General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI am really curious as to what will happen on Oct 18 when mass protests are scheduled across the country.
I assume people will turn out in Portland in large numbers. Will Trump and DHS try to claim those protests are some sort of insurrection and will they then set their goons on the crowd? That would be a good way to get the actual riot they are looking for.
Same question in regards to L.A., Chicago, Washington D.C., etc. Will DHS declare war on the people exercising their right to peacefully and loudly protest? The demographics of these mass protests are much different than those of the people that show up to protest at ICE facilities. They include men and women, young and old, and children of all ages. Will the goons gas, pepper spray and beat (possibly shoot) these people because they "fear for their lives"? If that happens will it be the event that causes the general population to rise up in their righteous indignation?
I was very active in the Vietnam anti war movement. I was in school in what would now be considered a very red state. No one was more surprised than I that after the Kent State Massacre the vast majority of college campuses across the nation staged a three day general strike. It really was a general strike because, on my campus at least, the school faculty met and declared a strike before the various student organizations called for a strike. Kent state was a very galvanizing event. If the government declares war on the people, will that be a similarly galvanizing event? We will have those answers soon enough.

BigmanPigman
(53,961 posts)Between 5-11 million people showed up in over 2,000 protests across the US and Europe.
The Oct., 18th NO KINGS protest already has OVER 2,120 planned protests with the date still over 2 weeks away...more and more are growing.
There was NO VIOLENCE!!! Imagine a MAGA group with those numbers and NO VIOLENCE. It would never happen. We are not violent, they are.
I'm an experienced activist and I nave been to over 30 protests between 2016-2025, and 2024-present.
NO KINGS, Oct 18th will be larger than the June 14th protest AND is will also be non-violent. Violence is the MAGA schtick, and it is not what smart, thoughtful Dems do at protests and rallies (ICE is a whole completely different scenario).
flashman13
(1,581 posts)and DHS could declare the protesters are terrorists. He has already clearly stated that he sees protesters, especially Democrats, as terrorists. Factor in provocateurs busting windows and burning cars. He may order his goons to disperse the crowds (terrorists) by any means necessary. Think a Tiananmen Square situation. Let's just say in the mayhem the protesters make no attempt to defend themselves. To the right wingers that will still look like a "riot". It could all spiral out of control with large numbers of casualties. Trump and Miller delight in the idea of hurting people.
flashman13
(1,581 posts)"Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act in Portland". He has a very itchy trigger finger. I think it supports my position.
BigmanPigman
(53,961 posts)I've been to so many protests that I am fairly experienced and I am a good judge at estimating the crowds and the overall atmosphere. We are pretty smart and we know when and how to control ourselves as well as provocateurs and instigators. In fact, the only time I witnessed any safety concerns was at an anti-tRump protest at the beginning of 2017, just starting the tRump term.
There were 2 "proud boys" and this was before anyone even heard of them. They were trying to drown out the speakers at the rally with bull horns and whistles. A city council member called on the sheriffs to take care of their disturbance. I went over to where they were speaking with the officers and apparently they drove down from LA to San Diego with the purpose of causing problems. They were disappointed. I've never seen anything similar at the over 30 protests I've attended since then.
flashman13
(1,581 posts)This is 2025 not 2017.
Your 30 protests are all ancient history.
Your lack of concern is concerning.
BigmanPigman
(53,961 posts)I am referring to ONGOING protests. This is not ancient history, it is current. Continue to argue with me, obviously your mind is made up on this issue.
Jack Valentino
(3,474 posts)out of us--- to use as an excuse to invoke the Insurrection Act....
flashman13
(1,581 posts)Response to flashman13 (Original post)
Name removed Message auto-removed

mountain grammy
(28,276 posts)If you're wondering why there are marches you should probably be somewhere else where you can hear lots of lies about the "radical left" which is a myth in your own mind.
Bettie
(18,941 posts)ah well, good to see MIRT is quick!
demmiblue
(38,785 posts)
B.See
(6,888 posts)'they' keep protesting and marching, being much older and remembering the 60's civil rights movement.
I take it you're suggesting that the marches provide opportunity for provocateurs to cause mayhem.
Response to Name removed (Reply #2)
mountain grammy This message was self-deleted by its author.
EarthFirst
(3,849 posts)
if anything is for certain with these goon squads; its self-preservation.
Most likely its optimism on my part; however conceivable.