Nougat

Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

Nations aren't houses, the rise of fascism isn't as simple as a fire, and the long-term solution isn't just "put the fire out."

If you want a real successful revolution (which I do), there needs to be a critical mass of people willing to act. That critical mass hasn't yet been reached, but I'd be willing to bet that putting a bunch of like-minded people in the same place, loud and angry, will help to build it. Especially if the fascists react to any of it with "impropriety."

All efforts great and small. Go do your part.

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Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

Yeah, call it off, let's do nothing instead.

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Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

You ought to be reading more closely.

I've repeated my own statements multiple times now. I'm not going to repeat yours.

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Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

Did you want to take anything back now, or no?

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Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

You ought to be reading more closely.

Notice that I didn't disagree with your statement to "be armed," but rather offered relevant caution about what being armed at a protest may result in, twice closing with "Know what you're doing and what the consequences may be."

I'm leaving this whole exchange here, because I think it's useful, but I reserve the right to change my mind about that.

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Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

Because I've pointed out that the world that actually exists isn't what you want it to be? Check yourself.

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Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

There’s also freedom of speech, alongside slander, defamation, terroristic threats, truth in advertising, and on and on.

The reality is that many states have laws that say it’s illegal to bring weapons to a protest. Failure to abide by those laws will carry consequences - whether you are ultimately successful in getting such laws ruled unconstitutional or not.

Know what you’re doing and what the consequences may be.

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Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

Careful about being armed. It’s illegal to attend a protest while carrying any weapon in a whole lot of states.

Just know what you’re doing and what the consequences may be.

Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

I'll take False Equivalence for $200, Alex.

Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

If that works for you, great! It takes all kinds.

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Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

I threw down a comment below earlier that may help, but I'll add here for people who are going to be on the ground:

Be aware of your phone

Turn it off until you neeed it. Have at least one offsite person's number memorized. Use local public wifi only if you can.

Wear super generic clothing, black bloc if you have it.

Don't be identifiable.

Shut the fuck up

Don't talk to police for any reason about anything.

Pay attention

Keep your eyes up, scanning, don't look at your shoes, be ready to act (whether that means assist or escape or engage).

If you are driving, park well away from the area

If you're parked too close, you may end up without access to your car to get you out of there.

Bring snacks

Dense, high calorie things, for you and others.

Know your surroundings

If you're going to be in an area that you're not familiar with, go check it out now so you can figure out where to park, and multiple ways to get out.

Be loud and be angry

They want you to be meek and submissive and scared. Don't be. Be the opposite.

Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

One person does a protest make.

Do it.

Nougat @fedia.io 2mo ago

Depends on how close or far away you are.

Anyone can keep an eye out for dire news and post it, so that people on the ground have easy access to that news to inform their own actions.

If shit really goes sideways, there are going to be a lot of people on the move. Some of those people will be going into the conflict, and some will be going away from it, possibly away from their own homes. They're going to need somewhere to go. If it makes sense for you, make a place in your home for people to stay. People may end up car camping in Walmart parking lots. Definitely talk to your neighbors, let them know that they're safe with you, invite them to come to you if they would feel safer there.

If you're close to a major metro area and can react if necessary, pack up cases of water, blankets, spare clothing. First aid materials might be nice, but the kinds of injuries are more likely to require transportation than what a simple first aid kit can do anything about. Those blankets can be makeshift stretchers.

Wherever you are, protect the people near you who need protecting. If there's serious trouble, it's probably going to happen in cities first, but it's anyone's guess after that. If this becomes a fight fight, we're going to need people everywhere who are able to offer support.

All efforts great and small.

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Nougat @fedia.io 3mo ago

What are they gonna do, fire him?

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Nougat @fedia.io 3mo ago

Oh I totally misread your comment. That's on me.