The arrests of 13 Michigan militiamen should chill every decent American to the bone. Gov. Whitmer has been harassed by armed men on her home lawn and in the state Capitol ever since President Trump singled out Michigan and its Democratic governor for derision over her pandemic restrictions. How much Trump’s tweet ‘Liberate Michigan’ and numerous other statements inciting opposition to sensible pandemic guidelines by Democratic governors might have contributed to the climate now spilling over into anti-government violence is uncertain.
But what is certain is that Trump’s entire campaign and governance has ratcheted up anti-social behavior from the White Nationalist crowd.
Back in 1170, shortly before the murder of his rival, Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket, England’s King Henry II, is reported to have said, “Who will rid me of this troublesome priest.” That quote in recent times has come to reflect a ruler seeking vengeance on perceived enemies but reluctant to order the deed outright. It gives cover when criminal followers interpret and act upon that wish. Come to think of it, Henry II’s quote from 850 years ago fits Trump perfectly, except for substituting ‘priest’ with ‘governor.'
— Walt Zlotow, Glen Ellyn
Note from KBJ: By your logic, Walt, you're inciting violence against President Trump.
