If you're not able or are unwilling to protest in the streets, please do the actual protestors a favor

[MineralMan]

by not criticizing those who are. Each person decides for him or herself how they want to identify in such protests. If you're protesting in public, only you get to determine what message you present in your protest.

For those who are not participating, telling those who are what they should or should not do is nothing but patronizing them. It's presumptuous and will be scorned by those to go out there and take whatever risks there are by being present and making their protest.

You might think you know best what should be done and how protests should be conducted. You do not know and you have no business telling others what is OK and what is not.

If people protest, let them protest as they think best. Don't presume to tell the actual protestors how they should behave or what signs or flags they should carry or how they should dress.

If you think people should protest in a certain way, then go out into the street and protest that way. If you can't or won't do that, then leave those who can and do to comport themselves as they choose.

Thank you very much.

[Keepthesoulalive]

1. Thank you

There are so many who do not understand how brave and committed these people are. I support them and maybe they can help turn the tide with their courage.

[appmanga]

2. Hear, hear!!

[ForgedCrank]

3. I'll criticize

whomever I wish. And that will be anyone who disrupts normal people going about their daily responsibilities, or those who commit violent acts.

[MineralMan]

8. OK, Then..

[ZDU]

16. Please define "normal people"

Help me better understand your position. Thank you.

[ForgedCrank]

17. It's just

what it sounds like if you add the rest of my descriptor rather looking for nefarious intent by ignoring it.

[ZDU]

24. Are you normal? Is that what you're telling us?

And "normal" people do not peacefully protest?

[ForgedCrank]

27. It appears that

you really want to hear something you don't like.
Try to re-read my descriptor that contained none of the things that the voices are telling you.

[ZDU]

41. I wish you the best.

You are a ForgedCrank. Cheers!

[ReRe]

62. My interpretation of crank's "normal"

is anyone unlike him.

[johnnyfins]

64. hahaha

[Quiet Em]

22. David Huerta was going about his daily responsibilities when ICE agents injured and arrested him

Just a reminder of why people are peacefully protesting against an authoritarian con artist.

[unweird]

23. Disruption can be very useful

And called for.

[mzmolly]

44. It can also be a distraction

and disrupt meaninful protest.

I am supportive of civil disobedience, as long as it remains non-violent and doesn't endanger lives.

[Magoo48]

47. When facing violence unarmed and unprotected, people respond in a variety of ways.

I appreciate everyone with the courage to stand up to tyranny. Massive, peaceful demonstrations are the ideal. This action in LA was a response to armed, often masked, unidentified, government thugs attacks upon family members and neighbors. How the fuck would you respond? This event began with high emotions, emotions which remained high in the following hours; it is an entirely different beast than an organized demonstration. Stand up and be free, or cower and be oppressed.

[ForgedCrank]

51. How would I respond?

I'd go to court and prove I broke no law. I most certainly wouldn't attack law enforcement with rocks and bottles, nor would I shut down roads that ordinary people are using to try to get to work or take their kids to school or the hospital. I'd probably also refrain from lighting shit on fire.
If you think these "protesters" are helping our cause by doing these things, you are mistaken. What they are doing in making it considerably worse and driving others to reject them and their cause.

[Bev54]

55. How do you know if these are protesters or

Right wing agitators? We often find that after events.

[Magoo48]

56. Ordinary people? Really? We disagree. eom.

[ForgedCrank]

58. Which part

do you disagree with?
The going to court and prove I broke no law part?.
Or is the part where I would refrain from attacking law enforcement and setting shit on fire?
I suppose it could also be that you believe it's a good idea to shit down roads so ordinary citizens trying to live their lives can't do that.
Maybe I am wrong, maybe most people would welcome chaos, lawlessness and violence.
eom.

[senseandsensibility]

4. If you think the lessons learned from MLK

during the Civil Rights Movement are not worth listening to or learning from I can only disagree strongly. That movement taught us how to be successful and we owe the rights we enjoy today to what they learned the hard way. We even have fighters from that time on DU who with patience and humor have tried to steer us in the right direction. They are not scolding us, and they have earned the right to try to teach us. Will we listen?

[yellow dahlia]

33. Good points.

We are all entitled to freedom of speech, BUT if you are not helping the solution...then the rest of us are free to speak up and critique and offer our observations.

When people fuck things up, they sometimes fuck them up for all of us.

We should always learn from those who have gone before us. There are proven methods and philosophies...and then there is a "free for all".

Thank you for offering context.

[mzmolly]

40. Exactly!

[still-prayin4rain]

42. I agree, I read the dos and do nots before I protest. I don't have tons of experience with protesting

and I want to be as strategic as possible, in all ways - messaging and safety.

I don't understand what is so offensive about respectfully sharing opinions.

[mzmolly]

45. I too have protested

as a union member and advocate for various causes. I agree fully with your sentiments.

[still-prayin4rain]

46. Thanks, yeah - I read everyone's advice/ideas, take the advice that resonates and feel a little

more prepared when I head out. I don't read advice that doesn't resonate and think, how dare they say that opinion!

Honestly, the more full spectrum and diverse the opinions I have to read and pick through, the more prepared I feel.

And of course, I completely support these brave LA protesters and wish them safety and strength!

[Cuthbert Allgood]

53. Couple things: 1. doing what he did still got him killed;

2. You are seriously discounting the work of Malcolm X, the Blank Panthers, and others that also helped bring about the "rights we enjoy today" all while having a very different message than MLK.

[walkingman]

5. Great post - Just finished the Peniel Joseph book -

The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. describing King's nonviolent civil disobedience and Malcolm X's focus on Black power and self-defense. Both played crucial roles in raising awareness of racial injustice and pushing for social change.

I think we are in another of those moments in our history.

[Silent Type]

6. Agree, if it's 50501 type protests. If it hurts the cause -- meaning more migrants will be deported -- sorry, that's not

helping migrants. Maybe protesters ought to think about what they are trying to accomplish.

[Ms. Toad]

7. I generally agree - the tone policing as to identification, dress, beliefs, words used is offensive.

All of those fall squarely within free speech - and while I may express myself differently, it is not my right to insist others express themselves in the way I believe is best.

I do draw a line at some behavior. Initiating violence and destroying property (especially property of third parties) risks the safety and lives of others, and should be off-limits.

(And, while I'm not out in the streets in LA, I have been regularly protesting where I live.)

[yliza]

14. This ⬆️⬆️⬆️

Violence is what they want. Don’t give it to them.

[OutNow]

9. If you're too old to protest, write a check to help those that do

I'd like to get out on the street and protest peacefully, but I just can't do it anymore. I'm too old and my health problems are too numerous to list. But I can help in other ways, including donating to groups that help with bail money and legal defense for victims of illegal arrests, etc. There are lots of options in cities around the country, but I really like the work that the National Lawyers Guild does. Here's a handy link to NLG Mass Defense Fund. https://www.nlg.org/donate/massdefense/

Venceremos!

[LauraInLA]

10. I'd guess at least some of us are actually protesting in our communities, and for some of us that means in L.A.

Being aware of the overall impression of our protests is important, and I welcome suggestions/criticism. I am one of those who believes that we need to use more American flags alone or joined with others — they’re out there, but the media won’t highlight them unless forced by sheer numbers. I happen to like using the CA flag as a unifying symbol, but it also may not play as well across the U.S.

[Hekate]

11. Words of wisdom

[madamesilverspurs]

12. I'm no longer able to be out there with them, dammit.

And doing nothing is unthinkable.

But I can make signs for those who can be out there. I have a stack of poster board, foam board, and plain old ordinary cardboard, as well as an assortment of brushes and markers and paints. Some are my own ideas, some are asked for by those who will carry them. I still have a voice.

.

[YoshidaYui]

13. domo Arigatou Gozaimasu

Faito!!

[SARose]

15. My post was about learning the lessons from the past

We did a great job until Kent State.

Throwing rocks, setting cars on fire, looting, blocking highways plays into Trump’s authoritarian agenda, in my opinion.

He’s a jackbooted bully and he gets off on violence.

Don’t play his game because you can’t beat him at it.

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

Mahatma Gandhi

[MineralMan]

19. Except Kent State Was a Turning Point.

Unfortunately, but it mobilized even more people.

Ending the war took a long time, but waking people up was crucial.

[Keepthesoulalive]

30. Most people are not pacifists

Very few people will not fight back when you turn dogs loose, fire water canons and beat them bloody.
It was necessary for black people to endure that to bring about change. Fast forward 10 years and a new generation of black people were not going to tolerate that. These people are not subservient and they are willing to lay it all on the line, let’s support them in any way we can.

[NoMoreRepugs]

18. Well said MM.

[Prairie Gates]

20. Thank you!

It's good to hear somebody say this.

[ancianita]

21. Loud&clear Amen. I just hope that singing is part of the peaceful protests, because singing visually separates the

infiltraiters from the real protestors.

It works inside and outside the crowds as voice and heart and spirit, especially on nearby infiltraiters and law enforcement. Singing is proactive and preventive action that goes along with "peaceful."

History shows that singing especially works on the positive sentiment and support by the American public. It also will today and beyond for those who see its many video variations later. (Videos might be edited in different ways, but it takes a special kind cyberhate to successfully can't filter out the singing. But all the millions of those who participated and witnessed it will know that lie.)

Thanks for your post.

[debm55]

25. Excellent post, MineralMan

[flashman13]

26. MineralMan - I have always found your comments to be thoughtful and well stated. You are right on today.

Clearly it already a courageous act to criticize Trump and the MAGAts in any space. Right now it is an act of fearlessness

to go out in the street in any capacity. Ask the Australian reporter that was intentionally targeted by a cop while she was clearly not a threat (unless of course if you might consider being outed as a fascist a threat).

No one has the right to sit at home and criticize those people who are displaying a fair amount of bravery to lodge a protest for redress of grievances.

I'm just surprised that no one has been murdered in the streets up to this point. It is coming. I'm guessing June 14 will erupt in state sanctioned violence. I'll be in the streets on that day. I'm pretty sure I know where MineralMan will be. Where will you be?

[mellow]

28. For now, we have the freedom of speech to comment on...

* Infiltrators trying to spark violence to justify crackdowns.
* Privileged folk who take advantage of other people's troubles to go wilding for fun.
* The optics of carrying a foreign flag vs an American flag.

Discussing impact is worthwhile, regardless.

[stopdiggin]

32. +1. I'm suppose to stay silent (and supportive?) on thee subject of jackasses

that delight in torching cars? No valid opinion unless I'm in the middle of that scrum?
Not entitled to speculate as to whether this might or might not be good for the cause? BALONEY !
What utter nonsense. Thanks .. !

[Kaleva]

29. Very much agree!

I very much doubt I’ll ever be at a protest.

With that in mind, I think I’d be out of line being critical of those who do. It wouldn’t be up to me to say what flag they should be waving, how they should dress or how they should behave.

[gulliver]

31. But when you talk about destruction, don't you know that you can count me out!

Burn a car? Attack police? Destroy buildings? Off to a long term in prison with you...followed by deportation for non-citizens.

Signs and flags? That's one thing. Destruction? I'm with the Beatles on that.

[stopdiggin]

34. Thanks! And the idea that I'm not allowed an OPINION or voice .. ! WOW ! -(nt)-

[33taw]

35. I think of Tiananmen square and how powerful a defiant, yet silent protest was most effective.

[HuskyOffset]

36. I think i I had a suggestion for the protesters

I would pose it to them in the form of a question. E.g. something like: “Say, I had an idea that might be interesting for these protests, can I run it by you and get your thoughts on it?”

That way it’s not even a suggestion, you’re just asking what the person thinks of an idea you had. Makes it very easy for them to dismiss it if they don’t like it.

[Nululu]

37. I'm glad to see demonstrators

More power to them. Wish I could join you. Now the marines deployed. Shameful.

Stay safe out there. Run if you need to. Help each other. I admire them.

[TNNurse]

38. I will be joining a group in my town of Maryville TN

I will wear my "What Would Jimmy Carter Do?" shirt. I will be with friend and and junior year in college roommate. Would not have imagined this all those years ago.

[Chi67]

39. Thank you!

I will be at the Chicago protest. And one thing that pisses me off more than anything is people who love to bitch, but won't do anything about it. To me- that's worse than being a MAGA.

And yes- we need to heed the words of MLK and protest peacefully. That's number one. I am a gay man who lived through the 80s AIDS epidemic and did a lot of public speaking and protesting at great risk to myself. We never thought anything would get done, but it did. This is the time for everyone who is able to get out there and be heard.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

43. BREAKING: SEIU California President David Huerta has just been released from ICE custody

BREAKING: SEIU California President David Huerta has just been released from ICE custody after days of detention. Here he is embracing his wife after his release (Video: Brittny Mejia)

— Marco Foster (@marcofoster.bsky.social) 2025-06-09T22:15:00.423Z

[GaYellowDawg]

48. Ooooooooooookay

So if someone's protesting in a stupid, counterproductive, or illegal fashion, any of which could be easily used to turn opinions more against us, then we should just shut up and not comment.

I say this as someone who's been protesting this administration and will be out again on the 14th: what an amazingly fucking stupid idea to push.

[blogslug]

49. kick!

🇲🇽 🇺🇸 ✊

[Magoo48]

50. Thanks MM, GOOD on ya.

[relayerbob]

52. But you're OK with scolding allies to the cause

Yeah, whatever. Ego is all.

[TBF]

54. generally agree - but would be interested hearing

from anyone who was at Kent State or similar protests at that time. I know it's a long shot, but I'm not quite 60, and the college students from 1970 could very well be posting on here. I'd love to hear stories, tips, advice. My own parents weren't involved although they were quite liberal for small town folks (esp. with a father who served in the early stages of the Vietnam conflict).

[EX500rider]

57. "leave those who can and do to comport themselves as they choose." Think I will pass on this kind of protest, thanks

.webp

[Buddyzbuddy]

59. Good point, MineralMan.

[usonian]

60. Donate?

https://indivisible.org/statements/indivisible-and-partners-announce-no-kings-nationwide-day-defiance-flag-day-during


https://secure.actblue.com/donate/indivisible-action-1

[EdmondDantes_]

61. This line of thinking doesn't hold for me

None of us have been president, yet we all feel quite okay with criticizing Trump. Given your framing, should we all have to at least make a real attempt to be president to criticize? Or what about the January 6th people who believed they were protesting a stolen election? Is it that you think their cause is righteous and that there is no extremism in defense of a good cause?

And as always, our rights end at the end of someone else's nose. Protestors don't have the right to damage things as they please and certainly don't have the right to do so without criticism. Being a protestor isn't a free pass.

[paulkienitz]

63. as an old guy, with older family, I ain't going anywhere near anything that looks like it might turn ugly...

but our local protests have so far been completely peaceful, so I'm planning to be out there yet.