I’ve considered myself a “member of the left” for my adult life. From this perspective it is puzzling that members of the right claim that the left is just as bad when it comes to hate, violence, etc.

This does not match my experience.

Hate is something that is to be avoided on the left. It happens but it’s not glorified, it’s not rewarded and it’s not encouraged as a quality to be admired.

My perspective of the right is the complete opposite. Since I am not an internal “member” this is just an outside perspective but none the less… the right has always seemed proud of hate. Fostering the idea that hating something is “taking a stand”. That wishing for the utter destruction of an enemy person or idea is considered proper and to be respected and rewarded.

What we are seeing now is just a difference of opinion on what is and is not OK to hate. While I do acknowledge that hate can give one feelings of control and empowerment, it normally does not lead to the results that person would desire or expect.