At the end of the day, if there are injustices being done, what can we realistically do? That's the line these protestors are trying to walk - maximum impact within the allowable means of the law. That's partially what's so frustrating - it feels really helpless, but I'm proud of the people that are (legally) doing what they can to try and protect their neighbors.

"If you are going to fight with cops in situations that are escalating like this, it is a death wish, and it is really unfortunate that people have taken on this idea that, even if they disagree with the laws as it relates to immigration in our country or even the enforcement of it, to put themselves in such dangerous situations where people around them, even if it's not them, are aggressing against law enforcement engaged in legitimate operations that have gone through all of the court systems and what is happening is perfectly lawful with the officers who are on the ground, and these folks who are putting themselves in the way are putting themselves in grave danger. There's a very important conversation that's being had, and that's the insurrection act. What does it take for the President to utilize that tool to make sure that state agencies who are supposed to be protecting the public safety are doing so, and if they are not, the federal government has more tools at its disposal. There certainly are grounds to do it, the baseline in terms of establishing the good faith of the President in believing that that's necessary, the legal basis has been established."

Given the current events, I feel I can't go without mentioning the chaos unfolding in Iran. As heavy as things feel here, it's impossible not to recognize that the scale of violence and bloodshed there. I still hold the belief that our respect for human life, our constitution, and the expectations we place on government are lightyears ahead of theirs, and that's part of why what's happening here is so tough.