Breathe

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a business will let every person in it die a terrible death if it makes the business profit. A household will spend it’s last dollar to keep the people in it safe and healthy.

A household will use money as a resource to add value to the lives of the people in the household. A business will use people as a resource to add monetary value to the business

use overdrive, libby, hoopla, cloudlibrary, and kanopy instead of amazon and audible.

use firefox instead of chrome or opera (both are made with chromium, which blocks functionality for ad-blockers. firefox isn't based on chromium).

use mega or proton drive instead of google drive.

get rid of bloatware

use libreoffice instead of microsoft office suite

use vetted sites on r/FREEMEDIAHECKYEAH for free movies, books, games, etc.

use trakt or letterboxd instead of imdb.

use storygraph instead of goodreads.

use darkpatterns to find mobile game with no ads or microtransactions

use ground news to read unbiased news and find blind spots in news stories.

use mediahuman or cobalt to download music, or support your favorite artists directly through bandcamp

make youtube bearable by using mtube, newpipe, or the unhook extension on chrome, firefox, or microsoft edge

use search for a cause or ecosia to support the environment instead of google

use thriftbooks to buy new or used books (they also have manga, textbooks, home goods, CDs, DVDs, and blurays)

use flashpoint to play archived online flash games

find books, movies, games, etc. on the internet archive! for starters, here's a bunch of David Attenborough documentaries and all of the Animorphs books

burn your music onto cds

use pdf24 (available online or as a desktop app) instead of adobe

use unroll.me to clean your email inboxes

use thunderbird, mailfence, countermail, edison mail, tuta, or proton mail instead of gmail

remove bloatware on windows PC, macOS, and iOS X

remove bloatware on samsung X

use pixelfed instead of instagram or meta

use NCH suite for free software like a file converter, image editor, video editors, pdf editor, etc.

feel free to add more alternatives, resources or advice in the reblogs or replies, and i'll add them to the main post <3

First: the U.S. isn't in the "imminent" or "approaching" stages of fascism. At least as far as the president and the ruling junta are concerned, and in regard to what they're trying to do, this is full-out, blood-and-soil, grab-people-off-the-streets-to-send-to-concentration-camps-without-trial fascism. The reason they have not been able to do everything they planned is due to a) considerable and vigorous resistance from multiple levels of American society, and b) federal judges. Everyone say Thank You, Federal Judges. They are the only thing keeping the Turd Reich in check right now, because the GOP-controlled Congress is waving handkerchiefs and cheering all the way. If Trump and the withered skinsuit of white supremacist evil known as Stephen Miller were able to do what they wanted with genuinely no interference from the courts, this would be unspeakably bad. And y'know. It's already bad.

I am not here to tell anyone to Pollyanna it out or just think happy thoughts or whatever else. This is very bad. We have to acknowledge the badness of it and to understand that this is what happens when you voluntarily give power back to a miserable reactionary fascist regime that repeatedly announced its intentions to do exactly this. Except too many Americans went "lol that's funny he's such a joker" and voted for him anyway. I'm very curious how the Both Parties Are The Same crowd would like to explain the fact that literally none of this was happening at the same time last year, when Democrats still held the White House and Senate, but that's another post and I'm tired of arguing with their anti-reality doomster Horseshoe Theory vortex of stupidity. So. Moving along. It's done now, it happened. What next?

Here's the important thing which you have to understand: this hysterical overreaction -- National Guard, trampling on state sovereignty, Marines in the streets, declaring open war on LA and wherever else the ICE Gestapo is being sent -- is not a sign of strength. It is a sign of a weak, failing, and flailing psychopathic old dementia patient who has realized that destroying American democracy on behalf of his Kremlin paymasters and alt-right tech bros (though too bad, so sad, #Trumpsk ended in Pride Month!) is going to be a hell of a lot harder than he thought. Trump just spent the week getting mocked, ridiculed, emasculated, and made to look weak and stupid. Musk turned on him and blew up the Big Beautiful Bill, which was already having a hard time in the Senate. Judges are almost automatically ruling against him at this point. He was even forced to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the US from the Salvadoran gulag and get Fascist Barbie Bondi to concoct some other BS charges to try him on. The point is, TACO. Trump Always Chickens Out. He is weak, he's failing, people keep fighting him and winning, he just got major-league embarrassed by his Ex Bestie, and his stupid budget bill just got a lot harder to pass. So what do you do, if you're Donald Trump? You lash out at your favorite target, That Dadgum Gay Liberal Commie Immigrant Refuge, California.

This is what fascists do when cornered, thwarted, and made to look stupid: they try to do the only thing they can do, which is an overwhelming show of brute force. Please remember that this is also happening because said withered skinsuit of white supremacist evil, Stephen Miller, is upset that they haven't managed to "cleanse" the country of every single immigrant yet. It is also openly admitted by Orange Hitler's Favorite Special Little Boy that a big part of their plan is to cause enough terror to force immigrants to self-deport, or just voluntarily pack up and leave because they think this well-oiled terror machine will come for them next. Now. Listen. I have zero, ZERO right to tell any non-citizen living in the US right now what to do or how to feel. If you just want to get out before you do have to risk going through that, it is completely and utterly valid.

However.

This is your home too. You belong here. If you decide that if they want you out, they'll have to fight you the whole way, then you could and should do that. Those of us who are U.S. citizens have a right to stand up with you, not least since the Turd Reich is already musing about finding ways to do the same things to us. Nobody is safe. This is way past the "first they came for" lines of the poem; they want to get everyone if they can, for the tiniest and most minute infractions against Donald of House Putin, First Of His Name. See above: we're in the full-blown fascism stage. I am not minimizing or ignoring that.

But still.

If you do the usual Doomer Leftist Edgelord Internet Thing and go "lol well guess Trump is a dictator for life now and there will be no more elections and we live in Gilead forever," often with barely-disguised glee that at least those stupid liberals are getting punished, you're, well, also a fascist. You're accepting and glorifying fascist narratives, you're exalting fascist power, you are once more making the fascists look cool and inevitable and like there's no point at all in fighting. Nota Bene: This does not refer to the people who are genuinely terrified and despairing and thinking that this is in fact the end and there's no more point in fighting. You're scared. I'm scared too. I see that and I feel it and I know, I know, I know. But you can still control what you say and how you react and the messages that you spread in response. If you're just reblogging a lot of unsourced screenshots and panic-mongering posts: maybe don't do that. Think about what you're putting out there and how you're reacting. If you don't feel like you can do that, get off the internet, stop looking at the news (which also has a vested interest in making everything look apocalyptic) and take a breath. It will still be there tomorrow.

At times like these, all we can do is hold onto each other and take some comfort in the fact that time still creeps in a petty pace from day to day. The Terrible Future still will not happen all at once and in a giant blob of awful and with no chance to change it. Nothing is predetermined and nothing is inevitable. Everything will still happen one day at a time, and that means we have to use the time as best we can. If you feel like this is in fact the End for you and you need to get out, well, go ahead and make those preparations if you can. But also recognize that everyone is in fight-or-flight mode right now, that is a screaming panic response, and while you shouldn't downplay the danger, you also shouldn't up and run because your scared animal brain thinks that is the only thing left to do. We are still here. You are still here. I am still here. We can still do something as we choose.

I hate the fact that we have to quote Gandalf like, all the goddamn time right now, but it's still true. All you have to do is choose what to do with the time that is given to you, etc. You still have a life. You still have a choice. You still have time. It is not done, it is not the end, and goodness knows the world isn't over now because Donald Trump got mad again and threw a hissy fit because he had a really sucky week and got publicly dumped by Elon Fucking Musk (again, lololololol). Things are very bad, but the point of my original post above was that even when you're living through an awful historical event (yet again, I hate this timeline), ordinary life still goes on. You have to focus on what you control and do what you can with it. It's not about hope so much as confounded stubbornness. If those idiot weaksauce fascist losers want to get you, make it as hard as fucking possible for them, and part of that IS just refusing to accept that they have that power, or any power. You can think whatever you want, but if you just say out loud, "Fuck you. This is stupid. You are going to fail because you're failures and you can't make me afraid," weirdly, it really does help.

It takes a long time coming and usually a relatively short time collapsing. Why?

Because fascist regimes prioritize loyalty in their underlings and members of their government. They do NOT prize things like...um, competence, and knowing how to do things. Of this we have daily proof.

When all you care about is whether the people who work for you kiss the ring or not, the systems that you barely knew you relied on tend to get majorly fucked up because nobody is qualified to run anything and nobody knows what the fuck they're doing. Again, we have daily proof of this.

(hope is a weapon, hope is a skill...)

solidarity, y'all.

Sitting down can get you HURT

Even if you're not DOING anything, it can get you arrested!

If things go south and you SIT, you are leaving yourself with less mobility in a situation that might need quick action!

I focused on the "there will be covert infiltrators" part of the post and didn't analyze the advice part enough. @/solarpunkani is entirely correct!!

PROTESTING SAFETY

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1. Preparation:

- Do not wear any accessories or anything identifiable. If you have tattoos or piercings, cover them up and hide them. Do NOT use makeup to cover them up either. In fact, don't wear makeup at all in ANY capacity, especially on the face, because it makes gases and sprays WORSE. Avoid jewerly entirely as it can be grabbed onto or traced back to you.

- Wear long sleeve shirts and pants and running shoes, CLOSED TOES, preferably all gray or black or all one singular (nonbright) color, neutrals. Avoid loose clothing and drawstrings. Wear head coverings, even more so if you have dyed hair. Nothing eye-catching, no slogans or logos, no customized or political clothing, nothing identifiable or unique that can be traced back to you. Wear head coverings that cover the entire head, including your ears, nose, and mouth.

- Make sure you can run in your outfit, just in case

- ***DO NOT WEAR CONTACTS, WEAR GLASSES INSTEAD***

I CANNOT stress that enough. If you wear glasses, make sure they're secure and cannot fall off easy.

- Helmets or elbow and knee patches are good for general safety but wear nothing that limits movement. Also, WEAR GOGGLES, but in a pinch firearm safety glasses of some kind can work. some sort of mask covering for your nose and mouth for, again, gases and sprays. A regular covid mask underneath a balaclava or bandana is better than nothing

- An extra note to medics: DO NOT wear anything that designates you publicly as a medic. A known medic is a targeted one. Only make it known you're a medic through word of mouth, **please**

- Write energency phone numbers on your body somewhere hidden, keep your ID and cash on you in a shoe or something but don't bring a wallet. If you have to bring a phone keep it shut down the entire time until you are far from the location the protest is happening, keep your biometrics and face ID off, turn off location services and if you take photo or video erase the metadata even if you don't plan on posting it.

- There are typically jail support and legal aid for protesters, find whats specific to your area and write their number. If you can get a lawyer, write their number down, too.

- PREFERABLY* go with a friend. Keep a designated meet up spot away from the protest to run to if things go south. If you are alone? get a buddy or make a friend at the protest so you both have someone to fall back on, and make it known to others that you are alone so they can watch out for you. If anything else, make sure at least 1 other person not at the protest knows where you are.

- Have backup meet-up spots in case of them being compromised, set up check-ins, too.

- KNOW YOUR RIGHTS BEFOREHAND, be prepared to exercise them

AGAIN on phones:

- have location data and airdrop turned off, AND in airplane mode because it can still ping towers with it off. Consider a faraday bag, if you can.

- turn off biometrics or face ID, cops can force you to open your phone. Again, preferably, keep it turned off

- burner phones are often registered with identifiable information so I don't recommend it, but if you can get it under someone else's information especially if they aren't going to be with yoy at the protest *with their consent

- if you are going to take video or photos for any reason, get CONSENT FIRST. Do NOT post anything in the moment. Only after the protest has concluded and once you've wiped the metadata. (And no, that screenshotting trick doesn't always work).

- use encrypted messaging, no socials, no texting, no phone calls. Verbal communication face to face is best

- while im on that topic: dont post anything beforehand either. Dont sign up to things on facebook, don't RSVP, and definitely don't post anywhere on social media that you're attending.

- Beforehand, look at maps of the area. Know your routes and exits.

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1.5. supplies:

- WATER WATER WATER, enough to stay hydrated AND to flush your eyes

- backpack or something secure AND crossbody to carry supplies in, one that doesnt limit movement and can't be pulled off easy

- umbrellas block projectiles, use them

- earplugs or eardefenders, *(do not get completely noise cancling because you still need to be aware of your surroundings)*

- some sort of snacks (not sugary, preferably): peanut butter crackers, slim jim, crackers, granola, trail mix, etc

- sunscreen, if not for you then someone else

- basic prepacked medkit supplies, bandages and gauze, if nothing else

- gloves (heat safe, oven mitts work too. They're for handling canisters thrown your way safely)

- BAIL MONEY, stored somewhere safe, probably in your shoes. Even if you intend on being peaceful, even if you don't do anything illegal or plan on it. They *will* still try to arrest you anyways.

- a change of clothes for afterward, both so you have clean, uncontaminated clothes, and so you're less likely to be identified after

- Whistle (noisemaker and you won't lose your voice as easily. Also, it's good for if you've been injured or need to call out for help)

- Sharpie to write on yourself if needed, notepad can be used to record badge numbers in future court cases

- card with crucial medical information such as blood type, disabilities, allergies, or other needs stashed somewhere on the chance of a medical emergency or being hospitalized.

Medic specific supplies:

- everything above^

- Water

- saline solution (found at wallgreens or walmart in eye sections, didinfectant and can be used to clear tear gas)

*note: I wouldn't recommend baby shampoo because it often had fragrances which can hurt more or damage your eyes, and sometimes oils too which can make it worse)

- safety scissors

- butterfly bandages and bandaids

- alcohol wipes and q-tips

- neosporin

- *latex free* gloves

- guaze

- tampons and pads to pack wounds

- duct tape

- emergency blanket

- did I mention WATER

- Extras of anything you can spare for those who are less prepared

IF YOU ARE BRINGING ANY FLAGS

- i urge you to bring American flags. Anything else and the media coverage can be twisted as an 'Us vs. Mexico" or "Us vs. Trans people". American flags let them know undeniably that no matter how they try to twist the narrative: *this is happening to U.S. citizens*

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2: While you're there

- Keep an EYE ON YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Exercise spatial awareness, keep an eye on the crowd and out of the crowd. This is easier said than done if you dont have a buddy, so I really recommend finding someone to group with.

- I recommend staying on the outskirts if you can. Avoid dark and enclosed areas in exchange for open and well lit ones. Watch out for infiltrators there to insight violence and agitate crowds, or undercover cops.

- DO NOT PANIC OR RUN, DO NOT SCREAM. It takes one person to make an entire group panic, and that can lead to violence, stampedes, crowd crushes... stay calm and react accordingly.

- Panicking can be read as aggression too, so all the more reason to stay calm. Alongside with that: do NOT be innebriated. Do not do drugs, do not drink alcohol. Stay sober, stay aware.

- If you are recording: narrate loud and clealy, narrate the time and date, the location, the events before and during recording. Footage is evidence that can be used in court. Blur and obscure faces with multiple methods

- If things get violent or go south, distance yourself and find somewhere to regroup. Be prepared to protect yourself, have umbrellas ready in defense of being shot at. I cannot stress this enough but 'rubber' bullets (metal encased in rubber btw) can still maim and kill. The police often shoot directly at people without regard for safety. Be careful.

- If police begin to surround and barricade your group, you are being locked in a *kettle*. (Yes, even if it's illegal in your state) They may keep you there for an extended period of time or attempt to arrest everyone. The safest way out if you see it coming back the way you came. Do NOT talk to the cops under any circumstances.

- If nobody talks, everybody walks

- if you are arrested, be prepared to exercise your rights and speak clearly. Not speaking clearly gives them cause to ignore you or take your words differently than what they mean because they have to obey the word and not the spirit of the law.

- if you are detained: "I am exercising my right to remain silent, I will not speak without an attorney present."

- They can't make you say shit without one, so do not say shit without one, no matter what they say. (Eventually) they will be forced to comply.

if tear gas cannisters are thrown:

- please note that throwing them back is a felony, do so only at your own risk

- USE HEAT SAFE GLOVES TO HANDLE, or else you WILL get burned

- COVER AND SMOTHER is the way to go. Pot lids or garbage can lids are great. Pouring water on them helps a lot

- SALINE IS BETTER THAN MILK BUT MILK IS BETTER THAN NOTHING. Saline is much more sterile and effective. Antacid mixtures are a safe backup, water is fine and milk is a last resort option.

- do not rub your eyes, blink and let your tear ducts do the work to flush them out or you will spread it further and deeper

- do not use oils or lotions to decontaminate your skin, breathe slowly, do not scream

- when/if you can, rinse yourself down with water

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3: afterwards...

- decontaminate yourself. Take your clothes off, especially if you've been gassed, and leave them at the door of your home and head to the shower in a palstic bag or trash bag.

- Shower with COLD water. Hot water opens pores and worsens chemical absorption. Rinse eyes and face first, wash your hair THOROUGHLY

- unscented soaps, fragrance oils can worsen contamination

- wash your clothes entirely seperated from your laundry and don't forget to include the afformentioned gloves/oven mitts if also contaminated. Wash on cold water

- DOCUMENT YOUR INJURIES including date, time, severity, and other details. Pictures too. Do a full body survery to make sure nothing is missed.

- Back up all footage and data to somewhere encrypted, preserve the original metadata for court and legal use only, and wipe everything completly of metadata and CENSOR FACES to anything shared publicly. If you're device was handled by the police change your passcode

- while the memories are fresh document everything, a timeline of events, crowd control tactics used, badge numbers of the officers, anything and everything and share only with a legal observer.

- Make sure to calm down and decompress. Check in with others, and yourself too. Hydrate, eat a full meal, get some rest

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3.5: If you are..

Arrested:

- to reitterate: do NOT speak to cops. Do NOT speak without a lawyer. KNOW AND EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS

- If you are under 18 do not speak without a legal guardian, even with a lawyer present, if you can

- if you are injured during your arrest, report it upon arrival to jail. If they refuse care, insist that they document the refusal and note name, date, and time

- if you are assaulted or mistreated in your time there you can report it to legal aid organizations

- REMEMBER: "I am invoking my right to remain silent and my right to an attorney." Repeat as many times as needed

- if you get a phone call, either your emergency contact written on yourself or a jail support hotline is your first priority

- Do not unlock any devices if you can help it

- Upon release, get copies of everything and DOCUMENT. I can't stress that enough

Hospitalized/EMS:

- be honest with them. They don't have to tell the cops shit, they just want to know everything they need to treat you accordingly. Don't lie to them and it'll make their jobs easier.

- Again: THEY ARE NOT THE COPS. BE HONEST WITH THEM.

- ask for your treatment and injuries to be documented, this will help on future court cases as evidence.

- designate a release contact and make sure to follow up on care for anything serious.

I think that officially covers everything I can think of but if anyone has something to add dm me and let me know. I will update this as I find more information, and will get to work on making a better formatted version to print out when I can. Spread this as much as possible and repost wherever.