www.bbc.com/news/live/election-us-2020-55558355

Most if not all US political leaders spoke of riots, mobs, Trump-supporters, violence, storming in connection with the Trump-induced incidents at the US Capitol in Washington DC. But Australia’s own PM Scomo calls them only “protesters” in his speech today. As if that what happened there was just a protest. Now why might he do that ? Well, his marketing background probably tells him: how can this be useful to me ? He does not like protesters and the Capitol incident seems an ideal tool for tarnishing and criminalising all protesters. This is how he works. He just can’t help it. Instead of condemning the violence and the destruction – and the prior incitement by Trump – he just looks after his own interests.

Protest is a legitimate way of seeking change or correction in a democratic society. The Cambridge Dictionary defines protest as: “a strong complaint expressing disagreement, disapproval, or opposition“. What we saw at the Capitol today clearly was much worse than just a protest. It was criminal forceful, violent and destructive entry by a mob into a government building, just after a Trump speech outside the Capitol. US and other world leaders condemn this with clear words but Scomo just does not get it – again.

“To storm the Capitol, to smash windows, to occupy offices on the floor of the United States Senate, rummaging through desks, on the House of Representatives, threatening the safety of duly elected officials. It’s not protest; it’s insurrection.” Joe Biden. Source: BBC