The Left is ‘Bleeding Kansas’

 Victor Davis Hanson discusses how contemporary America is experiencing a similar political and social turmoil reminiscent of the mid-1850s phenomenon known as "Bleeding Kansas. " This period was marked by extreme violence and conflict over whether Kansas would be a free or slave state. Hanson argues that current events demonstrate a rise in partisanship and lawlessness, with radical elements in American society challenging the rule of law.

1. Historical Context of Bleeding Kansas:

• The term refers to violent conflicts between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions in the 1850s.

• The situation escalated as calls for peaceful solutions were seen as weak, while violent actions were celebrated.

2. Rise of Left-Wing Violence:

• Recent years have seen a rise in violent actions by left-wing extremists targeting Republicans and others. Examples include high-profile attacks on political figures and activists.

• Protests spurred by Antifa and Black Lives Matter have led to significant violence, deaths, and property damage.

3. Failure of Legal Consequences:

• Those involved in the violent protests of 2020 faced far fewer legal consequences compared to the protestors of January 6, 2021.

• Many of the 14,000 arrested activists from 2020 faced no severe charges or sentences.

4. Legitimization of Violence by Political Leaders:

• Certain Democratic leaders encourage protests that could lead to violence, promoting the idea that local governance can defy federal laws.

• This has created a new narrative within the left that equates defiance of federal authority with states' rights.

5. Contradictions in States' Rights:

• The left's support for states' rights appears selective, opposing federal enforcement when it suits them while also calling for federal intervention against conservative states that refuse to enforce federal laws they disagree with.

6. Local Law Enforcement and Federal Law:

• Local officials in blue states often protect or sympathize with violators of federal laws, creating a hostile environment for federal officers trying to do their jobs.

• Calls for violence against federal law enforcement, including threats made by political figures like Rep. Nancy Pelosi, increase tensions.

7. Historical Parallels:

• The current situation is compared to significant historical events where states actively resisted federal authority, such as in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Oxford, Mississippi.

• The rhetoric used today mirrors that of past events where state leaders justified violent resistance against federal intervention.

8. Culture of Violence and Extremism:

• Emphasis on figures like John Brown, noted for using violence to achieve political aims, indicates a normalization of radical actions within leftist circles.

• The safety and protection of federal officers are increasingly jeopardized as state and local officials encourage lawlessness.

9. Consequences of Lawlessness:

• The potential for violence as state and local authorities openly defy federal law enforcement is significant.

• Activists and political leaders increasingly celebrate violent actions against opponents.

Hanson suggests that America is echoing the troubling history of "Bleeding Kansas," indicating a dangerous escalation in partisan violence and a systematic undermining of the rule of law. He warns that the current trajectory could lead to severe consequences for civil order and safety as left-wing groups increasingly embrace radical tactics in their political struggles.

https://amgreatness.com/2025/10/27/the-left-is-bleeding-kansas/