approve of Pres. Obama, or of the almost 66 million people who voted for Hillary.
10
Agreed. But can we also agree that not every single person who voted for President Trump is a hating, xenophobic, old white bigot? That will be a stretch too far for many in here I've no doubt.
14
Sure - not every single one. But the left’s stereotyping of Donald’s supporters in these ways is much more understandable, if not accurate, given the fact that they all voted for him *with full knowledge* of his many hateful, bigoted, xenophobic, and misogynistic remarks (not to mention many, many lies and empty promises).
Many of Donald's supporters voted for him *because* of all this. And, yes, some voted for him *in spite of* all this. Maybe you consider yourself to fall into the latter group. If so, you apparently have quite an amazing ability to forgive and forget. I just wonder why you and many other supposed reluctant Trump supporters didn’t (and still don’t) extend this same charitable attitude toward Hillary – or to people on the left generally.
Many of Donald's supporters voted for him *because* of all this. And, yes, some voted for him *in spite of* all this. Maybe you consider yourself to fall into the latter group. If so, you apparently have quite an amazing ability to forgive and forget. I just wonder why you and many other supposed reluctant Trump supporters didn’t (and still don’t) extend this same charitable attitude toward Hillary – or to people on the left generally.
3
Someone please explain to me how breaking windows at Starbucks is a valid protest against Mr. Trump?
20
The "violent" protesters are plants by the Robber Baron Party to try to make the march look bad. Stop reporting on it. Report on the MILLIONS of women - and men who love and honor women - around the WORLD who are marching for Equality For All - ESPECIALLY one-half the population of America and the World - WOMEN!!!
15
Obscenely-wealthy Meryl Streep had no problem mocking people who like football and martial arts.
Multiple celebrities publicly promised to move out of the US if Trump won (but, of course, they haven't moved).
Multiple permanent politicians publicly refused to attend this country's Inauguration.
Hillary Clinton plainly called Trump supporters deplorables.
None of these people are "plants." They're all extremely wealthy people who don't like Trump. For someone who frequently throws around the term "robber baron," it surprises me that you don't seem bothered by the stunning wealth of celebrities and career politicians who supported Clinton--or by Clinton's own wealth. Hypocritical.
Multiple celebrities publicly promised to move out of the US if Trump won (but, of course, they haven't moved).
Multiple permanent politicians publicly refused to attend this country's Inauguration.
Hillary Clinton plainly called Trump supporters deplorables.
None of these people are "plants." They're all extremely wealthy people who don't like Trump. For someone who frequently throws around the term "robber baron," it surprises me that you don't seem bothered by the stunning wealth of celebrities and career politicians who supported Clinton--or by Clinton's own wealth. Hypocritical.
9
"Plants?" Document your accusations or it is fake news. Not having voted for Trump, I can't speak for those who did, but only a simpleton would say that all his supporters are evil and do not honor women.
9
Those choosing violence only help Trump. They probably didn't even vote.
16
As Michelle Obama has said "violence begets violence!" Peaceful protests will work when large numbers VOICE their dissent.
11