🚧 Is shutting down a bridge a valid way to protest?

It’s Tuesday, December 19 — people are talking about Biden’s motorcade accident, the debate over bridge protests, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

If someone forwarded you this email, click here to subscribe.

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

🚓 Biden’s motorcade accident

A car hit Biden's motorcade while the president was traveling in Delaware.

🚓 On a rainy night in Wilmington, Delaware, a car accidentally collided with President Biden's motorcade. The Guardian says no one was hurt.

🚓 @patriot_savvy thinks the debacle was instant karma: It's no coincidence that the crash happened shortly after Biden downplayed his poor poll numbers.

🚓 Newsweek thinks the Secret Service's sluggish response to the accident is concerning. The agents lacked urgency, and failed to shield Biden promptly.

🚓 But CNN points out that Secret Service agents surrounded the driver who crashed right away. The driver was charged with a DUI after hitting motorcade SUV, so it seems like there was no intentional threat to Biden.

🚧 Is shutting down a bridge a valid way to protest?

Bridge blockades used as political protests: Some say it's vital activism, others call for jail time.

🚧 After a protest for peace in Gaza shut down the Bay Bridge, ABC7 News reports that the city of San Francisco is pressing charges against 80 individuals. Is shutting down a bridge/road a valid form of protesting?

🚧 Newsweek says no — bridge shutdowns for protests are counterproductive and dangerous. You won't get people on your side this way.

🚧 The LA Times mostly agrees. It does bring awareness to the cause, but it also increases public frustration, so it’s probably not worth it overall.

🚧 A Redditor on r/AskALiberal says we had the same objections to Iraq war protesters who shut down bridges and roads, and they ended up being totally right. Is this any different?

Quick hits

👮 Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill that allows police to arrest migrants who enter the state illegally. It's expected to face legal challenges. (AP News)

🇮🇱 Israel's defense minister announced the country was moving to the next phase of its operation in Gaza. (Reuters)

⚫ A 6.2 magnitude earthquake in northwestern China killed at least 127 people. (NBC News)

☠ The FDA detected lead levels of 2,000x more than normal in the cinnamon used in some recalled apple sauce pouches. (AP News)