Unless you are excited about living in a US version of Putin's Russian mafia state it's time to peacefully protest in overwhelming numbers. Livestream those protests. Be the media.
Live-streaming the protests on 4/5 risks exposing protestors to meta data scans and future harassment or worse from the burgeoning police state that our country is becoming. I take this advice with a big grain of salt and advise protecting your fellow protesters by NOT live-streaming. Agree 100% with your post otherwise.
I appreciate this, Anne. I wonder how others feel. At any peaceful protest I think there is a reasonable expectation of being recorded and surveillance by both press, the public, and law enforcement. If our Constitution means anything and the protest is peaceful, all should be okay as far as I’m concerned. Of course, there’s always a risk of over aggressive policing or random agitators. In my experience peaceful protest is fun and joyful and, sadly, currently extremely necessary.
It’s beyond necessary for all of us who are able to protest to do so, and to stand in and stand up for the many who cannot. This moment in history is the first time I have ever hesitated or felt anxious or paranoid about being seen at a protest. We are living in a police state with a hostile and well armed surveillance arm, and first amendment rights that are circling the drain.
I plan to wear a surgical mask, sunglasses and a hat. Our governor (Hochul) recently put out a public statement discouraging masks in public. What a hypocrite. She says the reason is crimes committed by people wearing masks. But she also met with the president (small “p”) so he probably asked for this.
The recording aspect has evolved considerably since the ‘90s. The rule was basically “No pics, Bro…” when you showed up to any sort of protest action with a camera. People were justifiably concerned regarding your intent and motives. (Mine was to document LE response and potential abuses). It’s still a fine line, though there are practices available to establish your credibility and allegiance. They’re readily available on search so I won’t discuss them at length in this forum. Just be aware that the recorder has the responsibility to make those around them feel supported rather than surveilled.
Opening quote reminded me of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from "Strength to Love," Violence brings only temporary victories; violence, by creating many more social problems that it solves, never brings permanent peace. I am convinced that that if we succumb to the temptation to use violence in our struggle for freedom, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and our chief legacy to them will be a never-ending reign of chaos."
Live-streaming the protests on 4/5 risks exposing protestors to meta data scans and future harassment or worse from the burgeoning police state that our country is becoming. I take this advice with a big grain of salt and advise protecting your fellow protesters by NOT live-streaming. Agree 100% with your post otherwise.
I appreciate this, Anne. I wonder how others feel. At any peaceful protest I think there is a reasonable expectation of being recorded and surveillance by both press, the public, and law enforcement. If our Constitution means anything and the protest is peaceful, all should be okay as far as I’m concerned. Of course, there’s always a risk of over aggressive policing or random agitators. In my experience peaceful protest is fun and joyful and, sadly, currently extremely necessary.
It’s beyond necessary for all of us who are able to protest to do so, and to stand in and stand up for the many who cannot. This moment in history is the first time I have ever hesitated or felt anxious or paranoid about being seen at a protest. We are living in a police state with a hostile and well armed surveillance arm, and first amendment rights that are circling the drain.
I plan to wear a surgical mask, sunglasses and a hat. Our governor (Hochul) recently put out a public statement discouraging masks in public. What a hypocrite. She says the reason is crimes committed by people wearing masks. But she also met with the president (small “p”) so he probably asked for this.
Nice protections, Anne. And you’re just trying to exercise your constitutional right to peaceful protest!
The recording aspect has evolved considerably since the ‘90s. The rule was basically “No pics, Bro…” when you showed up to any sort of protest action with a camera. People were justifiably concerned regarding your intent and motives. (Mine was to document LE response and potential abuses). It’s still a fine line, though there are practices available to establish your credibility and allegiance. They’re readily available on search so I won’t discuss them at length in this forum. Just be aware that the recorder has the responsibility to make those around them feel supported rather than surveilled.
Good job on the post, BTW.
Thanks for your thoughts, Paul.
Opening quote reminded me of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from "Strength to Love," Violence brings only temporary victories; violence, by creating many more social problems that it solves, never brings permanent peace. I am convinced that that if we succumb to the temptation to use violence in our struggle for freedom, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and our chief legacy to them will be a never-ending reign of chaos."