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In reply to the discussion: I'm sympathetic with folks compelled to directly confront ICE agents, but it's foolish [View all]EdmondDantes_
(1,998 posts)38. Sometimes life doesn't leave you the choice
Do you think the black people sitting at lunch counters wanted food dumped on them? It would have been easier to stay at home, but that just leaves the current authority in place, then bigots, today authoritarian thugs going after the powerless.
But if front line protesting isn't the right choice for you at this point (which is absolutely fine as we all have differing risk tolerances), there are other ways to make a difference. Volunteering to help get food to immigrants scared to leave, donating to legal defenses, writing/calling your Congress people. Not everyone is, can, or wants to be on the front lines. But we all can protest in our own ways.
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I'm sympathetic with folks compelled to directly confront ICE agents, but it's foolish [View all]
bigtree
Jan 2026
OP
The Minneapolis protests have been effective because they have been nonviolent.
Ocelot II
Jan 2026
#18
We see you Ocelot II. We know you're standing on the tip of the wedge and we appreciate you.
Scrivener7
Jan 2026
#32
Should know better than to protest fascism? No. The goons will do what they will do.
Scrivener7
Jan 2026
#33
Nobody feels particularly brave - and sometimes we're just out protesting on street corners in small groups
Ocelot II
Jan 2026
#41
AND, I HAVE to add: it's having an effect. Without Minnesotans standing for what's right,
Scrivener7
Jan 2026
#49
John Lewis isn't remembered because he stayed home instead of getting his head cracked
EdmondDantes_
Jan 2026
#4
Many people have been trained by local groups in nonviolent direct action techniques.
Ocelot II
Jan 2026
#7
Seriously, who sees the brilliant organizing of the people of Minneapolis and says "Better if you stay home"???
Prairie Gates
Jan 2026
#12
As a 76 year old geezer I agree with the sentiment but without those individuals who just aren't going to take
NoMoreRepugs
Jan 2026
#14
I'm somewhat a believer that the violence perpetrated against civil rights protestors
bigtree
Jan 2026
#23
Minnesota protesters aren't doing anything like what you describe yourself doing.
Scrivener7
Jan 2026
#27
(a) it makes a difference if you were protesting the '76 Ford White House, or the '78 Carter White House
muriel_volestrangler
Jan 2026
#73
Believe me, folks know exactly what they're risking when they confront ICE to save their neighbors.
WhiskeyGrinder
Jan 2026
#71
Some were saying that during the Civil Rights Movement. When ICE and the DOJ views taking picture of ICE abuses
lostincalifornia
Jan 2026
#76
of course I haven't said the protestors are the problem, or people taking pictures
bigtree
Jan 2026
#77
I THANK GOD for the protesters AND the 'observers' who have more physical courage
Jack Valentino
Jan 2026
#78