ANN ALTHOUSE ON THE IN DEFENSE OF LOOTING AUTHOR WHO WAS FEATURED ON NPR:

Looters “get to the heart of that property relation, and demonstrate that without police and without state oppression, we can have things for free…. Looting strikes at the heart of property, of whiteness and of the police.”

That seems to present looting as street theater with a message. It makes an argument. A terrible argument. We’ve heard that argument in words many times over the years, and most Americans reject it. We want to work and build wealth and enjoy our lives and we want the great mutual benefits of hard work and wealth. Osterweil’s looting is a switch from making the argument against property in words and to speak with actions — the destruction of property. But that doesn’t make the argument more convincing! It’s a nasty tantrum thrown because you can’t convince people with your ideas. Ironically, fortunately, it makes the argument for the other side.

Read the whole thing.

Related: From Roger Kimball: Meet the Democrats’ Newest Strategist.