Turkish Thuggery: Where Erdogan Goes, Thugs Follow

      Well, isn't he special.  That is, Turkey's Pres. R. Erdogan.  So, he visits America.  And he brings his entourage of bodyguards.  No problem with that: he's a head of state and deserves a little security when on the ground.   As he approached the embassy in Washington, DC, he was followed by a small crowd of demonstrators who held up a few unflattering signs protesting his visit. 
      Now we know what happens at a demonstration today: the iphones come out and all is recorded and posted on social media.   Simple reality.   So then what?  Erdogan's bodyguards rush the crowd and start pummeling members, and kicking some while down on the ground.  Lovely.   How does this happen?  Well, it must be a conditioned response.   Instructions are given, and the guards act according to plan.   And this is not the first time.
      So, when Recep moves, trouble follows in the form of an unruly coterie of thugs who know how to deal it out in the street.  Just like back home among real Turks, or Kurds, or some other dissidents.
     For a little extra spice, the Turkish government tried to silence a follower of the Gulenists.  An NBA player on a tour in Australia was warned that he was the target of Turkish investigators.  he decided to leave and head home to the States.  Just in time.  he found out later his Turkish passport had been cancelled and he was ordered to Turkey.   Too late Recep; cat out of the bag.   Can you imagine?  You are on vaca, and you arrive at the airport for the next leg of your journey.   Then, you are told your passport is cancelled.  Now what?  You cannot move: stranded, left by your government to wait for its next move -against-you.   Not pretty.
    Welcome to modern-Ha-Turkey.