From Jim Geraghty, who is as pissed off about Tabitha Hale getting hit by a union goon as I am, but is somewhat better able to maintain an even strain:
I’ve never been personally protested, but I look forward to that day. I’d love to look into the eyes and ask… why are you here? What are you doing with your lives? How little do you have in your lives to do that you can take time out of your day to stand there and wave a sign and shout in the hopes that someone, anyone around you will see or hear you and be persuaded? Have you no hobbies? No book you would rather be reading?
Are you that desperate to feel a sense of connection and shared purpose, and have failed so utterly at generating that sense of satisfaction and self-worth in every other aspect of your life, that you think that this is only way you can experience a frisson of purpose and mission and satisfaction with effort expended for a worthy cause? That worthy cause is filling the void of people yelling at me at this time and place?
You’re here because deep down, you fear no one loves you, don’t you?
Nobody does love them, of course. If people loved them, then they wouldn’t have to find meaning in the act of going to a protest and hitting a woman.
Moe Lane
PS: Extra, bonus quote from Tabitha herself: “[Pro-union agitators have] been comparing themselves to the Egyptians ousting Mubarak. Looks like they’re not too far off, given that they share the tendency to assault women with cameras.”
Jim’s painting with strokes too broad. I get the impression he thinks tea party protesters are idiots, too.