“The people in Lafayette Park weren’t burning anything, were they? “
Not at the moment.
But they were in violation of a curfew order and had been ordered to disperse.
No they weren't.
The curfew didn't start until 7:00 EDT and an order to clear a public space without justification is BS.
I have to laugh at all the people who applaud the President for being so direct and politically incorrect and then twist themselves into logical pretzels to rationalize his behavior instead of embracing it.
He wanted to project an image of strength so he had the park cleared out during the national news.
Instead of being honest and saying "Yeah, it was technically a violation of civil liberties but it was worth it for the marketing effect" people demean themselves and pretend we didn't see what we saw.
I realize we're in a post-principle world and all that matters is beating the other tribe but for God's sake have the stones to admit what's happening.