‘Whatever happened to freedom of speech’ asks Trump as rioters express it

Last Updated: March 12, 2016By

Protesters celebrate after it is announced that the rally has been cancelled. [Image: Chicago Tribune/Rex/Shutterstock].

This is the problem with Donald Trump – either he is deliberately missing the point about violence at his events, or he simply doesn’t understand what is going on.

He could be missing the point because he has deplored the Chicago riot for hindering “free speech” – yet free speech is exactly what the Chicago rioters were expressing, on both sides.

Alternatively, he may not understand what is going on because – like Conservatives in the UK – he believes the rules for everyone else don’t count for him and his expression of free speech is more important than that of the people of Chicago.

Or St Louis.

Or wherever it was that Breitbart reporter was allegedly assaulted.

Trump’s words have served only to accelerate the animosity.

Does America really want a man this divisive as president?

Research suggests the answer is no, with only around 30 per cent of voters likely to support him if he becomes the Republican candidate. Trouble is, the other candidates are just as bad or worse, in their own ways.

So it seems the Republicans are opening the doors of the White House for Hillary Clinton, who appears to have the Democratic nomination stitched up, courtesy of Party games.

Neither alternative – Trump or Clinton – seems appealing to This Writer.

Perhaps one observation about Trump supporters – that the US political system is now so corrupt it needs somebody as appalling as him to jolt it back into order – is correct, but they’re backing the wrong candidate to achieve that.

It seems far more likely he will burn the whole edifice down – or his words will enrage others into doing it for him.

A Donald Trump rally in Chicago had to be called off on Friday evening amid scenes of violence and chaos unparalleled in the recent history of American political campaigning.

The scrapping of the Republican frontrunner’s appearance due to what his campaign cited as “safety concerns” led to uproar and fights inside the University of Illinois Chicago Pavilion and in the streets outside.

Scuffles broke out between Trump supporters, protesters and police, and a number of arrests were made, including of at least one reporter.

The rally had been due to take place at a university that is one of the most diverse in the country, at a venue situated in the heart of Chicago, a Democratic stronghold where there are few registered Republicans.

Before the rally was even due to start, the scene for the evening was set as protesters inside the pavilion vented their opposition to the presidential candidate’s positions on immigration, race and other issues where his rhetoric has proven divisive.

Then it was announced that Trump wasn’t coming – and the arena erupted into chaos.

Fights and scuffles broke out as protesters swapped blows with Trump supporters and activists eager to celebrate their apparent victory.

After the postponement was announced a Trump campaign statement said: “Mr Trump just arrived in Chicago and after meeting with law enforcement has determined that for the safety of all of the tens of thousands of people that have gathered in and around the arena, tonight’s rally will be postponed to another date.

“Thank you very much for your attendance and please go in peace.”

Despite Trump’s statement that he had consulted law enforcement, the Chicago police department emphasised it had no involvement in the decision.

As the mayhem took hold, Trump was reduced to complaining about the situation on the air, telling MSNBC: “It’s sad when you can’t have a rally. Whatever happened to freedom of speech?”

Source: Donald Trump calls off Chicago rally amid protests and violence | US news | The Guardian

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5 Comments

  1. Harry March 12, 2016 at 12:37 pm - Reply

    Well Mike, if the administration of the US corporation is thoroughly corrupt, who does one blame? I would suggest that the blame be placed upon that corporations trustees, who are:-
    Queen Eliza-Beth 1
    The Pope
    The US Postmaster General.
    After all this mess in the US Corp is their fault. As for “The Trump” being divisive? Well what about the Shicklegrubers and their “You’re either with us or against us” meme. I feel US politics are the business of Americas’ people: But given the mess the US has made of the world, especially with Obamas’ TTP & TTIP I feel we deserve an opinion at the least. So, Given a choice between the Donald and Ms Clinton My hope is for DT. But Voting is becoming an absurdity and people are coming to see this.

    • Mike Sivier March 12, 2016 at 1:56 pm - Reply

      Well now, you’re obviously running with the theory that the US government is corrupt. That’s only a perception that reporters have suggested – we have no reason to believe it is any more or less so than it has ever been. Please don’t suggest I’m saying otherwise.

      • Harry March 12, 2016 at 4:21 pm - Reply

        Fair enough Mike:- My post-(above)- is my own view of the political reality as extant in the USA, and is not meant to suggest that Mike Sivier has promoted or even holds to that view.

        Hope that puts things right Mike. I in fact had not the slightest intention of implicating you by my posting.

        As a peace maker:

        http://www.solopassion.com/node/10075

  2. Alan M Dransfield March 12, 2016 at 12:40 pm - Reply

    Maybe someone should speak with Donald Trump and inform him of the Dransfield vexatious BS

  3. Terry Davies March 12, 2016 at 4:04 pm - Reply

    isnt the message global. all election systems no longer produce democracy. not that they have ever done this. but now peoples awareness is raised, we desire disempowerment of all politicians and corporations.
    reducing their time in power and petition driven deselection are essential overdue changes.

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