This is one of the most shameful and disturbing aspects of Trump’s legacy. It was also at the very core of his appeal to those who had been waiting for a public figure to articulate their biases and grievances, thus giving them permission to echo hateful and intolerant feelings they’d been keeping muzzled.

And, now, for some, it’s gotten to the point where words are not adequate to express these hateful expressions. They feel motivated, even obliged, as “true patriots,” to use violence against folks who have been dehumanized by this ugly rhetoric. A sad and dangerous time in America.