The scene was set at UC Berkeley, where chaos erupted outside a Turning Point USA event, featuring none other than conservative comedian Rob Schneider. The situation took an ugly turn as protesters attempted to block access to the campus. This brouhaha has intrigued many, and not just because flares were set off like it was the Fourth of July. Now, the folks from the Department of Justice and the Joint Terrorism Task Force are swooping in to investigate just what in the world went wrong. It’s not every day that conservative speakers attract such a fervent response, now is it?
UC Berkeley, a place that once echoed with the groovy vibes of ’60s counterculture, seems to have a recurring theme whenever a conservative speaker is on the docket. This time was no different. Of course, one might wonder just what kind of mischief these protesters are cooking up. The statements coming from the authorities make it clear that they’re taking this kerfuffle quite seriously. They’ve rolled out the usual suspects—the DOJ, the FBI, even the civil rights division, all tasked with figuring out this puzzle. How is it that every time someone with a slightly traditional viewpoint shows up, chaos ensues?
Jonathan Turley, a George Washington University law professor, made a timely appearance to offer insight into this pandemonium. He pointed out an ongoing issue on campuses where conservative and libertarian speakers often become pawns in a security chess match. The solution? Many universities decide a speaker just isn’t worth the bother and cancel events altogether. However, the path to enlightenment isn’t always a straight line, and some suggest, with a hint of sarcasm, that perhaps if protesters just put down their pithy placards for once, they might actually learn something.
Berkeley’s attempts at damage control are notable. They’ve pledged their full cooperation in the federal investigation into the incident, emphasizing that they’re intent on safeguarding free speech. It seems the university is quick to point fingers at “outside agitators” as if trying to pacify the notion that their community would ever engage in such disruptive behavior. It’s almost as if they’re saying, “Not us! We swear!” This brand of arm’s-length diplomacy could use a little seasoning, perhaps even a dash of reality.
Meanwhile, the ever-present boogeyman, Antifa, has once again been highlighted as the mastermind behind the strife. Some say that Antifa is the most violent anti-free speech movement out there, akin to an angry toddler with a sour disposition. Their tactics, according to critics, are straightforward: show up, agitate, and then sit back to watch the chaos unfold. It’s a strategy as old as time itself. As for the rest of us mere mortals, it’s quite simple really—either protect free speech, or watch it slip through our fingers like sand. These events leave many wondering if today’s “circle of free speech” hasn’t become more of a square.
