The Chinese consul in England who ordered his staff to kidnap and attack a protester, and participated personally in the attack, claims that he was justified because the protest signs constituted an attack against China.

This statement reflects China's contempt for dissent and freedom of speech. It illustrates how the Chinese government is a force for tyranny and repression. Alas, we can find similar views in the US too. Right-wing bullies, including the wrecker himself, frequently call for, and carry out, violence against people for disagreeing with them. At heart, would-be American tyrants are not very different from Chinese tyrants.

We also find progressives who take a similar stance, equating expression of right-wing views, or even depicting events those progressives condemn, to violence. They may claim to be "harmed" by the mere sight of them.

If we join with would-be tyrants in equating criticism with violence, we will have no basis to condemn right-wing violence except that we disagree with the right-wing views.

Just recently the leader of the Proud Boys was invited to speak at Penn State University, by a group of right-wing students. Progressive students demanded the university ban the talk.

I don't agree with the Proud Boys position any more than those students do, but if the disapproval of a group with some power is enough to ban a speech, lots of views will be banned.

On the other hand, if that speech would amount to a call to violence, that could be a valid reason to stop it.