Note that lead speakers and other debaters in Braver Angels’ debate on the role of violence in our political system did not necessarily align with liberal vs. conservative opinions. To delineate the two sides of the argument, this debate-page of The Hustings posts “negatives” – opinions in opposition to the resolution regarding violence in our political system – in the left column, and “affirmatives” – those in favor of the resolution, in the right column. 

Here are some additional opinions in the negative regarding the resolution:

“I’m surprised by the resolution, which makes it seem as if the language of violence were part of the Constitution. … That’s not part of the American political system.

--Alistair McLeod

“I feel very strongly that violence begets violence. I feel very worried about today’s weaponry.”

--Thomas Mayer

“To quote Gandhi, ‘An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.’”

--Aimee Deconick