[mydongle]

It seems you see this in terms of idea and theory. I am looking at things from a greater view, seeing the actual effect and impact of things. This is the same thing when health experts told everyone masks don't work. They were wrong. And you will be wrong as well.

Since if you believe I am against the protest, then it's in my benefit that the protests continue, so all my supposed enemies die off. Believe what you want :)

[pstuart]

The "masks don't work" message the beginning was a tragic mistake. I think I understand why it might have come to be, but it was a mistake nonetheless.

Mistakes happen. If we learn from them they become lessons.

I do see this in terms of idea and theory, as well as practice. These protests are a legitimate response to systematic abuse. It clearly has peoples attention, and that's a good thing from my perspective.

I don't want to be wrong, so could you clarify exactly how I'm wrong? In supporting protests? In taking the letter you cited on its word that social distancing and other preventative measures should be taken by protesters?

I can only guess that you are against these protests, in that you quoted them as "protests" and can only cite the the negatives you see (not enough social distancing and too much violence).

If the current administration prevails, I will indeed be on the wrong side of history by virtue of who is writing it, and why. I'm proud to be on the side that opposes fascism and I don't need external approval to know that authoritarianism does not promote a just society.

[mydongle]

When I said you would be wrong, I'm talking about the effects of that letter. The letter probably does mention that social distancing should be taken by protestors. But that is not what's happening and will not happen. So the main message the letter is: Coronavirus bad! Shut down your businesses and stay home. Except if you're protesting.

As soon as you have a confrontation here and there, the virus is no longer of concern. If you are someone who is legitimately concerned about the pandemic, you should be angry at all the health experts who signed that letter. For they have delegitimized the pandemic and vindicated those who do not believe it to be the threat it was made out to be. As with the WHO masks thing, these kinds of actions have only destroyed the credibility of the science community, or whatever's left of it. The effects of that are to be seen. But you will see them.

I don't know if I'm against the protests or not, perhaps it's more like I am against poor strategy. What has the protests done other than become co-opted by looters, dirty the perception of African Americans and other minorities, and now caused the science/health experts to disgrace themselves further? This is a big win for our enemies. I believe it's time for the protests to stop, so that we could see who's left, who are the people co-opting this movement to further their political goals. However pure and legitimate the protests are, to continue them is to continue providing a cover for those who would like to use the protests to further their political goals.

[pstuart]

I have to assume that you're being sincere but it feels like trolling to me. We apparently live in different worlds, and this is pointless.

Kthxbai!