Just when you thought things in Berkeley, California couldn’t get any worse, the left finds a way to surprise you, this time with more anti-Trump violence at a rally supporting the president. On March 4th, Trump rallies were held nationwide.  Supporters of President Donald Trump gathered in several states to express their approval; of course, they wouldn’t be genuine Trump rallies if leftist protesters didn’t show up to cause trouble.

The incidents at Berkeley were more violent than the others.  There were fights, destruction of property, and even black bloc activists.  The Chicago Tribune reports:

In Berkeley, California, Trump supporters fought counter-protesters during a march in support of the president. People wearing goggles, motorcycle helmets, gas masks or with their face half-covered with bandanas are pushing each other, throwing punches and hitting each other with the sticks holding their signs.

Ten people were arrested during the confrontations, and the police confiscated weapons.  Amy B. Wang of the Washington Post notes:

Of the arrests, five were for battery, four for assault with a deadly weapon (including one person who had a dagger) and one for resisting arrest, according to Berkeley police.

It was a scene reminiscent of the violent protest that erupted in February when conservative provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos was scheduled to give a speech.  This incident resulted in students being attacked and more property being destroyed.  Yiannopoulos’ event was canceled.

Similar to February’s protests, the black bloc protesters were out in full force.  They engaged in their usual violent behavior.  Wang writes:

The situation was further complicated when groups of self-described anarchists joined the crowd around 3 p.m., the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The anarchists were dressed in black and blocked traffic as they marched through downtown Berkeley, mingling with pro-Trump and anti-Trump demonstrators, according to the newspaper.

The Los Angeles Times confirms these activists were part of the black bloc.  They noted:

At least some of the counter-protesters appeared to be members of the so-called black bloc, a group that UC Berkeley officials blamed for many of the problems on campus last month.

The self-described anarchists or anti-fascists have left school and law enforcement officials struggling to cope with their tactics.

The left’s assault on free speech seems to be intensifying.  It seems that each month, there are more reports of violence at conservative events.  Their attempts to keep Trump supporters from expressing their beliefs continue to feed the tension.

The left’s rhetoric is also contributing to the acrimony; their consistent labeling of one side as fascist, racist, and sexist make acts of hostility inevitable.  Of course, the media’s biased reporting does not help matters.  By continually vilifying President Trump every step of the way, they are only fueling anger on both sides.

Now, we are starting to see more people — both on the left and the right — being hurt.  If something is not done, this will only get worse.  The problem will continue to grow until finally, someone loses a life.

We can’t afford to continue down the road we are currently on.  For us to become a better nation, we have to have some semblance of understanding and unity.  People need to be allowed to articulate their political beliefs without being subject to violence.  These types of activities harm people on both sides of the political spectrum.

President Trump has been a controversial figure since the moment he announced his candidacy.  His unconventional approach to politics has won him both admirers and critics.  However, the election is over.  People on both sides must not allow their emotions to get out of control.  Hopefully, as the fervor over the election dies down, we can get back to normal political discourse.  It would be a welcome change.