Defusing proto-fascist violence in Berkeley

I cannot sign the petition because of this item: 7. In violent clashes between proto-fascists and antifas, there is no moral equivalence between proto-fascists and antifas, even in rare instances in which antifas strike first. Whoever strikes first change the conversation into violence-against-speech and they immediately loose the moral ground. In fact, there isn't equivalency, the first striker, even if it is Antifa, becomes worst than the opposition. In fact, this is related to item 4: 4. Adherence to non-violence enables us to inhabit the moral high ground in the eyes of millions of Americans. It was non-violence that attracted huge numbers of demonstrators and swayed mainstream America in favor of the civil rights agenda of the 1960s.

I had attended the anti-hate rally that was held near the UC campus on 8/27, and I wrote a report on it for the Daily Kos ( https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2017/8/27/1693611/-Anti-Hate-Rally-in-Berkeley-and-Why-I-Went ), but it ended up being completely overshadowed by the violence that broke out later on downtown, and thus became a sad digital monument to what might have been the lasting images of that otherwise peaceful, beautiful event...

Antifa needs to ditch the military garb and face masks as this presence is counter productive to peaceful demonstrations

Will the limited disclaimer that I do not believe "self-defense" is always claimed justifiably, I support the Petition.

I think this would be a more powerful petition if its author(s) would make themselves known.

Sirry- ANY group that tries to block another's right to free speech, even hateful speech (which is different than legal hate speech), is as bad as another that tries the same. ANY group that resorts to violence, especially first, is evil and just as bad as any other that does. You had me until that part.

I'm in Oakland, graduated from Cal. Ok if I sign up? =]?

Thank you for your clear analysis. Our present administration would love nothing more than to have us "devolve into civil war."

Very thoughtful and well stated - so why are "you" remaining Anonymous while asking others for signatures?

This is profound and important. Thank you for taking a stand.

well done!

Using words to beat the opposition is a typical fascist move. They should have no place in Berkeley.

Very comprehensive and sane analysis. Great work.

Hate speech which deliberately incites riots and promotes genocide is not protected by the first amendment. Neither is assault.

I'm signing this because I agree with these response suggestions, and I want to encourage the City of Berkeley to develop an actionable plan to respond to proto fascists that diffuses violence and disrupts their intended narrative.