Kerby Anderson

Radical elements on the street are making radical demands of Democrats. Earlier this month, Axios interviewed more than two dozen House Democrats. They related a “growing anger” among the Democratic base. The lawmakers reported that at townhall meetings and in individual meetings, activists demanded more violence.

They were told that what they were doing to confront the Trump administration and ICE agents was not enough. The activists even said, “There needs to be blood to grab the attention of the press and the public.” One radical suggested that “what we really need to do is be willing to get shot.”

In a recent commentary, Joshua Arnold believes the foundation of all these statements is “a Marxist worldview that has jettisoned Christianity’s regard for human dignity, and that has reimagined all human relationships essentially as power struggles.” This is a call for a social revolution that will overturn the existing social order.

He reminds us that “Marxist tactics usually just involve constant destruction of powers-that-be, with no thought to constructive rebuilding.” In previous commentaries, I have quoted other authors and pundits who also remind us that the Left wants to destroy but rarely provides any blueprint for rebuilding.

We should remember that the current radicalism in the streets didn’t start with the 2024 election of Donald Trump. America has suffered through numerous protests in the past that resulted in blocked traffic, defaced property, burning buildings, and injured police officers.

Democratic leaders have a choice to make. Do they encourage these radicals, or do they suggest they try to make their case and work for the next election? The radicals have already made it clear that they think “civility isn’t working.” That is why many of these leaders are saying nothing and just trying to ignore them.