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.
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?
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:
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.
It’s not that kind of protest. I’ve been to plenty of that kind of protest, and this isn’t that kind.
Sooner or later, all protests in the US will turn into this kind of protest. I suspect quite soon.
I’ve been passively worried how long it’ll be until American Tienanmen square, if i even end up hearing about it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Did you read the post?
Then you just answered your question yourself…
Brings me back to my previous comment as to why you ask this question. Seems like you’re just here to make a statement rather than post a genuine question.
