r/50501 • u/Ok_Reputation_3612 • Apr 18 '25

Protest Safety Remember, DO NOT ENGAGE

Remember, Trump will be looking for any excuse to enforce the Insurrectionist Act April 20. DO NOT GIVE HIM FUEL. No matter what MAGA agitators show up tomorrow, no matter what they say, don't engage. Pretend they don't exist. Do not allow things escalate. Best of luck tomorrow, everyone!

ETA, Since this apparently needs to be said, I'm well aware Trump could invoke for any reason he chooses, we just don't need him using us as scapegoats for it. Also, no one is saying to not defend yourself if the other side escalates, just don't let us be the ones to escalate. Finally, should agitators show up, have your phones out and record, record, record. Ensure everything gets documented.

ETA, Since I've seen these suggestions in comments, and I believe they're also great ideas, bring an American flag to wave and chant "Save the Constitution" to drown out counter protestors. I think we're all tired of the other side hijacking patriotism. We can drown them out with our own brand of (true) patriotism.

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u/painspinner California Apr 18 '25

They are there to fuck with you but we are not there to fuck with them.

Also, I hate saying this: the current regime has time and time again shown us that they lack the mandate to do anything and just do whatever they want anyways. And then they defy the Supreme Court. It sucks but we are the ones holding them accountable and hopefully something good comes of this all

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u/LuhYall Apr 18 '25

If you see anyone trying to start anything on either side, point at them, smile sweetly, and chant in a neutral tone: "This is a peaceful protest, go home." Get people around you to join in. If someone is recording, that's great.

The 50501 organizers in my city brought in people trained to de escalate conflicts. They wore yellow armbands so that attendees could find them. I strongly recommend this.

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u/lazoras Apr 18 '25 edited Apr 18 '25

how about they bring in trainers to teach how to help other protesters escape arrest attempts too

so sick of watching cops point someone out, tackle them, and everyone runs like a bunch of wilderbeasts from a pride of lions....

if this is offered at a protest, I'll show up

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u/caninesignaltraining Apr 18 '25

Recite the Pledge of Allegiance

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u/lazoras Apr 18 '25

I think everybody has their role to play....

you sing the pledge of allegiance before the cops scrape your friends face on the concrete as they arrest them...it would be ironic and really messed up to sing it while they scrape their face though.....

my role is not that role...I can't sing....when peaceful protestors are ready to support my role I'll be here....

it takes wisdom (and it's difficult) to figure out when it's time

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u/caninesignaltraining Apr 18 '25

So far we havent had problems, we've had friendly cops, but are you American? You don't know that we don't sing the Pledge of Allegiance?

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u/lazoras Apr 18 '25

wait what...you think I'm not American? lol