Conservatives think freedom is protecting their way of life by eliminating anything that threatens their world view. That includes democracy.

Trump is demonstratively extolling fascist ideas such as rejection of the rule of law, rage against the elites, nationalism and race superiority, heroic strength through force, attacking the week, and disdain for women and gender minorities.

Perhaps the father only intended his son to use his AR-15 to kill animals for fun, which is totally acceptable behaviour for any budding young psycopath.

“If ever there was a time when force is appropriate, a mob violently forcing their way into the Capitol would be it.”

This is such a complicated issue. Free speech is a human right but hate speech can incite fear in targeted groups effectively silencing their voices. The Scottish hate crime law is consistent with international human rights laws which protect freedom of expression but do not protect hate speech. But they may been better served keeping hate speech within civil law. It’s a balance between the freedom of expression of individuals and the freedom from harassment, discrimination and abuse of some of the most vulnerable individuals.