A ripple of unease swept through the Capital Region recently as members of the neo-fascist Proud Boys took to the streets of Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and Waterford. According to their website, the Uncle Sam’s Proud Boys, based in Troy, attempt to portray themselves as nothing more than “chauvinists.” However, eyewitnesses to their unsanctioned demonstrations confirm what organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center have long known: they are an extremist group driven by violence, intimidation, and hatred towards non-male and nonwhite individuals.
In Waterford, one woman sought shelter in the police station until the Proud Boys had passed, while another in Ballston Spa faced online harassment after expressing her disapproval of their hateful rhetoric. Saratoga Springs, a city with a troubled history concerning policing and race relations, also experienced the presence of the Proud Boys. Initially, Public Safety Commissioner James Montagnino downplayed their actions, saying they hadn’t done anything warranting intervention. However, a few days later, he admitted that an officer had indeed been dispatched after someone called the police. This suggests that someone in the city felt unsettled by the masked men, anti-Biden flags, and loud music. The Saratoga Springs officer ultimately escorted the Proud Boys to their vehicles and provided them with a police escort out of the city. Mayor Ron Kim publicly condemned the group, referring to them as a “hate group” known for their reprehensible white supremacist views.
Since the extremist group had not obtained a permit to march, Saratoga Springs and the other affected communities were caught off guard. While Ballston Spa does not require such permits, the other communities do. It is now imperative for municipalities to have effective plans in place for responding to potentially inflammatory rallies, ensuring the maintenance of peace, protection of the community, and preservation of First Amendment rights in a consistent and fair manner.
On a different note, televising the upcoming trial of former President Donald Trump on charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election would offer Americans an opportunity to establish a shared understanding of the facts, even if interpretations may differ.
Although federal courtrooms generally do not allow cameras, the Judicial Conference of the United States and the overseeing judge should consider granting requests to televise this unprecedented trial. The regular arguments against cameras in court, such as disruption, witness intimidation, and loss of juror anonymity, do not apply in this case. Given the circus-like nature of the trial, with most witnesses already having their testimony televised during congressional hearings on the January 6, 2021, insurrection, and the intense interest in the case, there is no practical reason to withhold televising it. Additionally, even Mr. Trump’s lawyer has suggested televising the trial.
The aftermath of the 2020 election shook the very foundations of our democracy. By televising this trial, the public can witness how Mr. Trump is held accountable for his actions and judge for themselves.
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