Maga is painting Saturday’s protests as violent treason. Prove them wrong | Judith Levine

Maga Sees Violence at Peaceful Protests - They're Wrong | Judith Levine

The US House Speaker, Mike Johnson, has been painting Saturday's protests as violent treason, calling them a 'Hate America' rally led by the pro-Hamas wing and anti-fa groups. He claims that Democrats want to keep the government shut down to allow these 'paid protesters' to express their hatred towards the country.

However, it is essential to prove Johnson wrong. The peaceful protests are not just about expressing dissent; they represent a movement of millions who will peacefully exercise their democratic rights in the face of an authoritarian regime attempting to eliminate them.

Johnson's narrative aims to silence dissent by scaring would-be marchers into staying home. But this attempt at intimidation is half-hearted. The real intent behind Johnson's rhetoric is to justify increased policing crackdowns and potentially invoke the Insurrection Act.

There is no guarantee that federal troops, the National Guard, or law enforcement will restrain themselves in cities occupied by federal troops. In some cases, they have already used force, such as gassing and pepper-spraying demonstrators who did nothing more aggressive than standing around and yelling.

Enter freelance enforcers who would use violence to intimidate peaceful protesters. The odds of aggression are highest in red states where gun laws are lax and progressives constitute a small minority.

However, it is crucial to resist this narrative by demonstrating nonviolence, which is not the same as passivity; it's the antithesis of surrender. Steadfast nonviolent resistance against a violent state is the most righteous expression of rage.

This movement has been committed to nonviolence since its founding in 2016. The organization behind NoKings events, Indivisible, rejects all forms of political violence and intimidation, no matter the source or target.

The good news is that nonviolence is not just a moral stance but also a strategic one for creating lasting change. Movements like the one behind No Kings events build trust, forge solidarity, and demonstrate discipline in the face of threats or attacks.

On October 18th, tens of millions of people will show America who the real haters are - not those who demand violence, but those who stand up for nonviolence, justice, and equality.

I mean can you believe Mike Johnson's antics? He's trying to stir up drama where none exists, like a master magician pulling rabbits out of hats... or in this case, out of violent protesters' imaginations . But seriously, I get why he's worried – no one likes protests that might threaten their authoritarian vibe . Still, nonviolence isn't just about not being aggressive; it's like a superpower that can actually bring about real change . These No Kings events are the real MVPs (Most Valuable Protesters) in my book !

can't believe what's happening in the US right now maga supporters saying protests are violent when it's actually pro-peace folks being silenced by reps like Mike Johnson newsflash: peaceful protests = nonviolence and btw, who exactly is funding these "paid protesters" ? seems to me they're just trying to scare ppl away from exercising their 1st amendment rights let's stand up for what we believe in without resorting to hate or violence #NonViolentResistance #StandUpForPeace #SilenceIsNotAnOption

I think Mike Johnson is way off base with his narrative on Saturday's protests. These aren't violent treasonous acts, they're peaceful demonstrations of millions exercising their democratic rights in the face of an authoritarian government . It's actually a movement built on nonviolence since 2016, which is actually a strategic move to build trust and solidarity, not just a moral stance . The fact that federal troops have already used force against peaceful protesters is alarming, and Johnson's rhetoric is more about intimidating people into staying home than addressing the real issues . If we want lasting change, we need to resist this kind of narrative with steadfast nonviolent resistance .

i mean come on Mike Johnson is literally trying to paint a peaceful protest as a "hate america" rally... that's just crazy talk. we're not talking about some extremist group here, we're talking about millions of ppl exercising their democratic right to free speech & assembly. he's basically saying that anyone who disagrees with him is somehow less patriotic or less american... that's not how it works in a democracy

honestly tho, i dont think mikes portrayal of these protests is entirely off base, weve seen some rough stuff in the past few months... like what happened at no kings events but that doesnt mean all protesters arent trying to bring about positive change its a messy situation and everyone's got their own opinions on it... what i do think is super concerning tho is when you see ppl using violence as an excuse for others who are peaceful

I mean, come on, Speaker Johnson is way off base here. The whole narrative he's spinning around these peaceful protests is just a thinly veiled attempt to demonize dissenting voices and justify increased police crackdowns . It's like, no, not all protesters are anti-American or pro-Hamas, you know? Some of us just want our voices heard without getting pepper-sprayed for standing still . And let's be real, the fact that he's trying to invoke the Insurrection Act is straight-up unconstitutional . We need to push back against this kind of authoritarianism with even more nonviolent resistance, not less .

I mean, come on Mike Johnson's trying to frame peaceful protests as "Hate America" rallies? That's just ridiculous . It's like he thinks people are just gonna sit back and let him silence their dissent with threats of violence . Meanwhile, the real issue is how law enforcement's been using force against protesters, and then Johnson's trying to justify more policing crackdowns? Not on my watch! The thing is, nonviolence isn't just about not being violent; it's about standing up for what you believe in without giving in to fear or aggression . And let's be real, the movement behind No Kings events has been all about that from the get-go . It's time for us to show America what we're really made of – nonviolence, justice, and equality .

omg u guys I'm telling u Mike Johnson is trying to stir up drama here he's painting all these protests as violent & treasonous but it's clear he's just trying to justify increased police crackdowns and who knows what other shady moves like the Insurrection Act. newsflash: peaceful protesters aren't gonna stop showing up cuz some dude in a suit is talking trash about them . and btw have u seen those vids of ppl getting gassed & pepper-sprayed for just standing there? that's not protest, that's police brutality plain & simple . we need to call out Johnson's narrative for what it is: a weak attempt at silencing dissent

Mike Johnson is totally off base! He's trying to label peaceful protesters as violent treasonists? Give me a break . It's so easy to paint people with a broad brush and claim they're the haters. But what he doesn't see is that these protests are about making a difference . And yeah, it's ironic that he's trying to silence dissent by scaring people into staying home . Like, isn't democracy all about standing up for your rights?

And can we talk about how he's using the Insurrection Act as an excuse for increased policing crackdowns? That's just a slippery slope. What happens when law enforcement loses control? We need to resist this narrative by showing nonviolence is not weakness, but strength ! It's all about building trust and solidarity with each other . The fact that NoKings events have been committed to nonviolence since 2016 says it all . Can't wait to see tens of millions taking a stand for justice and equality on October 18th

its gonna be another year of protests and police brutality in the us and now mike johnson is painting all peaceful protesters as violent traitors i mean what even is that kinda thinking? the truth is there r gonna be some idiots on both sides but to call it a whole hate america rally led by pro-hamas groups is just plain wrong the fact that democrats are trying to keep the government shut down might be true but its not about hatred its about being fed up with the system and wanting change

omg can you believe mike johnson is still spewing that hate america rhetoric? like what even is wrong with him?? i mean, the peaceful protests are not about expressing hatred towards the country, it's about exercising our democratic rights and standing up against an authoritarian regime. it's so sad that he's trying to silence dissent by scaring people into staying home... it's like, we're not even going to have a say in how this country is run? anyway, the fact that federal troops are still using force on protesters is just insane... and let's be real, mike johnson knows he's just trying to justify more policing crackdowns. can't wait for oct 18th tho - it's gonna be a big day!

This is getting outta hand ! Mike Johnson is just plain wrong . Those peaceful protesters ain't doin' nothin' but exercisin' their 1st Amendment rights . He's just tryin' to scare 'em off and silence dissent . Newsflash, dude: nonviolence doesn't equal passivity ! It's the exact opposite of surrender . And let's not forget, there's already history of police brutality ... we don't need more of that . The people will show up on October 18th and make their voices heard . Can't wait to see a sea of peaceful faces on the streets . It's gonna be a beautiful day

this is crazy, mike johnson is just trying to whip up fear to justify even more aggressive policing and it's gonna be a nightmare if they let the national guard out on the streets we need to stand strong and show that nonviolence is the way forward it's not about being passive, it's about being firm in our values and refusing to back down

I'm so worried about our country right now . I mean, Mike Johnson's words are really scaring me, especially the part where he thinks protesters are 'paid' to be violent that's just not true at all. My kids would never do something like that, and they're definitely not scared of speaking out for what they believe in .

I think it's amazing that there are so many people standing up for nonviolence and peace . As a parent, it's hard to see our kids being silenced or intimidated into staying quiet but at the same time, I want them to be safe too . It's all about finding that balance, you know?

I'm so proud of the No Kings events and Indivisible for standing up for what they believe in . My kiddos are learning so much from watching people like this, who aren't afraid to speak truth to power .

Can we please just show America some love and kindness instead of hate? I think that's the best way to create lasting change

Man, protests are getting super violent now . Maga's all like "these protesters hate America" but it's actually just people trying to make their voices heard . The gov is just trying to shut them down so they don't cause a scene . Johnson is painting a pretty bad picture, but honestly, the protests are peaceful and nonviolent . It's all about standing up for what you believe in without resorting to violence . The fact that some people get gassed or pepper-sprayed just for protesting is straight up messed up . Anyway, on Oct 18th, it's gonna be a big day and I'll be keeping an eye on the news .

I'm so impressed by these peaceful protesters! They're standing up for what's right, even when it's hard. Mike Johnson is just trying to scare people away, but the truth is, they're not the haters - he is! The fact that he's painting a picture of violent treason is just a smokescreen for his own authoritarian agenda. We need more people like these peaceful protesters who aren't afraid to speak out and demand change! It's all about nonviolence, trust, solidarity, and discipline. They're showing the world what it means to be strong without resorting to violence. I'm rooting for them all the way!

omg i completely agree with you!!! mike johnson is literally spreading misinformation & using violent language to scare ppl from exercising their democratic rights it's soooo not gonna work! the fact that he thinks ppl are just gonna sit back & do nothing in the face of an authoritarian regime is laughable i'm so proud of the movement behind No Kings events, they're showing us what true power looks like nonviolence is NOT passive, it's a STRONG statement against oppression!

I dont get why Mike Johnson is calling peaceful protests violent . It makes no sense to me. He's just trying to scare people away from exercising their democratic rights, right? I mean, if the government can't handle some angry protesters peacefully marching around, that's not the problem - the problem is that they're not being heard!

And what's with this "pro-Hamas wing" and "anti-fa groups" stuff? Who are these people even supposed to be? It sounds like Mike Johnson is just trying to demonize anyone who disagrees with him. And then there's the Insurrection Act, which is like, totally unfair if you ask me...

I love how the writer says that nonviolence is not about being passive, it's about standing up for what you believe in without hurting anyone else . That makes so much sense to me! And I'm all for peaceful protests and movements - we should be celebrating our freedom of speech and assembly, not trying to silence people who are just expressing their opinions .

I mean, come on Mike Johnson's got some nerve calling these protests violent treason. Like, has he even been to any of the rallies? He's just spewing hate speech, plain and simple. The real violence is coming from those freelance enforcers who show up with guns blazing. It's not about the protesters' intentions, it's about the cops' willingness to get violent. And let's be real, most of these protests are peaceful, people just standing there holding signs, chanting... you can't even call that a "Hate America" rally