The fact is that everyone has a natural right to free speech and nobody has a right to initiate aggression against someone because they disagree with their opinion. Just because you perceive yourself as being on the high moral ground does not give you cover for violence. If you physically assault someone and that provides cover for a violent counter reaction, that does not absolve you of being the first to initiate aggression.

Had the counterprotesters stuck with spirited debate of the issues, there would be no reason to condemn their actions, but they didn't stay in the allowable sphere of debate. They left the sidewalk and engaged with the marchers in the street. They swung clubs and set off pepperspray. They ceded the moral high ground and should be condemned.

That in no way excuses the behavior of the neo-Nazis. Their rhetoric is protested speech, but their response to the violence that came against them was inexcusable.

Both sides deserve equal condemnation.