November 2, 2026
Dr. McFarland: Polarized, post-election America could now burn like France; who’s really in charge?
French political unrest ‘is now a reminder that a free society cannot survive if intimidation becomes an accepted instrument of political influence’
GREENSBORO, N.C. — The world is watching as French political radicals exhibit severe ferocity during various ongoing nationwide protests, including public vandalism, significant looting and mob violence. A French government spokesperson commented that while these rioters might have legitimate concerns, they “are being exploited for political purposes and turned into urban violence.” President Trump reportedly warned French President Emmanuel Macron that his unpopular policies might result in this political unrest, yet observant Americans are growing increasingly concerned that this French tactic of expressing displeasure at government policies will happen in America.
“The scenes unfolding in France should serve as a warning to every American who values liberty, public order and constitutional government,” noted youth, culture and religion expert Dr. Alex McFarland in his latest op-ed. “When thousands of demonstrators take to the streets, when political protests descend into looting and arson, and when historic public buildings become targets of mob violence, a nation must ask itself a fundamental question: Who is really in charge? The rule of law, the citizens and their elected representatives? Or the most aggressive factions willing to intimidate everyone else?
“In America, political polarization has reached alarming levels. We, too, have seen demonstrations become destructive, public officials threatened and political opponents portrayed as enemies to be defeated at any cost. France is now a reminder that a free society cannot survive if intimidation becomes an accepted instrument of political influence.”
McFarland continued, “Legitimate grievances deserve a hearing. Citizens have every right to protest government policies and organize for political change. But there is an unmistakable line between reasoned dissent and the deliberate destruction of public property. Crossing that line threatens democracy by replacing persuasion and lawful political participation with coercion. When public institutions are attacked, individuals and families pay the price. Taxpayers finance repairs. Businesses lose income. Public services are disrupted. Young people may assume that bullying and destruction earn attention while responsible citizenship gains nothing. These are fallacies too dangerous to ignore.
“The November 3, 2026, choice before us could not be more stark: Constitutional self-government, or the growing influence of socialists who believe that the loudest, angriest and most destructive faction should prevail. Let us choose ballots over bullying, and liberty under law, over the rule of the mob. Let us restore confidence in our republic — and ensure that class envy and acrimony never become excuses to destroy the country we share.”
To read more from Dr. Alex McFarland about the dangers of violent political protesting, click here.
Alex McFarland currently co-hosts “Exploring the Word” on the American Family Radio Network, airing daily on nearly 200 radio stations across the U.S. He is also the host of the “Alex McFarland Show,” which airs weekly on NRB TV and YouTube. The “Alex McFarland Show” podcast is available here.
McFarland and theologian Bert Harper, veteran co-hosts of the nationally syndicated broadcast “Exploring the Word,” are proud to announce their newest book, “100 Bible Questions and Answers on Prophecy and the End Times.” Available now, the book concisely answers biblical questions about God, Scripture, Christian Living, and more. A follow-up to their previous work, “100 Bible Questions and Answers for Families,” this book promises to guide readers through some of the most fascinating and frequently misunderstood topics in Christianity: end-times prophecy and life in the everlasting new creation.
Alex McFarland has authored or co-authored more than 21 books, including the newly released “100 Bible Questions & Answers on Prophecy and the End Times,” “10 Issues that Divide Christians,” “The God You Thought You Knew,” “10 Answers for Skeptics,” “10 Answers for Atheists,” “The 21 Toughest Questions Your Kids Will Ask About Christianity,” published by Focus on the Family, and more.
McFarland is a frequent guest on Fox News and has been interviewed by other media outlets including Fox and Friends, Focus On The Family radio, NPR’s All Things Considered, The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC, CBN, La Vie (France), and various news outlets including CBS, FOX, NBC, CSPAN, SRN, and the Associated Press (AP) wire service. He is a contributing writer in print and electronic media, including LA Times, Boston Herald, OK- Celebrity News Magazine, Christianity Today, Charisma, On Mission, Billy Graham’s Decision Magazine and more.
Learn more about Alex McFarland Ministries at its website, Facebook and Instagram pages, or X feed.
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To schedule interviews with Alex McFarland, contact Hamilton Strategies, media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Richard Jefferson, rjefferson@hamiltonstrategies.com.
