Antifa: Protestors or Terrorists?

By: Steve Huston

We are all appalled and saddened at the Antifa antics of (in some areas) unchecked violence and the massive destruction that has taken place over the weekend. We hurt with those who have lost loved ones, businesses, and a sense of safety. We understand the natural response of fear that people are feeling and we also recognize that these domestic terrorists set out to instill fear as one of their reprehensible goals. We rejoice with the fortitude and resiliency of the American people, as groups went into these “war”-torn areas afterward to clean up and help their fellow citizens.

It’s vital that we distinguish between peaceful protests and Antifa thuggery. Especially as there are those who fear that President’s Trump call for designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization would infringe upon their First Amendment rights, or that it might lead to the infringement of those rights for others.

What has taken place this weekend is NOT a protest. First of all, there was nothing to protest considering that justice was being served in the sad, horrific, and regrettable case of George Floyd’s death. Secondly, the malicious destruction of property, violence against those who are innocent of the aforementioned crime, and an intent to create chaos, fear, and terror not only dishonor Mr. Floyd’s life and death, but takes the focus off from the wrong that was done to him, placing it on the wrongdoing that caused social discord and the destruction of life and property while pushing a nefarious political and social agenda. In other words, they hijacked the suffering of this man for their own means—that is despicable!

Some would point to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “The Other America” speech, suggesting that the following phrase justifies what has taken place: “a riot is the language of the unheard.” Yes, there are two Americas right now; but today they are an America (of all races) that fight for and desire liberty, and an America (of all races) that is pushing for socialism. The fight is over whether all men will be free or if all men will be enslaved by and murdered by a way of life that our Constitution has held at bay for over 244 years. President Trump has been addressing the issues of racial inequality on several levels; so ask yourself, who has really been unheard? We need to compassionately help people to see where those who are pulling the strings are really trying to drive us.

If Martin Luther King Jr. were here today, I think he would, instead, say to us the words written in his book Strength to Love: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. So when Jesus says ‘Love your enemies,’ he is setting forth a profound and ultimately inescapable admonition. Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies– or else? The chain reaction of evil–hate begetting hate, wars producing wars–must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.” To love is not to give a free pass to those who are breaking the law; it is to hold every man (regardless of race, position, or religion) responsible for his actions in accordance with the law. It’s to love our neighbor, and ourselves, enough to protect one another’s freedoms, liberty, and dignity. Freedom is our only weapon against these things that are taking place.

When we allow politicians, celebrities, sports figures, or anyone who plays the race card instead of standing up for the inalienable rights and freedoms of ALL men, we hurt ourselves and dishonor the name of Christ, who died for all men.

When I see celebrities and the staff of men who are running for the highest elected seat of our nation say that they will pay the bail for those who were arrested in their illegal terrorist attacks throughout our nation, I see that they do not care about their fellowman, they support lawlessness, and don’t look down this road to its imminent destination. They are cutting their own throats and careers; no one but those in charge thrives in a socialist nation.

Even in protesting we must stand within the bounds of the law. I encourage you to look at the destruction that took place. Look at the attacks on our nation’s capital—attacks against America and its rich heritage. Look at the stories in your own state; see the innocent lives that were damaged. Recognize that it takes a lot of money for such national organized attacks, waiting supplies, and transportation (stories abound regarding these things). Ask yourself, “Where is all this money coming from and why is such effort being spent?” Why is COVID not an issue in addressing these riots but it was in the peaceful protests in various states? Why is the race card being played all of a sudden; could it have anything to do with the current investigating of former President Obama’s actions and his administration? These and many other questions should be going through our minds.

I urge you to learn more about Antifa—what it is, what are its origins, how they are used… Use the following resources to educate yourself, stir yourself to action, and to inform others.

YouTube video on Antifa by Trevor Loudon

“The New American” article on Antifa

We all need to recognize that rioting and looting is just another rung on the ladder of lawlessness. To have the lawless mindset that people should be forced to act against their Constitutional rights (no matter the degree) leads to this further lawlessness. The fear that is generated by those who support the destruction (or erosion) of our foundations, our Constitution and the Bible as its foundation, naturally leads to these actions. Lawlessness upheld leads to a lack of enforcing the law. We shouldn’t be surprised by what is taking place; rather it was to be expected. This is what happens when people do NOT look to the destination of the road they want to travel. It’s Romans chapter one in living color. Jesus is our only Hope and freedom is our best weapon against all that is unfolding before our eyes. Let us pray that our government will get back to the Constitutional Republic that it was designed to be and that God will bring about a gospel awakening that will move our nation to repentance and back to Him. Frankly, we will not have the previous without the latter.

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