I’m feeling so uneasy with everything I’ve been seeing. I keep thinking about what we will be this time next year, and if shit hits the fan, what is your plan? I’m queer and was politically active in 2020, so I would potentially be considered a political enemy.

The only blueprint I can think of is what you do in an active shooter situation; Flee, Hide, Fight.

I know there’s that romantic notion of “don’t be a coward, get out and protest”, but I remember the brutality of the 2020 protests firsthand, and even then I thought “thank god I’m going toe to toe with the CPD and not the CCP”. Next time is going to be different. The president now has authority to send drone strikes. Protests and riots don’t stand a chance agains missiles and live rounds.

Flee- I have an Uncle in Montreal who my family could potentially use as a way to at least temporarily escape the chaos. The hope I’d have is that Canada and other countries would accept American refugees, however that’s not a guarantee.

Hide- If borders are closed, lay low and move away from major cities if possible. If civil war breaks out, try to get away from the violence even if you think your side will win. Todays losers may be tomorrows victors.

Fight- If cellular data/ social media algorithms can keep track of you, and surveillance can make sure there’s no movement, this would be the last resort of desperation. I guess if possible try to either find a group for safety in numbers, or conversely go guerrilla as groups of resistance would make easy targets.

Sorry my mind is running and I’m getting scared.

    • skulblaka@sh.itjust.works
      0·
      4 months ago

      When the threat is already inside the house, yes, that is an option. Not our first option, for reasons that I hope are obvious, but we would not be the first nor the last country to strike out at fascism within their own borders. If they’ve entrenched themselves enough that a civil war becomes what is required to oust them, then that is what will happen. That, or else we lose what remains of the shambling corpse of America fully to the fascists.

      When they are openly threatening violence against non-supporters, which they already are actively doing, the question simply becomes: will you fight, or will you die? And that question is being asked of every single American right now whether they are listening or not. No fight means that fascism siezes control without being contested. That “fight” takes many forms, including voting, but also up to and including armed violence should it become necessary. And the talking points being regurgitated by my local right wing goons is making armed violence sound alarmingly necessary. As in, armed violence is very likely about to be brought to me and my family and folks like us, and I can either expect it and respond accordingly or I and people I love can get predated upon.

      I know which of those I’m choosing when violence knocks down my door. I won’t start this fight, but you can be damn sure that I’ll finish it. Will you?