Progressive Berkeley Mayor calls on Antifa to be declared a criminal gang under California law

[Expecting Rain]

Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin says “I think we should classify them as a gang. They come dressed in uniforms. They have weapons, almost like a militia, and I think we need to think about that in terms of our law enforcement approach.”

"We also need to hold accountable and encourage people not to associate with these extremists because it empowers them and gives them cover,” said Arreguin.

Under California law, a gang is defined as an organization of at least three persons, with a common name, or identifying mark or symbol, which engages in criminal activity. Criminals who commit offenses for gangs can face tougher sentences in the state.

For those who are unaware, Jesse Arreguin defeated a very liberal Democratic opponent in the mayor race in Berkeley in 2016 as the more left-leaning candidate in the race. And he's calling Antifa a gang.

Time to stop giving Antifa any cover here on DU in my estimation.


http://www.newsweek.com/berkeley-mayor-calls-antifa-be-classified-crime-gang-after-clashes-sunday-656286

[Starry Messenger]

1. What about neo-nazis?

I'm not at all a fan of some anarchist tactics, but it seems a little unbalanced to go after them, and not the other guys, who are actual hate groups.

[marybourg]

2. I agree with you.

They're making it dangerous for peaceful protesters to show up. I was afraid to go to the Phoenix protest, in part because of them. I'm too old and frail now to be arrested just for being in the wrong spot.

I've been to many demonstrations in my life, but never to a violent one, and I want to be free to keep going when necessary. I don't want masked, weapon-carrying, window smashing thugs at my protests.

[ProudLib72]

3. How about labelling the GOP a gang?

They have a common name (GOP), engage in criminal activity, and there are certainly more than three of them.

[LakeArenal]

4. Perfect.

[EllieBC]

5. Is he talking about Black Bloc? Because that's not antifa.

Black Bloc just shows up to mess up everything because they love some chaos.

[obamanut2012]

7. The left keeps falling for these antifa lies

the Nazis and Fascists LOVE it.

[Expecting Rain]

10. No, he specifies Antifa, and quite rightly IMO.

Mayor Arreguin says it is time to stop giving Antifa cover, and I agree 100%.

[obamanut2012]

6. I consider the Antifa heroes

And people on the Left falling for these Fascist lies against the Antifa are ridiculous. The Nazis did the same thing to the Antifa in Germany in the 30s.

[ChubbyStar]

8. Fascist's LIVE To Villify The Resistance

And the sheeple fall for it because it makes them feel safe. Oldest tactic in the warfare book.

[Expecting Rain]

11. Are you calling the left-wing Bernie Sanders-endored Mayor of Berkeley a "Fascist"?

Because that's simply not a credible charge.

[ChubbyStar]

12. Dropping all the buzz phrases now aren't we?

Not interested. Have a nice day. Bye

[Expecting Rain]

15. You are the one accusing people of being fascist sympathizers.

I'm extremely glad to see you go.

[Expecting Rain]

14. Antifa's street violence helped propel the Nazis to power.

It is a shame if we learn nothing from history.

As Naom Chomsky said recently. Antifa is a gift to the right-wing. Antifa violence feeds the Nazis.

Liberals should follow the lead of the Mayor of Berkeley (a guy that know what he's dealing with first-hand) and utterly reject the organized violence of Antifa.

[tymorial]

9. I see nothing wrong with this statement

If we abhor violence than we should abhor violence. The person engaging the activity should not matter nor the victim.

I find it rather hypocritical that we protest the abusive treatment of criminals by prisons and the justice system while ignoring or outright supporting violence by individuals who organize under Antifa. Yes their targets are horrible people but are we going to now qualify abuse of criminals who have committed horrible acts as acceptable?

[oasis]

13. If they show up masked and wearing Antifa gear, police should

immediately order them from the scene. If they refuse, load the paddy wagons with their asses and begin paperwork on them so we know who they really are.