Perception is reality.

A friend of mine and I determined back in November of last year (2015) that the coming election year would be the most entertaining of our lifetime and indeed, my prediction is coming true with every passing day.

Last weekend, those opposed to the Republican frontrunner (Donald Trump) claimed a victory over him when he canceled an appearance at a rally not unlike the one I attended in January here in Tusla...err...Tulsa. 

His concern for the people in the arena in the face of potential violence was his reason and of course this was interpreted as cowardice by his opposition.

That was Friday night.  On Saturday morning a lunatic decided to jump a barricade and attempted to accost Trump at a campaign stop in an airplane hangar in Ohio. 

All very entertaining,  if you have a sense of humor like mine.

A few things struck me regarding these shenanigans.   As you know, if you are a regular reader of this volume (chuckle...All three of you?), I have not declared support for ANY candidate running for POTUS this year and I don't plan to in any public forum.   That said, it has amazed me in the few days since the events of the weekend how utterly CLUELESS people are about the suppression of the right of free speech that took place last weekend by people who selectively abuse it and then hide behind it.

A former elementary school classmate of mine from WAY back commented that while he doesn't condone what Donald Trump has to say, the fact that he didn't get to say it is a serious usurpation of HIS right of free speech, and that what those who "shut him down" REALLY achieved may do more harm than good on election day for their cause.  I have to agree with that sentiment because the right of free speech applies to EVERYONE, not just people you like.

It's comical to see how people defend the actions of the protesters on Friday night.   They think based on Trump's rhetoric they were perfectly justified in their actions.  That is right, but it's also wrong.  In a free society both sides should be heard...not just the loudest or the greatest in numbers.  So the question has to be asked: why we're the protesters allowed their rights and the Donald was denied his?

From what I observed at the Tulsa rally in January,  I can say that Trump's organizers make it clear in an announcement that free speech would not be suppressed but, the event is a private one paid for by the candidate and he reserved the right to eject anyone.  He makes everyone register on his website and they have to have a ticket to get in, as a a matter of fact.

As for the individual who charged the podium in the hangar, that was just stupid.  Especially with the Secret Service now guarding Trump and the other candidates.   If f*cking with the Secret Service is on your bucket list, take it off...it's not patriotism, it's just stupid.  What's even more stupid is that the assumption that the Secret Service were Trump's "thugs".   I read that over the weekend.  That literally made my right eye face my left. 

The fun continues.   Stay tuned...