Politico on the Rise of Antifa

[Valin]

Hot Air

John Sexton

December 28, 2017

Politico published a story and an accompanying photo essay Tuesday looking at the rise of Antifa and what to expect from the group in 2018. Of the two, the photo essay is more interesting both because the images are good and because the tone is not sympathetic to the group.

"While most opponents of white nationalists are part of progressive movements that contrast their peacefulness and inclusiveness with the racism of neo-Nazis and other extremists, the anti-fascist militia known as Antifa adopts some of the same styles and attitudes of extreme far-right movements.

Its aim, according to Dartmouth professor Mark ray, who has studied it, is to forcibly repress all forms of hate speech, denying a platform to white nationalist groups. But its own belligerence alarms the FBI and other law enforcement officials.

At two separate rallies in Berkeley, California, Antifa members engaged in violence while seeking to counter “free speech” rallies organized by far-right groups."

Politico has really been ahead of the crowd on this story. In September, Josh Meyer reported that the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security had classified the group’s activities as “domestic terrorist violence.” * That article came at a time when some media personalities were still suggesting Antifa might have been created by the right as a distraction.

Also somewhat surprising is the response to the photo essay in the comments section. There are many people criticizing Antifa and only a few offering pro-Antifa pushback. A sample:

(Snip)

 

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* Whoopi may know about acting, what she doesn't know diddly about is ANTIFA/BLACK BLOC.