Protesting has changed

[central scrutinizer]

I went to our local May Day protest gathering yesterday. While standing next to the road, most motorists showed their support with honks, thumbs up or raised fists. But one huge pickup roared past, driver yelling “Fuck You” and passing very close to the curb. Suddenly, it occurred to me how vulnerable we were. Some crazed MAGAt could plow into the crowd, wreaking havoc. I’ve been to many protest marches, starting in 1969, but never had these thoughts before. There’s been too many of these incidents.

I will never stop attending these rallies but will look for escaped routes and try to be alert at all times. Fucking assholes.

[Firestorm49]

1. Be vigilant, my friend.

[elocs]

6. Is vigilance a Democratic attribute?

How vigilant were we for the 4 years following Trump's loss in 2020 or did we just treat the magas like a bunch of lightweight dumbasses that we didn't need to worry about? They're having the last laugh now, though.

Concerning demonstrations by streets, especially busy streets, I've found that the supporters honk their horns while the haters speed and rev their engines. If one of them is going to hit people, well, you're standing, talking with people near you while they're speeding up. Outside of not being there, there's not many ways to defend or anticipate that.

[johnnyplankton]

39. It's just a matter of time before a MAGAt goes off and does it.

They never think about consequences, it seems.

[Attilatheblond]

2. And 80+ year old friend, tough lady, was probation officer in New Jeresy, loves life, active politically,

fully expects us to be 'fired on any day now' She is not an alarmist, just someone who is aware and has seen a lot in her years.

I feel she has a point. And I will cover her tiny body with mine if they start 'firing on us'

[NCDem47]

3. At least we have cameras and phones to record things now and spread far and wide...

..until THAT becomes a crime.

I imagine people 50 years ago or more likely had things done to them or disappeared without proof the police state and their supporters was behind it.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

5. Have phones at ready with vid cam app idling. Arrange it to stream to the cloud so taking/breaking phone has no effect.

Organizers should have two phones. One that they use only for organizing with numbers for two or three family members only. Leave the main personal phone at home when protesting. It's a bit much at this point, but perhaps it's a good habit for organizers.

I think risk of disappearance was very very low then and now. The three killed in Mississippi were an extreme exception.

Going forward, if DogKiller Noem ramps up and Tom "Bullneck" Homan gets wider powers that tRump wants for him and Noem, the risk will rise. We are not there yet.

[marybourg]

58. There was also Viola Liouzzo. And

probably more that we don’t know about, especially if they were Black.

[yardwork]

11. That happened a lot and not just 50 years ago.

[littlemissmartypants]

48. It's happening now. ❤️

[Bernardo de La Paz]

4. Deploy situational awareness always. Be brave, but I respect anyone's limits if they are protesting. . . nt

[JI7]

7. With social media there are many ways to protest

I tend to think large public gatherings aren't that helpful these days as people can infiltrate and cause problems and the violent thugs that can attack.

[pandr32]

15. I disagree.

Social media is effective for like-minded people. We can keep each other company and support each other. We can also keep in contact with the offices of our representatives.
The problem is we become invisible to those who really need to see us and know our numbers. The news media seems to downplay the protests. Mentions of "hundreds" when there are clearly thousands and pictures that sometimes only show a section give the impression the protests aren't a big deal.
They are.

[yorkster]

16. It depends, I think. A combination of

critical mass and strategic protests can bring about change. It was certainly one part of the growth of opposition to the war in Vietnam. Went to several marches during that time, mostly Boston and one of the major DC marches.

[MineralMan]

8. As a volunteer marshal at many late 60s demonstrations

my advice to protestors was always the same: Stay away from the edges of the protest. It was standard advice.

Not only did it protect you from possible violent people on the other side, it kept you back from over-eager law enforcement people.

"Just hold your sign higher!"

Not that much has changed, really.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

27. Good advice, but also be aware that crowds can panic or crush. Situational awareness is advised. . . nt

[MineralMan]

36. Well, developing situational awareness is a survival skill.

It's a difficult one to teach though, since the situations are unique. I'm not sure it's possible to get everyone to be aware.

I remember my father teaching me driving skills. One of the things he said struck me and I applied it. He said, "You know, you always need to be looking around as you drive. Out the windshield and in the mirrors - all the mirrors. Always be looking for routes you can take to escape an accident, if one occurs."

That's how he drove with the family in the car. You didn't interrupt his concentration when he was driving. So, that's how I learned to drive. A very good skill.

[FailureToCommunicate]

55. "Head on swivel" as they say. I taught my kids to drive "as if every other driver is out to kill you"

A bit harsh maybe, but (so far) they appreciate the dire advice.

[MineralMan]

60. Yeah. When my father gave me my first motorcycle,

his words to me were, "Look out always. Every car you see will try to kill you. Avoid that."

He was right, of course. My vigilance kept me out of several potential fatal accidents.

[FailureToCommunicate]

61. You were/are lucky. My parents were fond of saying "Sure, give your kid a motorcycle for...

his LAST birthday." Yikes.

[MineralMan]

62. I never had any accidents on my bike.

I rode motorcycles exclusively for about five years. No car. No truck. I wouldn't do it again now, though.

[FailureToCommunicate]

63. Very lucky indeed.

[DENVERPOPS]

44. And beware of the

OHIO? National Guard........Actually, it is now, any Police or Sheriff Officers across the entire country......Not just the Guard....

[Martin68]

9. Marchers who were set upon by club-wielding policemen, police dogs, and tear gas might not agree with your assessment.

[PhylliPretzel]

10. Or

New York City cops on horseback plowing into a crowd to disperse them (1968.)

[Akakoji]

13. Yes. This has been the case forever.

For decades I have been asked by dark or even just browner skinned friends to hold their valuables because they knew they would be targeted. Even by law enforcement officers of color. We always try to encircle each other to eliminate profiling.

[marybourg]

59. And fire hoses.

[Prairie_Seagull]

12. Got back from the protest in Seattle last night.

About 1,000 in attendance. Thursday afternoon. Much different than the 15 or 20K in Portland Or for hands off. Or even Seattle which had about same size crowd for it's hands off march.

Here I am talking about crowd size. Strikes me as funny.

Hmm.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/may-day-seattle-2025-how-protests-are-playing-out/

[Dulcinea]

17. Here in Atlanta there are protests Saturday the 3rd as well.

Maybe Seattle is doing the same. People have to work.

[Prairie_Seagull]

38. My thinking too. nt

[Akakoji]

14. It's the economy

People have to work as well. Also, a huge portion of our country is grieving and in shock. Love and support each other out there. Everyone who shows up is an important person!

[Greybnk48]

18. Protesting last night, with a turnout of 500 to 600! Cold, rainy, started at 6 p.m.

with most of us not getting dinner. We were really stoked by the turnout and reception of the traffic!

I will say, it rained all day long, and quit, just like that, at 5:45! It didn't rain again while we were there.

We had almost 100% support from the people driving up and down our main street in the center of town. There were two aggressive MAGA's.
One guy is a beat up long windowed work van drove the length of our protest with his arm out the window in a Hiel Hitler salute.

Another guy in a red pickup truck (of course), drove by several times with his windows down, radio blaring YMCA, and singing at the top of his lungs. The woman with him was not smiling, but the dog in the back seat was having a good time!

[Maeve]

19. It was ever thus, since protests started

We are more aware of the lone angry jerk with a car because that has happened more in the past few years. But there have always been risks no matter how peaceful. Reaction from lone thugs who would rather have a riot, or repressive police actions, it still ends in violence IF someone wants that. And there are many out there waiting for the chance/excuse to hurt others.
Stay safe, watch out for possible trouble, help others, keep your phone handy and ready to record. As has been said, Vigilance is the price of liberty.

[Exp]

20. Protest groups need to have a few people spread through with WHISTLES to blow as a warning to move back from the curb

or street corners in such an emergency.

[littlemissmartypants]

49. I have seen those people! ❤️

[calimary]

54. That's a good idea!

[multigraincracker]

21. I was at a couple of protest in the late 60s and early 70s that turned violent.

Crowd mentality takes over. What ever the plan was, it goes out the window is a second.
Just my thoughts on the subject..

Everyone has a plan, until you get punched in the face.

[Brainstormy]

28. me too, and my car was

run off the road into a ditch. I was lucky not to be seriously injured.

[Martin Eden]

22. I was at the protest in Naperville, IL yesterday

Good vibes and support from cars driving by, except two young white guys in pickup trucks modified to make extremely loud noise when they revved their motors on purpose as we were marching and chanting.

Didn't dampen our spirits one bit, as we laughed at them.

[Mountain Mule]

23. MAGATs are becoming ever more threatening

After George Floyd was murdered, some members of my church began holding silent protests. We would do a walk of silent prayer and hold up placards for peace and understanding. One woman who was gay carried a rainbow flag.

Unfortunately, we attracted the attention of a Trump supporting local motorcycle group. They would show up with their second amendment rights strapped on their hips. They would drive around my church in circles, trying to stop members of the congregation from going inside. Things got so bad that the local police started sending an officer along to keep the peace.

Members of the kult are becoming more awful by the day.

[KPN]

24. Well, in my small community that kind of behavior already happened during the first Trump term. A driver swerved into

the protestors, granted not at high speed, but people had to jump out of the way. Can't remember the specifics, but he was cited and fined and it made the local paper.

So yeah, safety is a legitimate concern. I agree that the vitriol is noticeably greater, so greater attention to one's personal safety is absolutely a good idea.

[58Sunliner]

25. I've been to a couple of protests that were scary because of police violence.

If the mass of people exit/move, get out. You do not want to be a straggler with no witnesses if the cops catch you. Imagine how it was before cell phones. You had to rely on journalists to tell the stories of abuse.

[yellowdogintexas]

32. Fort Worth PD is so respectful of us (and I presume other groups)

They keep the streets blocked where they cross our route, they speak to anyone who tries to annoy us when we are on public or government grounds and cruise around downtown FW on bikes to make sure nothing is happening.

We used to have this group that would come to the Courthouse lawn and harass us with loud speakers and bullhorns about the Great Sin of Abortion. The police and county sheriff folks could not evict them because we were on gov't land (no permit requirements), but they told us if they took one step off the curb when we began walking they would escort them away.

Well they must have gotten tired of them because they calmly arranged their bicycles around them and stood close to the tree they were using for shade. It was hilarious.

[58Sunliner]

41. No riot gear eh? Great.

[yellowdogintexas]

64. No riot gear but they can get away with a lot, just using their bicycles!!! nt

[SleeplessinSoCal]

26. The fact that the Dictator playbook is succeeding for him means more violence.

Last edited Sat May 3, 2025, 04:36 PM - Edit history (1)

MAGA is full of various types of supporters. The January 6th types are never going to be thoughtful or considerate.

Seeing the media kowtow is terrifying. We didn't have that in the 60s.

I'm out there protesting with jovial people, but underneath am terrified for us all.

We've got to protest the media!

[H2O Man]

29. Exercising Amendment 1 rights

has always involved a risk of violence. One need only consider the Civil Rights movement. Heck, a gentleman broke a board over my head during a march in the 1990s. And a dick-dripping almost hit two of my friends with his car at yesterday's rally. This is nothing new.

[yellowdogintexas]

30. I am in Texas. Cars running into crowds are the least of our worries.

The whole state is armed to the teeth

[homegirl]

31. I AM HOPING FOR..

an organized 500K to ONE MILLION Americans March on D.C. LABOR DAY 2025!
Marching bands, floats, balloons (Baby Trump) banners and a million+ American voters!

Repeated across the USA!

[yellowdogintexas]

34. Even in Fort Worth TX, approximately 75 attorneys were out in front of the Federal Courthouse

for May 1 Law Day. We raised 12,000 at a small fundraiser focused on our legal professionals

There was also a group of approximately the same size representing Labor at another location.

We have a new State Chair who has hit the ground running. He is, as my grandfather used to say, "Young and Industrious"

[Linda ladeewolf]

33. Be very vigilant and remind others to do so.

[Ohioboy]

35. Yes, it pays to be careful

I was at a protest 2 weeks ago. One woman driving an SUV was so intent on yelling insults out her window she almost ran into the back of the car in front of her.

[3Hotdogs]

37. This shit ain't new. How many of yiz remember Viet Nam protestors being attacked and beaten by

NYC construction workers?

NYC cops weren't too accommodating to 1St Amendment rights, either.

[Blue Owl]

40. Liberty or death, baby

I agree it’s risky these days, but the alternative is far worse.

I’d rather die defending what I believe in vs. being a victim of some policy designed by a fucking authoritarian/dictator criminal rapist like Dump.

Of course, nobody should have to die simply in the name of defending freedom and democracy, but sadly many have and will continue to do so. Reality bites.

[barbtries]

46. I'm on the same page.

I'm old now. I'm happy to march on the front lines and put my body between those who would look to hurt the protesters and the protesters, such as Black and young people, at every demonstration.

Democracy and our country are worth fighting for, but krasnov and company are destroying everything that made those words true. I have decided that this issue is worth my life if it comes to that. It's for the generations coming up; they deserve to live in a thriving democracy, with opportunity and their rights intact.

[Incanus]

42. It changed years ago.

I've been vigilant at every Pride Parade and Festival I've attended and even more so when I participated in BLM protests. Last year a memorial for a murdered transgender teen was held on my street and thankfully the cops closed off the entire block until it concluded. It's just part of life now in the Greatest most Freedom Loving Country in the World*

*some exemptions apply

[proud patriot]

43. Magats are such angry cowards

had one guy yell at us "I kill people like you"

[mdbl]

47. And really stupid.

[barbtries]

45. Happy to report

that in Raleigh NC I've been to several mass protests and 2 Tesla dealer protests and they have been entirely peaceful. At one Tesla protest a man in a car yelled "fuck you" at us, but didn't swerve his car or threaten any violence.

Violence at protests is nothing new. If you've never seen this movie, I highly recommend it.

?si=m-TYPiDRf1AAzYvO

[Jit423]

50. Somebody should shoot the tires out if they can. These people are bullies. Attack a bully and they will stop.

A crowd of protesters surround a truck with flat tires...what do you think the truck drivers will do? They would be too shocked and scared to try to pull out a gun and they may not even have a chance to reach for it if the protest crown jumped into the cab of the truck.

I know, I watch too many movies.

[Klarkashton]

51. Unless he's a psycho he's bullshit chud.

In Oregon. He's get his windows smashed and would go away like a spanked dog.

[kelly1mm]

52. This is part of the reason why pro gun control posts have reduced by about 95% here on DU since

November 2024.

[Bayard]

53. At our last small town protest here in KY,

Some idiot in a big truck drove past us in front of the courthouse 5 or 6 times and tried to smoke us out.

We are supposed to have another one tomorrow after the Dem board election, but its supposed to rain buckets all day.

[Prairie_Seagull]

56. There was a lone counter protester at the Portland Or. hands off.

Imposing guy maybe 6'4" or 5", big dude. He marked out his lonely territory in the middle of the marching crowd and espoused that a gun site can not tell if you are American. Was this surpassing some reasonable threshold to free speech. I think so. Think "fire" in a crowded theater. I laughed in his face then went and reported it to the police. He was gone on my return trip. Free speech is one thing. That was another.

I really don't even like giving this guy the space I have but folks need to know to pay attention and keep your eyes open. This is not any longer a place without significant risk. Depending on where one is of course. I was keeping myself aware of my surroundings relative to counter protests. One guy out of lets say 20K, maybe there were some mixed into the crowd. I can't say for sure. Some looked sketchy, still I am not sure.

Outstanding ratio but as we now know,,, it only takes one.

Solidarity and courage sisters and brothers.

.