When a jury found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty on all charges, many on the left felt defeated while others on the right applauded and pointed to Rittenhouse as a hero of the Second Amendment. No matter how you feel about gun rights, this verdict is no cause for celebration. It’s bad news for everyone as it encourages more people to arm themselves when they feel threatened. Do we really want to live in a country like that?
And let’s not forget the racism that played a role in this case, either.
Hello. I’m Graham Elwood. And as I’m sure most of you know, Kyle Rittenhouse has now been acquitted on all charges. Here’s a couple of facts.
Had he left the AR 15 at home. No one would be dead.
So at the very least he should have been charged with reckless endangerment.
Also, if he was a black man who showed up at a protest with an AR-15 and started running towards the police, the cops would have killed him. You think I’m wrong? You think, open carry laws are enforced equally among whites and blacks. You’re wrong. Here’s the video to show you. This is from TikTok.
TIKTOK VIDEO: If you think that racism doesn’t exist and that open carry should be for both white and black people. I would encourage you to watch
TIKTOK VIDEO: We’re here with Warren. Hey Warren, what are we doing today? Just go out and exercise a right with a rifle today, sir. I see why not. I don’t have to do that. I’m not doing the crime. Okay. Any particular reason why you’re carrying an AR especially.
And by the way, he just resisted it. He just said, I don’t have the right. I don’t have to give you my ID. cop asked for it. So this kid didn’t comply. We always hear that. Why don’t you comply? Didn’t comply
Now a black guy, same state, same laws can open carry. You can walk down the street with AR-15, black guy. See how the police react. Should be the same, right? Because America’s fair.
TIKTOK VIDEO: He pulled out the gun, he’s getting down the gun. He just walked me up and carrying…
They didn’t even ask for his ID like the cop did to the white kid.
Look at this.
TIKTOK VIDEO: And they’re taking his weapon
They’re taking his weapon. How come the cops didn’t treat Kyle?
TIKTOK VIDEO: The illegal, these open carrying,
All these other cop cars come up, look, all these cops got guns drawn. They have guns drawn. This was just walking down the street. This wasn’t at a protest.
TIKTOK VIDEO: They’re taking his gun.
Then they take his gun. You see the difference. So I’m sorry. And let’s not forget this protest was because Jacob Blake, whose uncle and I played football together in high school at Evanston township high school, Jacob Blake was shot in the back seven times. He was unarmed. He had a cell phone in his hand.
Like how many times have we heard that? The black man goes into his pocket for his ID cause the cop says, show me your ID. And they shoot him. He’s unarmed, he has a cell phone, on and on we’ve heard this. And the cops always say the same thing. I felt afraid for my life. It was self-defense.
That’s what Kyle Rittenhouse pleaded.
Well, this is something I want the Second Amendment conservatives to understand. And by the way, I have a lot of gun-owning friends and fans of my show, who said, Graham, I own an AR-15, I never would have brought an AR-15 to a protest ever.
But since this is now because of he’s been acquitted. So now I’m afraid for my life. I go into a situation where there’s going to be people with an opposing view of mine. I have the right to deputize myself. He just deputized himself, brought a gun and said I was here to protect people’s property. None of those people asked him. So now can anyone on the left do this?
Whenever we see a Trump rally? Well, I felt afraid for my life. I, so we all showed up with guns because we saw what the Trumpers did to the Capitol on January 6th, they tried to kill government. They tried to stage a coup.
Anytime I see someone with a Confederate flag, well, we brought our AR-15s because we had the right to say we wanted, they were probably gonna try to burn things down because people with Confederate flags, burn crosses, Trumpers tried to kill people in Congress. So we felt like it was our duty to defend ourselves. Do we all get to say that?
Does every black person get to go? Hey, I have a weapon because I don’t feel safe. It was self-defense. Cops shoot unarmed black people all the time. So I had to defend myself. So I have an AR-15. Is that the kind of country you want to live in because there’s more guns than people?
So if you think all lefties are a bunch of snowflakes that don’t own weapons, you’re woefully mistaken.
And this sets a bad precedent. If you’re a Second Amendment person, you shouldn’t be celebrating this But here’s the thing, the hypocrisy of the NRA and Second Amendment people. It’s Second Amendment. It’s the right to carry a weapon if you’re white, as that video just shown. You don’t agree with me? Okay? Then when I see you, I’m going to carry a weapon because I feel threatened by you second amendment conservatives.
I feel like my life is in danger when I’m driving through the middle of the country and I’ve seen this bumper sticker a dozen times: “If you take away my guns, what am I going to kill all the liberals with?”
Oh, so that’s a threat against my life. So I don’t feel safe. So I’m going to have to protect myself. I’m going to have to get an AR-15. Is that what everyone on the left should do? I don’t want to do that. I know a lot of people on the left already have. This is bad for America folks. This is bad for the country.
And the ruling elites are leading us down a road for civil war because it better be us fighting. It’s better that we’re fighting with each other than realizing we’re in class warfare. Yet, again, another thing to keep Americans divided, distracted and afraid.
We sent young men to Europe to kill Nazis in World War II, to kill Nazis. Now they’re just running free on the streets and we call them heroes and patriots.
That’s not why my uncles went and fought in World War II. Two uncles of mine fought in World War II. Rethink this. It’s bad for everybody.
Graham Elwood
Share
. . .
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
More from Graham
Commentary
Our commentary partners will help you reach your own conclusions on complex topics.
How shifting Russian targets impact global economy
Yesterday
Peter Zeihan
What explains West African coups? Will France respond?
Thursday
Peter Zeihan
Chinese housing overbuild may erode support for Xi Jinping
Wednesday
Peter Zeihan
Americans debate government shutdowns, spending priorities
Wednesday
Dr. Frank Luntz
Do you really want to live in a country defined by the Rittenhouse verdict?
Dec 01, 2021
Share
. . .
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
By
When a jury found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty on all charges, many on the left felt defeated while others on the right applauded and pointed to Rittenhouse as a hero of the Second Amendment. No matter how you feel about gun rights, this verdict is no cause for celebration. It’s bad news for everyone as it encourages more people to arm themselves when they feel threatened. Do we really want to live in a country like that?
And let’s not forget the racism that played a role in this case, either.
Hello. I’m Graham Elwood. And as I’m sure most of you know, Kyle Rittenhouse has now been acquitted on all charges. Here’s a couple of facts.
Had he left the AR 15 at home. No one would be dead.
So at the very least he should have been charged with reckless endangerment.
Also, if he was a black man who showed up at a protest with an AR-15 and started running towards the police, the cops would have killed him. You think I’m wrong? You think, open carry laws are enforced equally among whites and blacks. You’re wrong. Here’s the video to show you. This is from TikTok.
And by the way, he just resisted it. He just said, I don’t have the right. I don’t have to give you my ID. cop asked for it. So this kid didn’t comply. We always hear that. Why don’t you comply? Didn’t comply
Now a black guy, same state, same laws can open carry. You can walk down the street with AR-15, black guy. See how the police react. Should be the same, right? Because America’s fair.
They didn’t even ask for his ID like the cop did to the white kid.
Look at this.
They’re taking his weapon. How come the cops didn’t treat Kyle?
All these other cop cars come up, look, all these cops got guns drawn. They have guns drawn. This was just walking down the street. This wasn’t at a protest.
Then they take his gun. You see the difference. So I’m sorry. And let’s not forget this protest was because Jacob Blake, whose uncle and I played football together in high school at Evanston township high school, Jacob Blake was shot in the back seven times. He was unarmed. He had a cell phone in his hand.
Like how many times have we heard that? The black man goes into his pocket for his ID cause the cop says, show me your ID. And they shoot him. He’s unarmed, he has a cell phone, on and on we’ve heard this. And the cops always say the same thing. I felt afraid for my life. It was self-defense.
That’s what Kyle Rittenhouse pleaded.
Well, this is something I want the Second Amendment conservatives to understand. And by the way, I have a lot of gun-owning friends and fans of my show, who said, Graham, I own an AR-15, I never would have brought an AR-15 to a protest ever.
But since this is now because of he’s been acquitted. So now I’m afraid for my life. I go into a situation where there’s going to be people with an opposing view of mine. I have the right to deputize myself. He just deputized himself, brought a gun and said I was here to protect people’s property. None of those people asked him. So now can anyone on the left do this?
Whenever we see a Trump rally? Well, I felt afraid for my life. I, so we all showed up with guns because we saw what the Trumpers did to the Capitol on January 6th, they tried to kill government. They tried to stage a coup.
Anytime I see someone with a Confederate flag, well, we brought our AR-15s because we had the right to say we wanted, they were probably gonna try to burn things down because people with Confederate flags, burn crosses, Trumpers tried to kill people in Congress. So we felt like it was our duty to defend ourselves. Do we all get to say that?
Does every black person get to go? Hey, I have a weapon because I don’t feel safe. It was self-defense. Cops shoot unarmed black people all the time. So I had to defend myself. So I have an AR-15. Is that the kind of country you want to live in because there’s more guns than people?
So if you think all lefties are a bunch of snowflakes that don’t own weapons, you’re woefully mistaken.
And this sets a bad precedent. If you’re a Second Amendment person, you shouldn’t be celebrating this But here’s the thing, the hypocrisy of the NRA and Second Amendment people. It’s Second Amendment. It’s the right to carry a weapon if you’re white, as that video just shown. You don’t agree with me? Okay? Then when I see you, I’m going to carry a weapon because I feel threatened by you second amendment conservatives.
I feel like my life is in danger when I’m driving through the middle of the country and I’ve seen this bumper sticker a dozen times: “If you take away my guns, what am I going to kill all the liberals with?”
Oh, so that’s a threat against my life. So I don’t feel safe. So I’m going to have to protect myself. I’m going to have to get an AR-15. Is that what everyone on the left should do? I don’t want to do that. I know a lot of people on the left already have. This is bad for America folks. This is bad for the country.
And the ruling elites are leading us down a road for civil war because it better be us fighting. It’s better that we’re fighting with each other than realizing we’re in class warfare. Yet, again, another thing to keep Americans divided, distracted and afraid.
We sent young men to Europe to kill Nazis in World War II, to kill Nazis. Now they’re just running free on the streets and we call them heroes and patriots.
That’s not why my uncles went and fought in World War II. Two uncles of mine fought in World War II. Rethink this. It’s bad for everybody.
Unions brewing at Starbucks. Is this good for America?
If more Starbucks employees form a union at their local shop, is that good for America? You can bet your coffee money on it. Late last year, employees at a Starbucks in Buffalo, NY, voted 19 to 8 in favor of a union. Since then, employees at other locations are trying to do the same
Feb 11
Russia-Ukraine conflict a fuss, designed to distract
Every news source in the country is carrying on about the possibility of Russia invading Ukraine, but have you considered any other point of view? Whether you’re watching CNN or listening to NPR, the reports are the same. High level talks are going nowhere, tension is mounting, and troops are taking up position at the border.
Jan 25
Is America the land of the free? Not exactly. Look at Julian Assange.
If you think America is a bedrock of freedom of the press, think again. Our government is trying to extradite and jail Julian Assange for being a journalist, for exercising his right to freedom of speech. Ten years ago, Assange and Wikileaks began publishing its Guantanamo Bay files, exposing abuses there. If Assange is extradited,
Jan 21
Do you doubt climate change? Just look at the tornado devastation.
If you have any doubt about climate change, take a look at the deadly tornadoes that hit Kentucky and several other states last month. The devastation is vast and just the latest in a list of extreme and record-breaking weather events that prove our environment is shifting. Who’s to blame? Listen to Penn State climate
Jan 7
Do you really want to live in a country defined by the Rittenhouse verdict?
When a jury found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty on all charges, many on the left felt defeated while others on the right applauded and pointed to Rittenhouse as a hero of the Second Amendment. No matter how you feel about gun rights, this verdict is no cause for celebration. It’s bad news for everyone as
Dec 1
Media Miss
Stories each side is underreporting
Former Loudoun schools chief guilty of retaliating against teacher
12 sources | 17% from the left
Local members of Congress weigh in on potential government shutdown
11 sources | 0% from the right
Latest Opinions
Getty Images
Biden proposes limited offshore oil and gas leases to support wind energy
Watch 2:20
19 hrs ago
The Elephant Sanctuary
California city first in nation to recognize legal rights of elephants
Watch 2:15
20 hrs ago
Getty Images
Sen. Feinstein’s death leaves Senate vacancy Gov. Newsom needs to fill
Watch 2:54
20 hrs ago
Premier of Ontario
Climate advocates, indigenous tribes protest efforts to mine $67B of minerals in Canada
Watch 2:50
20 hrs ago
Getty Images
Retailers report record $112B in lost inventory amid theft, violence
Watch 2:22
23 hrs ago
Popular Opinions
In addition to the facts, we believe it’s vital to hear perspectives from all sides of the political spectrum.
Politics of lesser evils is bad for all Americans
Yesterday
Dr. Rashad Richey
How a No Labels candidate might affect outcome of 2024 election
Yesterday
John Fortier
Why is accused sexual predator Russell Brand getting right-wing support?
Thursday
Jordan Reid
High housing mortgage costs are a risk to whole economy
Wednesday
Newt Gingrich
Politics
Sen. Feinstein’s death leaves Senate vacancy Gov. Newsom needs to fill
20 hrs ago
Members of Congress still get paid during government shutdown
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, longest serving woman senator, dies at 90
Getty Images
U.S.
California city first in nation to recognize legal rights of elephants
20 hrs ago
Elon Musk weighs in on immigration policy in visit to US-Mexico border
DHS collects migrants’ DNA for growing database, raising privacy concerns
The Elephant Sanctuary
International
Cuban officials call Molotov cocktail attack on its US embassy terrorism
Tuesday
Canadian lawmakers apologize after celebrating Ukrainian Nazi fighter
Nicaragua’s Catholic president is persecuting members of his own religion
Reuters
Tech
TikTok workers: China may have more control over user data than we think
Yesterday
Musk makes cuts to X election integrity team
Ford pauses construction on $3.5 billion EV battery plant
Getty Images