Trump Supporter Hair Set on Fire During Anti-Trump Rally
In a clear sign that the ongoing animosity between Donald Trump detractors and proponents rages on, a Trump supporter’s hair was set on fire at an anti-Trump rally that took place soon after the inauguration of Trump as U.S. president.
The below video shows a relatively peaceful confrontation between both sides, before one woman takes matters into her own hands. As a Trump supporter was getting a photo taken against the backdrop of the protest, a miscreant proceeds to light her hair on fire while her back is turned to the crowd.
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It was only the quick thinking of another Trump supporter that turned this potential serious incident into a trivial one. A male Trump supporter wearing a black and blue “Trump” hat doused the small flame before it could spread.
A description of the YouTube video encapsulates events as follows: “This happened on Inauguration Day in Washington DC just after Donald Trump sworn into office. Everything had been fine up until this moment, and it just comes to show that ‘Peaceful’ Protests aren’t always what they seem to be.”
The only saving grace for the anti-Trump protesters were the seemingly genuine apologies made by a few protesters after the fact. Unfortunately, rolling back the optics was an impossibility, as was the video footage. This was yet another in the long line of Trump supporter incidents sullying the reputation of anti-Trump protesters.
On March 11, 2016, a scheduled Trump rally at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) was shut down by anti-Trump protesters due to “growing safety concerns” of those in attendance. Organizers used social media to help gather thousands of people inside and outside the venue, eventually culminating in the cancellation of the event. Four individuals were arrested, with two of the people charged with felony aggravated battery to a police officer, and resisting arrest. (Source: “2016 Donald Trump Chicago rally protest,” Wikipedia, last accessed January 24, 2017.)
Another well-publicized incident in the general election lead-up culminated with the assault of several Trump supporters in San Jose, California. The final coup de grace occurred when one woman wearing a “Trump” jersey was cornered, spat on, and pelted with eggs and water bottles. Several protesters were arrested, and one officer was assaulted in the melee. (Source: “Protesters Assault Trump Supporters With Eggs, Bottles, Punches After Rally,” NBC News, June 3, 2016.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEMZSn8iLr4
Does the anti-Trump crowd have any respect for differing political views in America? The answer to this largely rhetorical question is: no.
Instead of winning hearts and minds through reason and logic, anti-Trumpers are letting their emotions get the best of them. They are using Trump supporters as piñatas based on their anger of what Trump might be, instead of anything that has actually happened.
Sure, most would agree that Trump has made some questionable comments regarding immigration and women during the campaign, comments which should rightly be vilified to varying extents. However, this is never a reason to bully and attempt to shut down other people’s political views. After all, about half of the country voted for Trump, despite various perceived “controversial” views espoused during his campaign.
Maybe, just maybe, these “controversial” views aren’t so controversial anymore? Perhaps society is finally shedding the yoke of political correctness, and it’s the anti-Trump protesters’ views which are now in the minority.
In the end, the viciousness displayed by anti-Trump supporters toward their counterparts will not gain widespread traction if disrespect and vitriol rule the day. Their viewpoints must be supported through rational arguments based on facts, not fears. It’s clear that much of America craves change, and that the rise of “populism” is not a fad.
We will soon find out whether responsible nationalism can bring cultural cohesion and economic security back to America. The left should hold Trump’s feet to the fire, but respect is earned, not coerced.
