I’m still not clear on why President Trump is to blame for the violence and death that happened during a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Yet, the majority of media reports are focusing on criticism of Mr. Trump for not condemning the Ku Klux Klan and related white supremacist extremists for the violence.

I will gladly accept any clarification on my misunderstanding but here is what I know for sure:

1—The Ku Klux Klan held a rally in Charlottesville;

2—Anti-demonstration protesters were there;

3—There was shouting and eventual violence between the two groups;

4—A car drove into a crowd of people, one person was killed and 19 were injured.

My reaction:

1—The constitution guarantees “the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

“Peaceably” is the key word.

2—Yes, both sides had a right to protest, but those who precipitated violence from both sides were motivated by their own hatred. The president correctly condemned both sides.

3—Yes, those who oppose the Ku Klux Klan also had the right to stay home.

I deplore white supremacy. But I am equally passionate about every American’s right to “peaceably assemble” despite my fervent opposition to their beliefs.

Why is criticism directed at the president and not the perpetrators of the violence themselves—from both sides?