Microblog Memes

I don't disagree with your points about words, especially in one on one conversations, or rather small groups. In stuff like organized events, protests at places like women's clinics etc, it gets a bit murky. Because the offense there isn't just words, they are concerted efforts to intimidate people. Anti abortion activists will shout, heckle, and condemn women going into such clinics, even if they're not there for abortion (most of these places, including Planned Parenthood, often a target) also provide just general health for women. Contraceptives, pregnancy testing and planning, STD education, treatment, testing, mental health concerns, wellness and preventative care.

By hindering access and intimidating people away, they are causing more harm than simply words, and so I think it's right for people to counter protest. Not to punch them first or anything, but to show up in contrast of the bigots and in support of those who need the help. Not necessarily self defense, but still correct imo.

Finally, relying of law of the land is an easy barometer to use, but it only works if those laws are actually fair. In apartheid states like South Africa used to be, or the USA used to be, would you agree with the laws of self defense there? Where for instant someone of my skin color could never defend myself against a slave owner?

Many of the people you may be arguing with may not agree that the law adequately protects them. Some I may agree with, and some I may think is crazy. Many situations are nuanced and can't be defined sown to a slogan or term. Lots of people who say "punch a nazi" don't mean going down th> e street, finding and assaulting a nazi for no reason. They mostly mean be prepared to fight back, and don't fall victim to the paradox of tolerance.