Conservative think tank behind 'broken windows' policing and Trump's anti-DEI push has a new target

[QueerDuck]

2. We can reject right-wing traps like this without defending vandalism or property destruction.

This is a classic political trap designed to put Democrats on the defensive, and we shouldn't take the bait.

The Manhattan Institute's push to classify basic disorderly conduct or vandalism as felony "civil terrorism" is an obvious, dangerous overreach designed to chill legitimate, peaceful first amendment assemblies. We should absolutely oppose creating authoritarian tools that can be weaponized against peaceful citizens holding those in power accountable.

But the way we win this argument is by being completely clear: peaceful protest is a constitutional right, but vandalism, rioting, and property destruction are crimes.

Mainstream Democrats have always stood for law and order alongside civil rights. We don't support broken windows, blocking highways, or destroying property. By firmly drawing that line, we completely neutralize their trap.

We can protect the First Amendment from right-wing overreach without ever giving them the ammunition to falsely claim we excuse lawlessness.