Civility Wars

The decision by the proprietor of The Red Hen to not serve Sarah Sanders has created yet another stupid, bullshit nontroversy over civility. By all accounts, the proprietor was respectful, Sanders responded respectfully and that was that.  Then it became an internet "thing."

First of all, Sanders should thank the proprietor for asking her to leave rather than what usually happens in a restaurant when the staff hates someone.  Let's just say that the "special sauce" isn't worth paying extra for.

Secondly, what happened there was a form of civil disobedience.  Sanders was not denied service because of her race, gender or sexual orientation.  She was not a "protected class" in this instance.  She was denied service, because of her professional behavior.  She was denied service, because the Trump Administration was tearing families apart to scare other migrants, and that was beyond the pale for this restaurant staff.

The Red Hen will have to face whatever repercussions from the decision of the staff, and they clearly understand that.

But what happened was not "uncivil."  And the controversy is bullshit.  As Marshall points out, we must draw the line at violence and physical altercations.  I was clear on my position on that with the Antifa thing last summer.  (Was that only last summer?  Jeebus.)  Violence works best when you don't care about the rule of law.  It works best for facists and revolutionaries.

Civil disobedience is the tool of those who believe in democracy.  And it's entirely legitimate to use it against an administration when they are otherwise unpersuadable.  Trump and his minions don't "care" about anyone outside their base.  But they do "care" about status and being respected.

This is all going to get worse before it gets better.

UPDATE: This is a good analysis.