A rather bizarre video has been making its way around the internet over the last few days, highlighting another example of the insane direction political discourse has taken in recent months.

The video — taken by a reporter with the Phoenix New Times in Arizona — showed a group of around 40 self-described left-wing anarchists, armed with what appeared to be AK-47s, AR-15s and other firearms marching along the streets of the southwest metropolis Saturday. The group had initially gathered across the street from the Arizona capitol, where a demonstration in support of President Donald Trump had taken place.

The reporter who captured the video, Stephen Lemons, attempted to talk to a few members of the group, only to face vague threats of violence from a handful of members. One of the demonstrators even tried to shove the reporter.

In spite of their actions, Lemons refused to stop filming the group and repeatedly prodded them about what they were trying to accomplish.

While thankfully the demonstration did not end in any bloodshed or violence, it was still a rather troubling sight to witness, especially in today’s turbulent political climate.

Regardless of your opinion about the Second Amendment, to see a group of organized citizens openly carrying assault rifles and other long arms down the city streets like an occupying force is disconcerting. The fact they refused to disclose the purpose of their march to a member of the press, who could at least share their message on a larger platform, makes the display even more alarming.

Sadly, this seems to be yet another sign of the direction our country is heading. Since Trump’s election in November, demonstrations for and against the president have often descended into violence.

For example, several weeks ago, at UC Berkeley in California, a rally in support of Trump broke down into fist fights between the president’s supporters and his detractors. Some individuals were using sticks and cans of mace to attack others.

We fully expect — and encourage — Americans to organize and express their outrage or support for our leaders in Washington. However, sticks, molotov cocktails and assault rifles contribute nothing to a political conversation.

If we continue to let our base instincts and emotions drive our politics, we can expect one of two scenarios to occur: complete destruction of our social fabric, or the rise of an authoritarian police state to quell the rabble rousing public.

We believe our country’s values of free speech and civil discourse are still the best tools for handling political disagreements. The days of solving such problems with sticks and bullets are best left in the past, where they belong.

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of General Manager Ambrosia Neldon and editors Scott Novak and Ted Yoakum.