I will always dislike this rhetoric because violence against actual fascists has historically ALWAYS backfired.
Part of the rise to power for the Nazis in Germany was fueled by open violence and brawling between communists and national socialists. Hitler basically got his foot in the door through a very weak coalition government and got his position as a dictator because people were sick of a bunch of young communists and brown shirts fighting and killing each other in the streets.
If they’re genuine nazi types that have the potential to get into the government they have historically ALWAYS used to this to their advantage.
And even if, realistically, they stand no chance of actual meaningful political influence, if a normal dude sees someone get ambushed and get the boots put on them on the street, they’re not going to think “oh what awesome heroes they are, taking down that horrible neo nazi”. They’re going to think “holy shit they’re wailing on that poor fucker. I’d better go before I’m next!”
what a lot of these political extremists and ignorant slacktivists that advocate punching nazis don’t get is that ordinary people are absolutely sickened by violence.
violence is not a norm in a healthy society. it’s an aberration.
societies where violence is the norm are terrifying, horrible places.
and like op said, a lot of people have really poorly calibrated nazi-dars. antifa and other sorts that punch nazis have absolutely pummeled people that had nothing to do with the far right shit they oppose.