No comparison
Many on the right have made claims that the January 6th insurrection, is somehow equivalent to protests that erupted after George Floyd’s murder. Let’s be clear, there is no comparison between that insurrection, and the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests that occurred last year. Right Wing Terrorists stormed our Nation’s Capitol. Many with intent to kill or hurt elected officials. It wasn’t a protest; it was an attempted coup.
The violence that occurred during protests was a side effect. The looting and burning of buildings and cars, were often perpetrated by people not affiliated with the organization or protest. Opportunists with their own agenda or people in opposition trying to create chaos. Violence was often in response to violent acts, either perpetrated by the militant police, or instigators from the other side. However, most BLM protests were PEACEFUL.
The MAGA terrorists wanted violence. That’s why active bombs were placed and zip ties were brought. That’s why there were people chanting “Hang Mike Pence”. How many BLM protests led to the evacuation of elected officials, or heard calls for “heads on pikes”? How many sought to KILL our Vice President? None. They aren’t the same.
There’s no comparison between cause either. BLM protests highlight the inequities created and perpetuated by this government, and work towards equality. MAGA Terrorists were having a deadly tantrum, based on lies pushed by Trump and reinforced by the GOP. Without proof, they believed Trump, and followed orders to storm the Capitol; they lost sight of their principles and became terrorists.
There is no moral equivalency between the BLM protests and that recent act of MAGA terrorism. Protests are American. It is patriotic to want your country to be better. The events of January 6th were unpatriotic and un-American. There is no other way to see it.
