Proactive, sensible ways to organize, dissent, stay safe

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wasn’t sure where to put this.

I’m one person with no power. I have both tried to keep aware of the world with quality writing and broadcasting of the PBS NewsHour type, and to otherwise engage with real books, ideas, and my real life and family; I’m sure many of us have. I can’t mainline MSNow anymore, it’s not good for me, and most of the broadcasters aren’t that great. I have chronic illness and need to actually care about my stress.

That said, the one two three hits of Maduro’s kidnapping, the Greenland fever dream moving forward, and the ICE murder of Renee Good have me despairing. I do not work as an attorney or organizer, or in public office.

What concrete steps can we do? Can we also discuss the risks of protest? I’m terrified of the surveillance state, and I don’t know how seriously to take advice I see on Reddit in re masking, burner phones, and avoiding even reading about advertised upcoming protests.

We have obligations to our children and to each other. What can we do, that is legal and yet effective, without risking our lives, let alone traumatizing those who depend upon us?

Mods: if there’s a master or pinned “what we can do” thread please of course merge.

I think you know what you should not do. Why does it take a human life for some idiots to learn?

What is your point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are routine ICE stops on my commute at least once a week (the Clara Barton). Thinking maybe I'll dress-up as an ICE agent as I drive by... hoodie, masked, all in black, no id. Maybe we should all dress up like ICE agents at the next NO KINGS protest? Well, probably not a good idea, but like thinking about this.

I do think it's wise to wear a hat and sunglasses, and maybe a face mask at protests. Cover up anything that could identify you, ie cover up your backpack and wear nondescript clothing. Do not let them use AI and face recognition to find out the names of all the protesters.

Help us know what an ICE stop look like since ICE isn’t wearing identifying clothing. How do you distinguish an ICE stop from other kinds of stops (eg, drugs) by LE.

Well, the ICE stops I have been involved in involve several Park Police stopping cars on the Clara Barton. Standing behind them are like 10-20 masked menacing looking ICE people waiting for the Park Police to stop someone - they look for ‘commercial vehicles’ which technically are not supposed to be on that road - ie landscapers, other contractors. Then they pull them over and I guess take them away. I usually just keep driving and try to take a photo discretely. That’s been my experience. It’s scary.

Hmm. That doesn’t really seem helpful. I’ve seen those kinds of stops pre-Trump. No way to know for certain that’s an ICE stop.

I sometimes see 4-6 cars for traffic violations once a car is pulled over on secondary roads.

Well, it’s true that as you approach the road checkpoint you might just assume it’s some sort of routine police activity or construction stop or who knows what. But as you get closer you start to see a large number of masked people lurking about. That’s when you know it’s an ICE checkpoint. I have never seen masked law enforcement before.

I would personally just leave the area.

I have a family. I have and a clean criminal record. Neither is worth risking putting my safety in jeopardy, especially since it won’t make any difference anyway.

This is the wisest approach here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are there things that make sense beyond the strict political point of running for office? Things that go beyond election cycles?

Protests matter. People visually in the street 100% makes sense and matters. Not because it's going to produce immediate change but for reasons discussed on this thread - it builds a sense of community and knowledge that many of your fellow citizens are like minded.

The regime can sneer, but it can't erase the truth as much as it tries.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are routine ICE stops on my commute at least once a week (the Clara Barton). Thinking maybe I'll dress-up as an ICE agent as I drive by... hoodie, masked, all in black, no id. Maybe we should all dress up like ICE agents at the next NO KINGS protest? Well, probably not a good idea, but like thinking about this.

I do think it's wise to wear a hat and sunglasses, and maybe a face mask at protests. Cover up anything that could identify you, ie cover up your backpack and wear nondescript clothing. Do not let them use AI and face recognition to find out the names of all the protesters.

Help us know what an ICE stop look like since ICE isn’t wearing identifying clothing. How do you distinguish an ICE stop from other kinds of stops (eg, drugs) by LE.

Well, the ICE stops I have been involved in involve several Park Police stopping cars on the Clara Barton. Standing behind them are like 10-20 masked menacing looking ICE people waiting for the Park Police to stop someone - they look for ‘commercial vehicles’ which technically are not supposed to be on that road - ie landscapers, other contractors. Then they pull them over and I guess take them away. I usually just keep driving and try to take a photo discretely. That’s been my experience. It’s scary.

Hmm. That doesn’t really seem helpful. I’ve seen those kinds of stops pre-Trump. No way to know for certain that’s an ICE stop.

I sometimes see 4-6 cars for traffic violations once a car is pulled over on secondary roads.

Well, it’s true that as you approach the road checkpoint you might just assume it’s some sort of routine police activity or construction stop or who knows what. But as you get closer you start to see a large number of masked people lurking about. That’s when you know it’s an ICE checkpoint. I have never seen masked law enforcement before.

I would personally just leave the area.

I have a family. I have and a clean criminal record. Neither is worth risking putting my safety in jeopardy, especially since it won’t make any difference anyway.

This is the wisest approach here.

The issue is that the checkpoint can be set up on a road with no way to exit except through the checkpoint

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are there things that make sense beyond the strict political point of running for office? Things that go beyond election cycles?

Protests matter. People visually in the street 100% makes sense and matters. Not because it's going to produce immediate change but for reasons discussed on this thread - it builds a sense of community and knowledge that many of your fellow citizens are like minded.

The regime can sneer, but it can't erase the truth as much as it tries.

This. One small but nice thing that happened to me Thursday evening was seeing protesters on my drive home, waving at them, and getting a wave back. I’m glad they’re my neighbors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are there things that make sense beyond the strict political point of running for office? Things that go beyond election cycles?

Protests matter. People visually in the street 100% makes sense and matters. Not because it's going to produce immediate change but for reasons discussed on this thread - it builds a sense of community and knowledge that many of your fellow citizens are like minded.

The regime can sneer, but it can't erase the truth as much as it tries.

This. One small but nice thing that happened to me Thursday evening was seeing protesters on my drive home, waving at them, and getting a wave back. I’m glad they’re my neighbors.

Ditto. I saw some on Friday afternoon in Reston when driving home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are there things that make sense beyond the strict political point of running for office? Things that go beyond election cycles?

Protests matter. People visually in the street 100% makes sense and matters. Not because it's going to produce immediate change but for reasons discussed on this thread - it builds a sense of community and knowledge that many of your fellow citizens are like minded.

The regime can sneer, but it can't erase the truth as much as it tries.

I don't know. There were massive protests against the US involvement in the Vietnam war 1968-1970. But the war went on with increasing violence for another three-four years. I just don't think they are effective in this instance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are routine ICE stops on my commute at least once a week (the Clara Barton). Thinking maybe I'll dress-up as an ICE agent as I drive by... hoodie, masked, all in black, no id. Maybe we should all dress up like ICE agents at the next NO KINGS protest? Well, probably not a good idea, but like thinking about this.

I do think it's wise to wear a hat and sunglasses, and maybe a face mask at protests. Cover up anything that could identify you, ie cover up your backpack and wear nondescript clothing. Do not let them use AI and face recognition to find out the names of all the protesters.

Help us know what an ICE stop look like since ICE isn’t wearing identifying clothing. How do you distinguish an ICE stop from other kinds of stops (eg, drugs) by LE.

Well, the ICE stops I have been involved in involve several Park Police stopping cars on the Clara Barton. Standing behind them are like 10-20 masked menacing looking ICE people waiting for the Park Police to stop someone - they look for ‘commercial vehicles’ which technically are not supposed to be on that road - ie landscapers, other contractors. Then they pull them over and I guess take them away. I usually just keep driving and try to take a photo discretely. That’s been my experience. It’s scary.

Hmm. That doesn’t really seem helpful. I’ve seen those kinds of stops pre-Trump. No way to know for certain that’s an ICE stop.

I sometimes see 4-6 cars for traffic violations once a car is pulled over on secondary roads.

Well, it’s true that as you approach the road checkpoint you might just assume it’s some sort of routine police activity or construction stop or who knows what. But as you get closer you start to see a large number of masked people lurking about. That’s when you know it’s an ICE checkpoint. I have never seen masked law enforcement before.

I would personally just leave the area.

I have a family. I have and a clean criminal record. Neither is worth risking putting my safety in jeopardy, especially since it won’t make any difference anyway.

This is the wisest approach here.

The issue is that the checkpoint can be set up on a road with no way to exit except through the checkpoint

That is what us happening in many areas of the country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are routine ICE stops on my commute at least once a week (the Clara Barton). Thinking maybe I'll dress-up as an ICE agent as I drive by... hoodie, masked, all in black, no id. Maybe we should all dress up like ICE agents at the next NO KINGS protest? Well, probably not a good idea, but like thinking about this.

I do think it's wise to wear a hat and sunglasses, and maybe a face mask at protests. Cover up anything that could identify you, ie cover up your backpack and wear nondescript clothing. Do not let them use AI and face recognition to find out the names of all the protesters.

Help us know what an ICE stop look like since ICE isn’t wearing identifying clothing. How do you distinguish an ICE stop from other kinds of stops (eg, drugs) by LE.

Well, the ICE stops I have been involved in involve several Park Police stopping cars on the Clara Barton. Standing behind them are like 10-20 masked menacing looking ICE people waiting for the Park Police to stop someone - they look for ‘commercial vehicles’ which technically are not supposed to be on that road - ie landscapers, other contractors. Then they pull them over and I guess take them away. I usually just keep driving and try to take a photo discretely. That’s been my experience. It’s scary.

Hmm. That doesn’t really seem helpful. I’ve seen those kinds of stops pre-Trump. No way to know for certain that’s an ICE stop.

I sometimes see 4-6 cars for traffic violations once a car is pulled over on secondary roads.

Well, it’s true that as you approach the road checkpoint you might just assume it’s some sort of routine police activity or construction stop or who knows what. But as you get closer you start to see a large number of masked people lurking about. That’s when you know it’s an ICE checkpoint. I have never seen masked law enforcement before.

I would personally just leave the area.

I have a family. I have and a clean criminal record. Neither is worth risking putting my safety in jeopardy, especially since it won’t make any difference anyway.

This is the wisest approach here.

Only if you're a coward. If you aren't willing to stand up for what is right then you are nothing more than a useless pile of MAGA excrement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are there things that make sense beyond the strict political point of running for office? Things that go beyond election cycles?

Protests matter. People visually in the street 100% makes sense and matters. Not because it's going to produce immediate change but for reasons discussed on this thread - it builds a sense of community and knowledge that many of your fellow citizens are like minded.

The regime can sneer, but it can't erase the truth as much as it tries.

I don't know. There were massive protests against the US involvement in the Vietnam war 1968-1970. But the war went on with increasing violence for another three-four years. I just don't think they are effective in this instance.

That is history. Do you think there was one slave rebellion and then suddenly we had the Emancipation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are routine ICE stops on my commute at least once a week (the Clara Barton). Thinking maybe I'll dress-up as an ICE agent as I drive by... hoodie, masked, all in black, no id. Maybe we should all dress up like ICE agents at the next NO KINGS protest? Well, probably not a good idea, but like thinking about this.

I do think it's wise to wear a hat and sunglasses, and maybe a face mask at protests. Cover up anything that could identify you, ie cover up your backpack and wear nondescript clothing. Do not let them use AI and face recognition to find out the names of all the protesters.

Help us know what an ICE stop look like since ICE isn’t wearing identifying clothing. How do you distinguish an ICE stop from other kinds of stops (eg, drugs) by LE.

Well, the ICE stops I have been involved in involve several Park Police stopping cars on the Clara Barton. Standing behind them are like 10-20 masked menacing looking ICE people waiting for the Park Police to stop someone - they look for ‘commercial vehicles’ which technically are not supposed to be on that road - ie landscapers, other contractors. Then they pull them over and I guess take them away. I usually just keep driving and try to take a photo discretely. That’s been my experience. It’s scary.

Hmm. That doesn’t really seem helpful. I’ve seen those kinds of stops pre-Trump. No way to know for certain that’s an ICE stop.

I sometimes see 4-6 cars for traffic violations once a car is pulled over on secondary roads.

Well, it’s true that as you approach the road checkpoint you might just assume it’s some sort of routine police activity or construction stop or who knows what. But as you get closer you start to see a large number of masked people lurking about. That’s when you know it’s an ICE checkpoint. I have never seen masked law enforcement before.

I would personally just leave the area.

I have a family. I have and a clean criminal record. Neither is worth risking putting my safety in jeopardy, especially since it won’t make any difference anyway.

This is the wisest approach here.

The issue is that the checkpoint can be set up on a road with no way to exit except through the checkpoint

I don't think ICE actually has legal authority to do traffic stops. They would need to get local PD to do it. But that doesn't seem to stop them from doing all kinds of shit beyond their legal authority.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are routine ICE stops on my commute at least once a week (the Clara Barton). Thinking maybe I'll dress-up as an ICE agent as I drive by... hoodie, masked, all in black, no id. Maybe we should all dress up like ICE agents at the next NO KINGS protest? Well, probably not a good idea, but like thinking about this.

I do think it's wise to wear a hat and sunglasses, and maybe a face mask at protests. Cover up anything that could identify you, ie cover up your backpack and wear nondescript clothing. Do not let them use AI and face recognition to find out the names of all the protesters.

Help us know what an ICE stop look like since ICE isn’t wearing identifying clothing. How do you distinguish an ICE stop from other kinds of stops (eg, drugs) by LE.

Well, the ICE stops I have been involved in involve several Park Police stopping cars on the Clara Barton. Standing behind them are like 10-20 masked menacing looking ICE people waiting for the Park Police to stop someone - they look for ‘commercial vehicles’ which technically are not supposed to be on that road - ie landscapers, other contractors. Then they pull them over and I guess take them away. I usually just keep driving and try to take a photo discretely. That’s been my experience. It’s scary.

Hmm. That doesn’t really seem helpful. I’ve seen those kinds of stops pre-Trump. No way to know for certain that’s an ICE stop.

I sometimes see 4-6 cars for traffic violations once a car is pulled over on secondary roads.

Well, it’s true that as you approach the road checkpoint you might just assume it’s some sort of routine police activity or construction stop or who knows what. But as you get closer you start to see a large number of masked people lurking about. That’s when you know it’s an ICE checkpoint. I have never seen masked law enforcement before.

I would personally just leave the area.

I have a family. I have and a clean criminal record. Neither is worth risking putting my safety in jeopardy, especially since it won’t make any difference anyway.

This is the wisest approach here.

Only if you're a coward. If you aren't willing to stand up AND DIE for what is right then you are nothing more than a useless pile of MAGA excrement.

Fixed that for you. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. You cannot expect things will always be peaceful. People on both sides seem to be itching for civil war.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are routine ICE stops on my commute at least once a week (the Clara Barton). Thinking maybe I'll dress-up as an ICE agent as I drive by... hoodie, masked, all in black, no id. Maybe we should all dress up like ICE agents at the next NO KINGS protest? Well, probably not a good idea, but like thinking about this.

I do think it's wise to wear a hat and sunglasses, and maybe a face mask at protests. Cover up anything that could identify you, ie cover up your backpack and wear nondescript clothing. Do not let them use AI and face recognition to find out the names of all the protesters.

Help us know what an ICE stop look like since ICE isn’t wearing identifying clothing. How do you distinguish an ICE stop from other kinds of stops (eg, drugs) by LE.

Well, the ICE stops I have been involved in involve several Park Police stopping cars on the Clara Barton. Standing behind them are like 10-20 masked menacing looking ICE people waiting for the Park Police to stop someone - they look for ‘commercial vehicles’ which technically are not supposed to be on that road - ie landscapers, other contractors. Then they pull them over and I guess take them away. I usually just keep driving and try to take a photo discretely. That’s been my experience. It’s scary.

Hmm. That doesn’t really seem helpful. I’ve seen those kinds of stops pre-Trump. No way to know for certain that’s an ICE stop.

I sometimes see 4-6 cars for traffic violations once a car is pulled over on secondary roads.

Well, it’s true that as you approach the road checkpoint you might just assume it’s some sort of routine police activity or construction stop or who knows what. But as you get closer you start to see a large number of masked people lurking about. That’s when you know it’s an ICE checkpoint. I have never seen masked law enforcement before.

I would personally just leave the area.

I have a family. I have and a clean criminal record. Neither is worth risking putting my safety in jeopardy, especially since it won’t make any difference anyway.

This is the wisest approach here.

The issue is that the checkpoint can be set up on a road with no way to exit except through the checkpoint

That is what us happening in many areas of the country.

if you're not a wanted criminal, and are not driving drunk or drugged, a checkpoint is minor inconvenience. I'd rather have drunk driver's and criminal aliens pulled of the road than worry about passing through a checkpoint when I have nothing to fear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are routine ICE stops on my commute at least once a week (the Clara Barton). Thinking maybe I'll dress-up as an ICE agent as I drive by... hoodie, masked, all in black, no id. Maybe we should all dress up like ICE agents at the next NO KINGS protest? Well, probably not a good idea, but like thinking about this.

I do think it's wise to wear a hat and sunglasses, and maybe a face mask at protests. Cover up anything that could identify you, ie cover up your backpack and wear nondescript clothing. Do not let them use AI and face recognition to find out the names of all the protesters.

Help us know what an ICE stop look like since ICE isn’t wearing identifying clothing. How do you distinguish an ICE stop from other kinds of stops (eg, drugs) by LE.

Well, the ICE stops I have been involved in involve several Park Police stopping cars on the Clara Barton. Standing behind them are like 10-20 masked menacing looking ICE people waiting for the Park Police to stop someone - they look for ‘commercial vehicles’ which technically are not supposed to be on that road - ie landscapers, other contractors. Then they pull them over and I guess take them away. I usually just keep driving and try to take a photo discretely. That’s been my experience. It’s scary.

Hmm. That doesn’t really seem helpful. I’ve seen those kinds of stops pre-Trump. No way to know for certain that’s an ICE stop.

I sometimes see 4-6 cars for traffic violations once a car is pulled over on secondary roads.

Well, it’s true that as you approach the road checkpoint you might just assume it’s some sort of routine police activity or construction stop or who knows what. But as you get closer you start to see a large number of masked people lurking about. That’s when you know it’s an ICE checkpoint. I have never seen masked law enforcement before.

I would personally just leave the area.

I have a family. I have and a clean criminal record. Neither is worth risking putting my safety in jeopardy, especially since it won’t make any difference anyway.

This is the wisest approach here.

The issue is that the checkpoint can be set up on a road with no way to exit except through the checkpoint

That is what us happening in many areas of the country.

if you're not a wanted criminal, and are not driving drunk or drugged, a checkpoint is minor inconvenience. I'd rather have drunk driver's and criminal aliens pulled of the road than worry about passing through a checkpoint when I have nothing to fear.

Well now, if you don't look appropriately scared, it looks like they may pull you out of your car for fun or do a "kill box" maneuver.

If you present as a straight white male you are probably fine. Your wives or daughters may not be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are routine ICE stops on my commute at least once a week (the Clara Barton). Thinking maybe I'll dress-up as an ICE agent as I drive by... hoodie, masked, all in black, no id. Maybe we should all dress up like ICE agents at the next NO KINGS protest? Well, probably not a good idea, but like thinking about this.

I do think it's wise to wear a hat and sunglasses, and maybe a face mask at protests. Cover up anything that could identify you, ie cover up your backpack and wear nondescript clothing. Do not let them use AI and face recognition to find out the names of all the protesters.

Help us know what an ICE stop look like since ICE isn’t wearing identifying clothing. How do you distinguish an ICE stop from other kinds of stops (eg, drugs) by LE.

Well, the ICE stops I have been involved in involve several Park Police stopping cars on the Clara Barton. Standing behind them are like 10-20 masked menacing looking ICE people waiting for the Park Police to stop someone - they look for ‘commercial vehicles’ which technically are not supposed to be on that road - ie landscapers, other contractors. Then they pull them over and I guess take them away. I usually just keep driving and try to take a photo discretely. That’s been my experience. It’s scary.

Hmm. That doesn’t really seem helpful. I’ve seen those kinds of stops pre-Trump. No way to know for certain that’s an ICE stop.

I sometimes see 4-6 cars for traffic violations once a car is pulled over on secondary roads.

Well, it’s true that as you approach the road checkpoint you might just assume it’s some sort of routine police activity or construction stop or who knows what. But as you get closer you start to see a large number of masked people lurking about. That’s when you know it’s an ICE checkpoint. I have never seen masked law enforcement before.

I would personally just leave the area.

I have a family. I have and a clean criminal record. Neither is worth risking putting my safety in jeopardy, especially since it won’t make any difference anyway.

This is the wisest approach here.

The issue is that the checkpoint can be set up on a road with no way to exit except through the checkpoint

That is what us happening in many areas of the country.

if you're not a wanted criminal, and are not driving drunk or drugged, a checkpoint is minor inconvenience. I'd rather have drunk driver's and criminal aliens pulled of the road than worry about passing through a checkpoint when I have nothing to fear.

I mean, I used to feel the same way in the ‘before times’. But once you drive by 20 masked and armed men pulling people over you will not feel this way. First, you feel terrible for the people they actually pull over for driving a commercial vehicle to work and then maybe getting deported. Second, when you see them up close it really hits home that they are not normal police - they look like some sort of ragtag military gang. Third, it’s very easy to get caught up in an ‘incident’ - like if they think they see something going on in the car behind you - then suddenly you have 10 masked men walking very quickly towards your car and you don’t know what’s going on. Ask me how I know…