You Have A Right to Protest Peacefully . . . Which Means Respectfully

On Wednesday (July 24, 2024), anti-Israel protesters took to the streets of Washington, D.C., to voice their opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress. While their right to protest is undisputed, how they chose to exercise this right has rightfully drawn widespread condemnation. During these protests, individuals not only burned the American flag but also hoisted the Palestinian flag in its place, vandalized public property, and harassed passersby and law enforcement officials​.

As conservatives, we staunchly support the right to free speech and peaceful protest. However, the actions witnessed in Washington, D.C., were neither peaceful nor respectful. Burning the American flag is a deeply offensive act that not only disrespects the symbol of our nation but also dishonors the sacrifices of countless men and women who have fought and died to protect our freedoms. The American flag represents the unity and values of our republic, and to see it desecrated in such a manner is an affront to all Americans.

Replacing the American flag with the Palestinian flag further compounds this disrespect. This act was not just a statement of support for a cause but a blatant rejection of American values and a display of allegiance to groups associated with terrorism. It is crucial to distinguish between advocating for Palestinian rights and supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, which have been responsible for heinous acts of violence against innocent civilians.

The harassment of passersby and law enforcement officials during these protests is equally reprehensible. Reports indicate that demonstrators intimidated and followed individuals, including a Jewish man who expressed his offense at their actions and tagged public statues with hateful messages. This behavior undermines the legitimacy of their cause and erodes the fabric of civil discourse that is essential in a democratic society.

Furthermore, any protester who participated in these events and happens to be in the United States on a visa deserves to be and must be immediately expelled from the United States of America. Senator Marco Rubio has rightfully called on the Biden administration to revoke the visas of pro-Hamas protesters, stating, "The U.S. must not tolerate foreign nationals coming to our soil to engage in anti-Semitic, anti-American demonstrations and desecration." This is necessary to ensure that those who abuse our hospitality and disrespect our laws face appropriate consequences​.

It is worth noting that the White House has condemned these actions, stating that identifying with terrorist organizations and engaging in acts of violence and vandalism is disgraceful and unacceptable.

The White House rightly emphasized that every American has the right to peaceful protest, but it is shameful when individuals choose to demonstrate through aggression and hatred. However, Vice President Kamala Harris’s response has been deeply disappointing. Her recent comment regarding anti-Israel protestors — "…I understand the emotion behind it" — without condemning these actions outright is unacceptable. While I understand Vice President Kamala Harris just finished a significant and abrupt transition to running a national campaign for President of the United States, our nation’s leaders must unequivocally denounce any form of violence and hatred — standing firm against such behavior. Vice President Harris did put out a statement condemning the violence of the protests this morning, but it lacked clear signs she will stand against violence when it’s politically inconvenient.

As conservatives, we must uphold the principles of peaceful and respectful protest. We must encourage dialogue and understanding, not division and destruction. We must teach the next generation the importance of respecting our national symbols, engaging in civil discourse, and exercising their rights responsibly.

The protesters' actions in Washington, D.C., are a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining decorum and respect in our public demonstrations. We must remember that our right to protest is not a license for anarchy. It is a privilege with the responsibility to uphold our nation's values and respect others' rights and freedoms.

While we unequivocally support the right to protest, we must condemn the actions of those who choose to do so in a manner that disrespects our nation, our symbols, and our fellow citizens. Let us strive to foster a society where peaceful and respectful protest is the norm, dialogue prevails over destruction, and our shared values are upheld and celebrated.

Let this be a call to action for all Americans to exercise their rights with dignity and respect, to engage in meaningful conversations, and to work towards a more united and respectful nation. Our freedoms are precious, and it is our duty to protect them by upholding the principles upon which our great nation was founded.