Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin drew criticism for likening mass protests in Iran to demonstrations in the US over the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, accusing both governments of "terrorizing communities".
In a series of posts on X, Martin compared the US to Iran, suggesting that both countries are "killing protesters" and failing to hold those in power accountable. He declared that "Minneapolis won't be silent", referring to his hometown, and criticized President Trump for pushing a narrative that Americans aren't buying.
The comparison was made as Iranian protests escalated against the government's response to economic crisis. At least 544 people have been killed and over 10,000 arrested since demonstrations began on December 28.
Martin also drew parallels between the US response to Renee Good's killing and Iran's crackdown on protesters. He claimed that in both cases, governments are using violence without accountability, and threatened critics and journalists.
The DNC Chair faced criticism for his comments, with some accusing him of "encouraging violence". In response, Martin accused Trump supporters of defending people who break the law, urging them to take action at the ballot box.
In a series of posts on X, Martin compared the US to Iran, suggesting that both countries are "killing protesters" and failing to hold those in power accountable. He declared that "Minneapolis won't be silent", referring to his hometown, and criticized President Trump for pushing a narrative that Americans aren't buying.
The comparison was made as Iranian protests escalated against the government's response to economic crisis. At least 544 people have been killed and over 10,000 arrested since demonstrations began on December 28.
Martin also drew parallels between the US response to Renee Good's killing and Iran's crackdown on protesters. He claimed that in both cases, governments are using violence without accountability, and threatened critics and journalists.
The DNC Chair faced criticism for his comments, with some accusing him of "encouraging violence". In response, Martin accused Trump supporters of defending people who break the law, urging them to take action at the ballot box.
. Like, what's next? Are they gonna compare the US to, say, North Korea or something just to justify their own actions? And Ken Martin, of all people, with his ties to Minneapolis and all... I get it, he's trying to rally support for protesters in Iran, but does he really have to use such a loaded comparison? 
The dude needs to focus on the issue at hand instead of stirring up more drama. Anyway, 544 lives lost in Iran and we're still debating the politics behind it all... can't we just talk about finding peaceful solutions for once? 
. The DNC Chair is basically saying that the US and Iran are on the same page when it comes to treating protesters - like, both governments are being super violent and not holding anyone accountable 
. But then he's also talking about Renee Good's killing in the US, which was an ICE agent who did a really bad thing... I don't get why he's comparing that to what's happening in Iran 
. Like, I get where he's coming from, but isn't that kind of obvious? 
And now he's getting all defensive about Trump supporters defending people who break the law... can't we just agree on that without taking a side? 
. And now they're sayin' he's encouragin' violence? That's a big accusation 
. Can't we just have a respectful convo about these issues without resortin' to comparisons and accusations? 
I don't think this is the way to do it. We should be focusing on finding solutions, not pitting people against each other. Trump or no Trump, let's keep our cool and work towards change through peaceful means! 
i'm not sure Martin's trying to help or just stir up controversy... either way, it's gonna be a tough conversation to have 
i get that both countries are dealing with protests and stuff but comparing them like that is just gonna make things worse 
[GIF: A person wearing a MAGA hat getting punched in the face] 
️[GIF: A cartoon character being "killed" by a giant red pen]
[GIF: A handshake between two people with a calculator between them, showing that both sides are playing their own game]
[GIF: A detective looking for clues while a big explosion happens in the background]
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. Can't we try to understand where the other person is coming from? The DNC Chair might have gotten his message across, but did he really need to use such strong language? Maybe we should focus on finding common ground instead of pitting people against each other 
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. Let's try to be better than this, okay? 