The disconnect between political messaging and actual events was stark during last weekend’s protests. While Governor DeSantis suggested people could “run over” protesters they felt threatened by, the reality was peaceful demonstrations across the country, including two in Pensacola.
Dig Deeper: When asked about the weekend protests at his presser, Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves responded positively: “No. As far as every report I’ve gotten back from police department and everything was peaceful, everything, we didn’t have any issues.”
The mayor then emphasized his support for peaceful protest regardless of political views: “I certainly appreciate wherever you are on your political leanings, political spectrum, the ability for us to be able to share our thoughts and opinions peacefully should be important on no matter what side of the aisle that you’re on.”
He added, “And so I appreciate our citizens respecting other citizens, sharing their opinions, but being able to respect the safety of other citizens. And so I’m certainly thankful for that.”
This dangerous gap between DeSantis’ rhetoric and the actual protest isn’t new, as attorney Eric Stevenson explained on the “(We Don’t) Color On the Dog” podcast. His firm has firsthand experience with how inflammatory rhetoric translates into real-world violence.
The 2020 Graffiti Bridge Case
During the 2020 protests at Pensacola’s Graffiti Bridge, Jason Uphaus faced an impossible choice. Police had allowed protesters to briefly hold hands across the street, stopping traffic. But one driver circumvented police barriers and drove directly toward the group.
- “Mr. Uphaus stood out in front to try to block the car,” Stevenson explained. When a vehicle pushes against you, “you have two decisions to make. Go under the car or be on top of the car.”
Uphaus climbed on top, clinging to the vehicle as the driver accelerated across the Three Mile Bridge. He pulled off the car’s side mirror desperately trying to get the driver’s attention. The terrifying ride only ended when law enforcement barriers at the bridge’s end forced the driver to stop.
Initially, Uphaus was charged with criminal mischief for damaging the vehicle. Stevenson’s team had to prove their client was the victim, not the aggressor. They showed prosecutors video evidence and documented nationwide incidents where people were encouraged to drive into protests.
The charges were eventually dropped once prosecutors understood the full context.
The Pattern Persists
Fast-forward to 2024, and the same troubling pattern continues. Political leaders characterize peaceful protests as inherently violent threats despite evidence to the contrary. Recent protests were notably peaceful, with organizers actively working to maintain order and prevent violence.
Constitutional Rights Under Threat
As Stevenson emphasized, peaceful protest separates America from authoritarian countries. “It’s in the First Amendment. Our founding fathers wanted us to be able to speak out against our government.”
The right to peaceful protest isn’t contingent on agreeing with the message. Political rhetoric that encourages violence against protesters creates a dangerous environment where constitutional rights become secondary to political messaging.
- As Stevenson put it, peaceful protest is “as American as apple pie.” Our political leadership should reflect that fundamental truth.
Photo by Alphacolor on Unsplash