It is at moments like this one, in which the legislature and the governor of the state of Michigan have combined to beat the workers in that state down into Mississippi that I remind myself of two things. One, that the blog is resolutely opposed to political violence. And two, that Chris Rock had it right in that one routine in which the punchline always was..."but I understand."

Tension? Why on earth would there not be tension? People's lives are being made harder by an unaccountable political apparatus at the behest of unaccountable economic power. Democracy has been sold down the Detroit River. The governor of Michissippi is plainly exposed as a liar, And there is no apparent recourse for anyone against any of this.

Scott Hagerstrom, executive director of AFP-Michigan, said his group had already ceded its reserved spot on the Capitol steps when protesters began ripping out support wires holding up the tent. "They couldn't engage in a civil debate, and it's very unfortunate," Hagestrom said as he stood atop the fallen remnants.

It is important to remember that Mr. Hagerstrom's organization is financing a radical change in the lives of thousands of Michiganders, and doing so without any debate whatsoever, civil or otherwise, in the legislature, where debate is supposed to be the only thing they do. So, no, his tent probably shouldn't have been torn down.

But I understand.

Headshot of Charles P. Pierce
Charles P. Pierce

Charles P Pierce is the author of four books, most recently Idiot America, and has been a working journalist since 1976. He lives near Boston and has three children.