The Left Has Never Been Held Accountable For Political Violence — And That Must Change

 The rising political violence associated with left-wing rhetoric in America, fueled by historical provocations and the influences of key figures within progressive movements. The discussion centers on recent violent incidents and explores the implications of such actions on the political landscape.

1. Recent Violent Incidents: The article begins with the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, juxtaposed with the discussion of another violence-related event, the killing of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte. This highlights a disturbing trend of politically motivated violence.

2. Response from Political Figures: Former President Barack Obama issued a statement following Kirk's shooting, calling it despicable violence and expressing condolences for Kirk’s family. The author critiques Obama’s comments, suggesting that left-wing rhetoric and its consequences are well-known and should not be downplayed.

3. Historical Context of Left-Wing Violence: The author references the history of violent acts by left-wing groups in the 1970s and the rise of progressive district attorneys who advocate for policies seen as lenient on crime. An example cited is Chesa Boudin, the former district attorney of San Francisco, who had a troubled past linked to radical former terrorists.

4. Chesa Boudin's Background: Boudin was raised by friends of his incarcerated parents, who were involved in the Weather Underground. This exposure to radical ideas influenced his beliefs about violence, which he rationalized in his writings. The author argues that Boudin's perspective reflects a broader acceptance of violence against law enforcement among some leftist circles.

5. Connections to Political Leaders: The text connects Boudin's upbringing and ideological beliefs to notable political figures like Barack Obama and Bill Ayers, a former Weather Underground member. It raises questions about the acceptability of past associations with radicalism within political narratives.

6. Critique of Media and Political Accountability: The author argues that there has been a lack of accountability for political violence associated with the left. They suggest that the media and political elites, including Obama, have ignored or excused violent actions and the ideologies that promote them, which poses a risk to democratic values.

The article underscores the urgent need to confront and address the consequences of leftist political rhetoric and the historical influences of radical ideologies. Failure to do so, it warns, may lead to a more violent and unstable political environment in the future, necessitating a reassessment of how political violence is understood and dealt with in American society. 

https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/11/the-left-has-never-been-held-accountable-for-political-violence-and-that-must-change/