Cotton calls protesters 'pro-Hamas' and 'criminals'
Cotton suggests citizens would use force against protests in Arkansas
Law enforcement advises against taking matters into one's own hands, encourages peaceful resolution
Protests caused traffic jams and led to dozens of arrests
Senator Tom Cotton urges citizens to confront pro-Palestinian protesters in various cities
Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, has recently urged people to take matters into their own hands and confront pro-Palestinian protesters who block their routes. This comes after protests occurred in various cities including Oakland, San Francisco, and near O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. Protesters caused traffic jams at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, leading to dozens of arrests.
Cotton has called pro-Palestinian protesters 'pro-Hamas' and 'criminals.' In a Fox News interview, he suggested that if such protests had occurred in his home state of Arkansas, citizens would have met them with force. He also shared a video on social media showing men forcibly removing protesters from a roadway outside the United States.
However, law enforcement officials advise against taking matters into one's own hands and instead encourage people to let them handle such situations. The use of physical force against peaceful demonstrators is not condoned by law enforcement or the legal system.
It is important to note that all individuals have the right to peacefully protest, and blocking roads can lead to dangerous situations such as ambulance delays and missed medical appointments. It is crucial for protesters to exercise their right to free speech in a responsible manner, while also respecting the rights of others and ensuring public safety.
Dozens arrested during pro-Palestinian demonstration at Columbia University.
Online threats and hateful rhetoric against pro-Palestinian protesters have accelerated since Republican Sen. Tom Cotton encouraged people to take matters into their own hands against them.
Accuracy
Sen. Tom Cotton urged people to move pro-Palestinian protesters blocking traffic during demonstrations
Sen. Tom Cotton called for military intervention during George Floyd protests in 2020
Republicans passed laws increasing penalties for protesters and providing civil immunity for those who drive into them
Deception
(0%)
The author, Jacob Rosen, presents a biased and sensationalized article by quoting threatening statements made on social media platforms in response to Sen. Tom Cotton's comments encouraging people to 'take matters into their own hands.' The article does not provide any context or evidence that these threats were directly related to the pro-Palestinian protests, but rather implies a causal relationship between Cotton's words and the violent rhetoric. This is an example of selective reporting and sensationalism.
To counter protesters who sometimes glue their hands to roads, one user on far-right social media site Gettr suggested that their arms be ripped off or that they should have their hands cut off.
Dozens arrested during pro-Palestinian demonstration at Columbia University ... Online threats and hateful rhetoric against pro-Palestinian protesters have accelerated since Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas encouraged people affected by the mass protests to ‘take matters into your own hands,’ according to a report obtained by CBS News.
RUN THEM OVER!
They are terrorists and should be shot.
Fallacies
(80%)
The author makes an appeal to authority by quoting Daniel Jones' statement that 'The Senator's comments encouraging violence against protesters are irresponsible and dangerous.' This is not a fallacy as it is a valid assertion made by an expert in the field. However, the author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing Cotton's comments as 'encouraging violence against protesters' and 'irresponsible and dangerous.' This language goes beyond reporting the facts and could be considered inflammatory. Additionally, there are several instances of dichotomous depiction in the article, such as referring to the protesters as 'pro-Hamas mobs' and 'mob vigilantes.' These labels oversimplify complex situations and can be seen as biased.
]The Senator[s] comments encouraging violence against protesters are irresponsible and dangerous.[/
RUN THEM OVER!
They are terrorists and should be shot.
I encourage people who get stuck behind the pro-Hamas mobs blocking traffic: take matters into your own hands.
Bias
(0%)
The author encourages violence against protesters by using the phrase 'take matters into your own hands' and condoning actions such as running them over, killing or injuring them, ripping off their arms, and throwing them off bridges. He also accuses the protesters of being terrorists without providing any proof.
I encourage people who get stuck behind the pro-Hamas mobs blocking traffic: take matters into your own hands. It's time to put an end to this nonsense.
RUN THEM OVER!
They are terrorists and should be shot
To counter protesters who sometimes glue their hands to roads, one user on far-right social media site Gettr suggested that their arms be ripped off or that they should have their hands cut off.
Sen. Tom Cotton called for military intervention during George Floyd protests in 2020
Cotton now encourages civilians to take matters into their own hands against protesters
Republicans passed laws increasing penalties for protesters and providing civil immunity for those who drive into them
Trump encouraged violence against protesters at his rallies
Kyle Rittenhouse, who fatally shot two people during a protest, was celebrated by conservatives as a hero
Accuracy
]Sen. Tom Cotton urged people to move protesters blocking traffic during demonstrations[
Deception
(0%)
The author of this article is not explicitly stated, but the title indicates that it is an opinion piece written by Tom Cotton. However, as per the analysis rules, I will only consider statements made by the author and not those quoted or implied in the article. The author expresses his opinions on public protests and hypocrisy of conservatives towards such protests. He uses emotional manipulation by describing how conservatives reacted to trucker protests in Canada compared to their reaction to Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, implying that one was justified while the other was not. The author also engages in selective reporting by focusing on the negative aspects of conservative reactions and ignoring any potential positive aspects or nuances. He does not provide any peer-reviewed studies or scientific facts to support his claims, instead relying on anecdotal evidence and emotional appeals.
If something like this happened in Arkansas on a bridge there, let's just say, I think there would be a lot of very wet criminals that have been tossed overboard, not by law enforcement but the people whose road they're blocking.
Yes, sometimes protests get out of control. But the answer to that is for anyone who commits a crime to be punished – not by a mob or a self-appointed crusader wielding his car as a weapon, but by our legal system.
The hypocrisy of these liberals knows no bounds.
It's time to put an end to this nonsense.
Fallacies
(75%)
The author commits the fallacy of Hypocrisy by criticizing Tom Cotton for advocating violence against protesters who block traffic, while praising and justifying similar actions when conservatives do it. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing Cotton's statements as 'nonsense' and 'hypocrisy with no bounds'.
> It’s time to put an end to this nonsense.
conservatives made him into a hero, complete with standing ovations at conservative conferences and an invitation to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Donald Trump.
Bias
(0%)
The author demonstrates a clear ideological bias against the actions of Sen. Tom Cotton and conservatives in general, as well as a monetary bias towards liberal causes. The author repeatedly criticizes Cotton for his hypocrisy regarding public protests and blocking traffic, but only applies this criticism to conservatives. The author also expresses support for liberal protests such as the Canadian truckers' blockade and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, while condemning conservative actions. Furthermore, the author uses language that depicts conservatives as a threat and advocates for violence against them.
If something like this happened in Arkansas on a bridge there, let's just say, I think there would be a lot of very wet criminals that have been tossed overboard, not by law enforcement but the people whose road they're blocking.
It's time to put an end to this nonsense.
The hypocrisy of these liberals knows no bounds.
Trump has long made clear his belief that any liberal protest should be met with violence from both the state and ordinary people.
Yes, sometimes protests get out of control. But the answer to that is for anyone who commits a crime to be punished – not by a mob or a self-appointed crusader wielding his car as a weapon, but by our legal system.
Sen. Tom Cotton suggested drivers take matters into their own hands to remove pro-Hamas protesters blocking traffic.
There is no First Amendment right to halt the movement of other people by blocking roads.
Road closures can lead to dangerous situations, such as ambulance delays and missed medical appointments.
Accuracy
]Sen. Tom Cotton suggested drivers take matters into their own hands to remove pro-Hamas protesters blocking traffic.[
Deception
(10%)
The author expresses her opinion that road-blocking protests are unjustified and suggests harsher penalties for protesters. She uses emotional manipulation by describing the inconvenience caused to people stuck in traffic and the potential danger of road closures. She also engages in selective reporting by focusing on the negative impact of protests without mentioning any potential benefits or context.
There is no First Amendment right to halt the movement of other people, any more than there is a First Amendment right to burn down the White House, even if you sincerely believe that’s the only way to fully express your views on U.S. foreign policy.
These will continue in cities that don’t impose stiffer penalties for blocking the roads.
Fallacies
(100%)
None Found At Time Of
Publication
Bias
(80%)
The author expresses a clear bias against road-closing protests and those who engage in them. She implies that the protesters are irresponsible and inconsiderate of others, using language such as 'man-made jams' and 'minimal personal inconvenience'. She also suggests that the protesters do not consider the impact of their actions on others, stating 'Think about how little the protesters considered them when they decided to block the road'. The author also expresses a desire for harsher penalties for those engaging in these protests.
These will continue in cities that don’t impose stiffer penalties for blocking the roads.
Think about how little the protesters considered them when they decided to block the road.
Sen. Tom Cotton urged people to move protesters blocking traffic during demonstrations
26 people were arrested at the Golden Gate Bridge protest for conspiracy and obstructing roadways
California Highway Patrol Chief Don Goodbrand stated it’s unlawful to block roads preventing people from getting to work or emergency personnel from reaching those in need
Accuracy
]Sen. Tom Cotton urged people to move protesters blocking traffic during demonstrations[
Dozens arrested during pro-Palestinian demonstration at Columbia University.
Deception
(25%)
The author, Kate Santaliz and Zoé Richards, are reporting on Sen. Tom Cotton's comments urging people to 'forcibly remove' protesters blocking traffic. While Cotton claims he is not calling for violence against protesters, his choice of words and tone can be interpreted as such. This is an example of selective reporting as the authors only report details that support their position, while omitting context that may mitigate the potential deception.
Sen. Tom Cotton on Tuesday doubled down on comments urging people delayed by traffic stemming from pro-Palestinian demonstrations to ‘forcibly remove’ some protesters who are blocking streets.
If something like this happened in Arkansas, on a bridge there, let’s just say I think there’d be a lot of very wet criminals that have been tossed overboard – not by law enforcement, but by the people whose road they’re blocking.
I’m saying that if people are trying to get to work or pick up their kids from school or take a sick kid to the doctor and you have pro-Hamas vigilantes blocking the streets, they should get out and move those people off the streets.
Fallacies
(85%)
The author quotes Sen. Tom Cotton making inflammatory statements urging people to forcibly remove protesters blocking traffic (appeal to emotion). Cotton also suggests that if the situation occurred in his home state, he believes the people would handle it by using violence against the protesters (appeal to force).
"Absolutely, I support people, if they’re blocked by traffic, by pro-Hamas vigilantes in the street, they should get out of their cars, they should move them to the side of the road,‒Cotton
"If something like this happened in Arkansas,’ on a bridge there,’ let’s just say I think there’d be a lot of very wet criminals that have been tossed overboard — not by law enforcement, but by the people whose road they’re blocking.” –Cotton
Bias
(50%)
The author refers to protesters as 'pro-Hamas vigilantes' and 'criminals', implying a negative bias towards them. The author also suggests that people should forcibly remove these protesters from the streets, which could be interpreted as a call for violence.
Absolutely, I support people, if they’re blocked by traffic, by pro-Hamas vigilantes in the street, they should get out of their cars, they should move them to the side of the road
I encourage people who get stuck behind the pro-Hamas mobs blocking traffic: take matters into your own hands to get them out of the way
If something like this happened in Arkansas, on a bridge there, let’s just say I think there’d be a lot of very wet criminals that have been tossed overboard – not by law enforcement, but by the people whose road they’re blocking.
You can protest any which way you want. But it is unlawful to block a roadway and to prevent people from getting to work, emergency personnel from getting to help people. You can’t do it.
Senator Tom Cotton urged citizens to confront pro-Palestinian protesters who blocked their routes.
Senator Tom Cotton called pro-Palestinian protesters ‘pro-Hamas’ and ‘criminals.’
Protests occurred in cities including Oakland, San Francisco, and near O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.
Dozens of demonstrators were arrested at the Golden Gate Bridge for causing a traffic jam.
Senator Tom Cotton suggested that citizens should use physical force against peaceful demonstrators if they blocked roads in his home state of Arkansas.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(0%)
Robert Jimison endorses and encourages the use of physical force against peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters in his social media posts. He also shares a video showing civilians forcibly removing protesters from a roadway, implying that this is how it should be done.
Senator Tom Cotton urged people whose routes were blocked by pro-Palestinian protesters to “take matters into your own hands” and confront the offenders.
How it should be done.
If they glued their hands to their car or pavement, it’d probably be pretty painful to have their skin ripped off.
Fallacies
(5%)
The author, Robert Jimison, is endorsing the use of physical force against peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters by civilians. This is a call to violence and an appeal to emotions which falls under the category of inflammatory rhetoric.
>U.S. World Business Arts Lifestyle Opinion Audio Games Cooking Wirecutter The Athletic Advertisement You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. The Republican senator from Arkansas said citizens should ‘take matters into your own hands’ against demonstrators who have stepped up their civil disobedience to protest Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Let’s just say I think there would be a lot of very wet criminals that would have been tossed overboard – not by law enforcement, but by the people whose road they are blocking.
How it should be done.
Dozens of demonstrators who caused the traffic jam at the Golden Gate Bridge were ultimately arrested. Law enforcement officials said that is how the process is supposed to work, and that people should not take matters into their own hands.
Bias
(0%)
The author, Robert Jimison, endorses the use of physical force against peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters by urging citizens to 'take matters into your own hands' and suggesting that those responsible should be met with 'a lot of very wet criminals that would have been tossed overboard'. He also shares a video showing a group of men forcibly removing protesters from a roadway, writing 'How it should be done.' This advocacy for violence against peaceful protesters demonstrates clear bias.
Dozens of demonstrators who caused the traffic jam at the Golden Gate Bridge were ultimately arrested on Monday. Law enforcement officials said that is how the process is supposed to work, and that people should not take matters into their own hands.
How it should be done.
Let’s just say I think there would be a lot of very wet criminals that would have been tossed overboard – not by law enforcement, but by the people whose road they are blocking.
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. The Republican senator from Arkansas, on Monday urged people whose routes were blocked by pro-Palestinian protesters to ‘take matters into your own hands’ and confront the offenders.
