General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Pushing the idea that agitators led protesters into bad behavior is absurd [View all]Freethinker65
(10,181 posts)Protesting is legal.
Attending a protest rally is fine, including those that merely attended the "stop the steal rally". Marching to the Capitol steps and disrupting traffic, marginal to meh. Violently and destructively gaining entrance is/was unacceptable and considered a crime. Doing bodily harm to those performing their jobs and/or going about their daily routines is a crime.
The same can be said for the student and non-student protestors on college campuses. Not all those that attended the protests went on to block others from entry to campus nor occupy campus buildings with the intent of holding the space hostage. If you intend to stage a sit in, you must be prepared for the possible consequences.
Getting swept up in a mob mentality moment is not a valid excuse. Accept responsibility for your decisions.