There has been a persistent stream of misinformation surrounding Kyle Rittenhouse over the years, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Recently, I had a conversation with a friend, and they made a comment that left me quite shocked. This friend, a long-time gun owner and hunter, said, “Don’t joke about garbage human beings like that.”

Let’s take a closer look at why some view Kyle Rittenhouse in such a negative light. The first question that comes to mind is: Does the wrongdoing of an individual or a group in one part of the country justify people in other states burning down and destroying businesses that were built by hardworking Americans of all races? The unequivocal answer is no.

Moving on, as Americans, we certainly have the absolute right to peacefully protest. But we also possess the right to defend ourselves, our loved ones, and our businesses. Without this right, in situations where the police have been instructed to stand down, we risk becoming subjects of the ruling class rather than citizens with rights.

So, when we consider Kyle Rittenhouse’s actions that night, we should remember that he went to help his family and friends protect their business. Moreover, he legally owned the firearm, despite what the news might have falsely reported. The only reason he crossed state lines with the weapon was that no one was present at the local police station when he tried to turn himself in. He had to travel to the next nearest station, which happened to be in another state.

In essence, the controversy surrounding Kyle Rittenhouse raises a fundamental question: Do we believe that a mob should have the power to destroy businesses belonging to people of all backgrounds due to an isolated incident that didn’t even take place in their community? Or do we stand for the idea that ordinary Americans should have the ability to protect their loved ones and property from a mob of strangers?

In a world where fear is being cultivated, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to discern whether it’s better to be attacked and hope to survive or take a stand and defend oneself. This, I believe, is a genuinely frightening prospect that no righteous person should have to face.