People warn that “this could lead to political violence.” Political violence isn’t some future possibility. It’s not just when politicians or public figures are attacked.
Political violence is also what the state itself inflicts — and it’s been happening for a long time.
So yes, saying “this will lead to violence” is technically correct. But the violence has already been here. It’s indiscriminate. It cuts multiple ways.
When you deny empathy and choose hatred and bigotry, you will be denied empathy in return.