Given that someone got domestic terrorism charges for saying “Deny, Defend, Depose”, do you think it would be a bad idea for me to carry a sign at a peaceful protest that says “Deny Musk, Defund Doge, Depose Trump”?
For context, this protest is in a moderately upscale suburb of DC with a particularly liberal (not leftist, liberal) population base. The protest has been happening every Saturday for several weeks now, and usually pulls around 200-300 people. There is usually a police presence, but they have not gotten confrontational in the past. They’ve only warned people to not block entrance to the dealership, but have otherwise left us alone.
Enjoy Ecuador!
Wish I was joking… But the first amendment no longer matters, judges orders no longer matter. Your right to a fair trial no longer exists. Your right to peaceful assembly no longer exists.
Take that as you will, but the federal government is no longer following the rules it’s supposed to govern under. And your local police force will happily walk hand in hard with the fascists to violate your rights.
Back it with several layers of aluminum foil to help shield against ultrasonic weapons.
Make sure your sign post can be used as a weapon.
Bring a bag containing bandanas soaking in 50% white vinegar for tear gas
Bring milk or other dairy for pepper spray.
Foil will do nothing against ultrasonic or any other acoustic weapon, but may, possibly, be of limited use against microwave weapons should they use them.
It’s not that kind of protest. I’ve been to plenty of that kind of protest, and this isn’t that kind.
Nothing wrong with being prepared
Sooner or later, all protests in the US will turn into this kind of protest. I suspect quite soon.
It’s clever, catchy and appropriate for the historical moment.
When an illegitimate fascist coup accuses you of domestic terrorism, it’s because you’re doing the right thing.
Anyone considering attending a protest of any kind should probably at least skim over some of this guidance:
Nah that’s a cool sign tho. Just follow the basic protesting tips and you’ll be fine.
Given they made that up whole cloth they can decide anything you have is terrorism and don’t forget they are saying aggression against tesla is terrorism and they are pretty vague on terms like aggression.
Protesting a dealership when no one wants to buy one is performative.
Where protests should be happening is factories because even if Musk has to shut down one day, that is expensive, and it’s expensive to start it back up again.
So what’s really effective is protesting factories and not letting workers in.
For a day or two.
Then leaving till it’s started back up for a couple days, and just repeating that. Make them open and close production constantly. Make Tesla workers tires of the bullshit, better yet make Musk fire them so they get severance and unemployment.
So:
Look at the risk/reward of what you want to do/say at a dealership. Nothing you put on a sign is going to change anyone’s minds.
To quote a saying that’s been around for way to long:
You can beat the charges, but you can’t beat the ride
Meaning it doesn’t matter if what you’re doing is illegal, cops can still beat you, take you to jail, and just drop charges 10 minutes before you get to see a judge.
Edit:
moderately upscale suburb of DC with a particularly liberal (not leftist, liberal) population base. The protest has been happening every Saturday for several weeks now, and usually pulls around 200-300 people
Why the fuck is 200-300 people next to DC not fucking protesting politicians?
I assumed you were in some random city, you all are literally right next to DC and instead of taking advantage of that you’re wasting your time with this?
Go fucking protest the actual government in DC, lots of Americans would love to switch locations with you so they could have the opportunity you’re wasting.
Especially since DC is probably the last place that needs people to be discouraged from buying a Tesla right now.
I do protest in DC. Often. I was at one last weekend. I am unable to go into the city this weekend. I have about 2 free hours while my kids will be in a class, so I’m trying to use that time to participate where I can.
I don’t need a lecture. I know what I’m doing and when and where I’m able to participate. I am solely looking for advice on whether this one sign might lead to problems or not.
You’re doing all the stuff you suggested too, right?
If I lived within driving distance of DC or a Tesla factory I would be…
Thought that was clear:
lots of Americans would love to switch locations with you so they could have the opportunity you’re wasting.
So, given that you don’t live near DC, what are you doing?
Spending a shitload of time on here bitching that other people aren’t resisting the way they want apparently.
You left out some important context, that she followed that up with “you people are next.”
That’s what pushes it over into a threat I believe. Just using the other words would normally be fine and protected speech.
Yeah, instead OP should fill a gas can with Gatorade and casually sip from the can while at the protest. If anyone asks, say you brought it to show your support for combustion engines. There’s no way that can be interpreted as a threat, right?
Boycott, Bankrupt, Boot
Maybe use your own D words to align with the vibe, but distance yourself enough to have some plausible deniability?
Disdain, Deplore,
defenestrateDisputeThere are probably much better D words, but those are off the top of my head.
Dodge, Dip, Duck! (Dive&Dodge)
I’m probably out of the loop, what’s the significance of the words starting with D?
There was a book that came out in 2010 titled Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. It’s an analysis of the insurance industry (not just healthcare, but with a special focus on healthcare) that details how insurance companies operate to delay approvals of insurance claims, deny insurance claims, and defend wrongful denials in court. It basically shows how it is cheaper for insurance companies to not pay lawful claims and fight them in court than to pay out claims.
When Luigi Mangione killed the UHC CEO last year, he left behind 3 bullet shells at the scene of the murder with the words “Delay”, “Deny” and “Depose” written on the bullet shells. It was a pretty clear reference to the book, and was the first indication (before Mangione was caught) as to the motive of the shooting.
Allegedly* killed. Innocent until proven guilty.
Otherwise, excellent answer.
Ah, thanks I wasn’t aware of the book, nor of that particular detail of murder.
Yes, that would be a bad idea. It shouldn’t be a bad idea. But right now, it would be.
Then again, you are probably in for Domestic Terrorism charges for simply protesting against the Car of the People. It’s up to you whether you want to dial it all up to 11.
yeah but when the cops show up you drop it and skidaddle
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Honestly go to the protest yes, but I would not risk it. Its very on the nose and you dont know how the acabs will react.
As an ACAB myself, I think we’ll appreciate the sign very much.
Wym, the acab crowd would love it
They are saying the bastard cops will not like it
Wrong community mate. This isn’t a place for politics. This is a place for honest questions.
This is an honest question.
Really? Why would it be a bad idea to bring a sign to a protest? Can’t think of any reason.
Lol, sort by Top-All and most of them are political questions.
You’re in the wrong community, buddy.
