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I may be mistaken, but didn't the Nazi Sturmabteilung (aka "Brownshirts") play a not inconsiderable role in Hitler's rise to power in the 20s and 30s? They were, of course, notoriously violent, and I think they tended to get their retaliation in first rather than leave it to the other side to start it.
Just to reiterate, I'm opposed to assaulting Nazis, even by throwing milkshakes at them, without lawful excuse (self-defence, defence of another) but that's because I want people to able peacefully to go about their lawful business, be it protesting, counterprotesting, taking the dog for a walk or going shopping, without having to contend with the threat of unlawful violence and public disorder. I'd rather have the police keep order.
But if the situation changes so there's no alternative, then people have to have the right to defend themselves.
Just to reiterate, I'm opposed to assaulting Nazis, even by throwing milkshakes at them, without lawful excuse (self-defence, defence of another) but that's because I want people to able peacefully to go about their lawful business, be it protesting, counterprotesting, taking the dog for a walk or going shopping, without having to contend with the threat of unlawful violence and public disorder. I'd rather have the police keep order.
But if the situation changes so there's no alternative, then people have to have the right to defend themselves.