Kerby Anderson
Anti-Israel demonstrators have blocked traffic and bridges in many major cities across the country. Climate activists in other countries have also blocked traffic and vandalized priceless paintings and public monuments. These actions have created a societal problem we can no longer ignore.
Tal Fortgang argues that “Blocking the Road is Civil Terrorism.” Whether or not you accept his characterization of these tactics, you will have to admit the problem is getting worse, and poses a threat to decent, law-abiding citizens.
A blocked road or highway can be more than just an inconvenience. Whoever is on the road is prevented from getting to work, picking up kids, delivering packages, etc. A blocked road can prevent an ambulance from getting to a victim or even prevent the ambulance from getting to an emergency for urgent, life-saving care.
The object of blocking roads or destroying paintings isn’t to convince you of the logic and morality of their position. It is to frustrate you so you will call on politicians to give them what they want so you can go back to normal daily life.
Of course, those activists blocking traffic assume that law-abiding citizens will put their cars in park and wait until law enforcement comes. That may not always be the case, if angry citizens decide to take the law into their own hands.
Of course, the activists know they may not even be arrested. Even if they are arrested, they will pay a fine because it is merely a misdemeanor. This election season, you need to ask candidates a question: Isn’t it time to increase the penalty for blocking traffic and bridges? If we don’t, this problem will get worse.