Proactive, sensible ways to organize, dissent, stay safe

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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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.

Protests were what ended the Vietnam war. Don't lie, PP. Protests are very important. Each and every one of us should get out on the streets every day and protest the corruption and illegality of the regime.

I don't have time for daily protests because I have a job, but I protest when I can.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Protests were what ended the Vietnam war. Don't lie, PP. Protests are very important. Each and every one of us should get out on the streets every day and protest the corruption and illegality of the regime.

I don't have time for daily protests because I have a job, but I protest when I can.

Please stay away from my neighborhood and the schools where I work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Protests were what ended the Vietnam war. Don't lie, PP. Protests are very important. Each and every one of us should get out on the streets every day and protest the corruption and illegality of the regime.

I don't have time for daily protests because I have a job, but I protest when I can.

Please stay away from my neighborhood and the schools where I work.

Please post where you work and where you live, and I'll try to avoid them.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Buy nothing except food and medicine.
No travel, unless to stay with friends/ family.

We are doing a "low spend" year this year: buying groceries, health expenses, and fixing / replacing appliances and house stuff only if it fails.

No spending for travel, no shopping online or otherwise, no new clothes, we are lucky enough to be able to try to use up everything we already have. No fast food, maybe get takeout from a local restaurant once a month. Emphasizing free activities locally.

Asking for things on our local buy nothing or neighborhood group if we do think we need something.

If the people in charge stop being able to profit from Americans they will be more open to change.

I have read about Buy Nothing campaigns but they don’t seem to be getting off the ground. It’s a good idea.

It’s depressing AF that political power is more consumer power in our nation. I don’t want my or anyone’s life to be reducible to what they can buy.

To the first reply: grow up, please. Anyone reading likely voted. We don’t go to the polls often. What can we do more often without incurring literal bodily harm? We are currently in a violent land where anyone under the LEO or fed agent mantle can effectively hurt anyone not under that aegis with literally no adverse consequences.

Buy Nothing is a rich man’s game. Plenty of people are at that point involuntarily.

Well, so much better when the resistance crosses class lines.

Pointing out this tactic did in no way negate that there are people being hammered by the affordability crisis. I'm not the PP who suggested it, but it is ridiculous to think that the change here will only come from one segment of folks. Please read about successful liberation struggles, not just theory.

Buy Nothing has been helpful to my neighbors who lost their jobs (including Feds) this year. It’s also used by recent grads setting up their first apartments and young families. I think it’s a great way to support our neighbors.

[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 for what is right then you are nothing more than a useless pile of MAGA excrement.

Yeah, I really can’t agree with you PP. I don’t want to be a fighter and think violence just begets more violence. Things are turning violent and I can never agree that violence is an answer.

OP I completely agree with you as we are at a loss as to what we can do. As a family, we are cutting back spending. I write letters to my representatives, but that doesn’t really help.

[Anonymous]

I don't want to be a "fighter" and certainly will not use violence or destructive behavior, but I also don't want to live in Trump's version of the US.

What will it take to get us out of this?

[Anonymous]

I think it would be sensible that if you are driving and a police attempts to pull you over, it’s sensible to just drive away quickly. why not ?

[Anonymous]

Vote with your wallet.
Vote with your feet.

[Anonymous]

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.

You guys spend half your time complaining that Trump is “destroying the democracy,” and the other half trying to sabotage the efforts of the duly elected president.

[Anonymous]

Also, the people claiming “nobody is above the law” are freaked out when law enforcement tries to enforce the law.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Vote with your wallet.
Vote with your feet.

If you look in your wallet when you vote, you will likely see an ID card…the kind you should be required to show before voting.

[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.

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.

Yeah, I really can’t agree with you PP. I don’t want to be a fighter and think violence just begets more violence. Things are turning violent and I can never agree that violence is an answer.

OP I completely agree with you as we are at a loss as to what we can do. As a family, we are cutting back spending. I write letters to my representatives, but that doesn’t really help.

Please call your reps instead. I used to work as a staffer. Calls carry more weight and take less time.

[Anonymous]

A long time ago when we were building our house I put a set of bulkhead stairs in with a hinged trap door that you can open to an empty hiding space inside.

I originally did it to be able to hide things like emergency supplies and whatnot.

Now I’ve shown it to my landscapers and housekeepers, now if they are afraid they know where it is and (for the landscapers) how to come in through the back door, pull the staircase open on the outside with a stair runner brace, and pull it closed from inside. It looks like a normal staircase otherwise.

That was something I never thought I’d have to use for humans.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't want to be a "fighter" and certainly will not use violence or destructive behavior, but I also don't want to live in Trump's version of the US.

What will it take to get us out of this?

There are many ways to fight. Protesting isn’t for everyone. Unless you live in DC proper you could pressure your local and state governments to pass legislation to curb ICE. activities. send an email or call and demand local police office departments end cooperation agreements with ICE.
More asks for state & local governments:
Track ICE apprehensions & account for victims
Run support hotline for impacted families
Provide legal aid to immigrants
Track ICE locations & share Info w/ immigrants at risk
Maintain list of ICE license plates

Other actions: volunteer in Dem primary to elect Dems who will take action, not just drop F bombs.

Check page 1 of this thread for more.

I get it not everybody wants to protest. I do think it’s important for to be in community others but there are many, many other ways you can participate in the Democratic process. One thing people can’t do is sit back and enjoy the spoils of democracy and not participate.

Democracy means participatory government.