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.

  • zane@infosec.pub
    0·
    1 month ago

    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.

  • dhork@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    1 month ago

    Yes, that would be a bad idea. It shouldn’t be a bad idea. But right now, it would be.

    Then again, you are probably in for Domestic Terrorism charges for simply protesting against the Car of the People. It’s up to you whether you want to dial it all up to 11.

  • cattywampas@lemm.eeEnglish
    0·
    1 month ago

    You left out some important context, that she followed that up with “you people are next.”

    • Bongles@lemm.ee
      0·
      1 month ago

      That’s what pushes it over into a threat I believe. Just using the other words would normally be fine and protected speech.

  • Hegar@fedia.io
    0·
    1 month ago

    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.

  • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    1 month ago

    Protesting a dealership when no one wants to buy one is performative.

    Where protests should be happening is factories because even if Musk has to shut down one day, that is expensive, and it’s expensive to start it back up again.

    So what’s really effective is protesting factories and not letting workers in.

    For a day or two.

    Then leaving till it’s started back up for a couple days, and just repeating that. Make them open and close production constantly. Make Tesla workers tires of the bullshit, better yet make Musk fire them so they get severance and unemployment.

    So:

    Look at the risk/reward of what you want to do/say at a dealership. Nothing you put on a sign is going to change anyone’s minds.

    To quote a saying that’s been around for way to long:

    You can beat the charges, but you can’t beat the ride

    Meaning it doesn’t matter if what you’re doing is illegal, cops can still beat you, take you to jail, and just drop charges 10 minutes before you get to see a judge.

    • vvilld@lemmy.worldOP
      0·
      1 month ago

      I do protest in DC. Often. I was at one last weekend. I am unable to go into the city this weekend. I have about 2 free hours while my kids will be in a class, so I’m trying to use that time to participate where I can.

      I don’t need a lecture. I know what I’m doing and when and where I’m able to participate. I am solely looking for advice on whether this one sign might lead to problems or not.

      • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
        0·
        1 month ago

        If I lived within driving distance of DC or a Tesla factory I would be…

        Thought that was clear:

        lots of Americans would love to switch locations with you so they could have the opportunity you’re wasting.

  • Gordon Calhoun@lemmy.world
    0·
    1 month ago

    Maybe use your own D words to align with the vibe, but distance yourself enough to have some plausible deniability?

    Disdain, Deplore, defenestrate Dispute

    There are probably much better D words, but those are off the top of my head.

  • HubertManne@piefed.socialEnglish
    0·
    1 month ago

    Given they made that up whole cloth they can decide anything you have is terrorism and don’t forget they are saying aggression against tesla is terrorism and they are pretty vague on terms like aggression.

    • vvilld@lemmy.worldOP
      0·
      1 month ago

      No, we need people. All kinds of people. As many people as we can possibly get. Absolutely NOBODY who is considering attending a protest should be told to stay home.

      I attend protests all the time. Ever since my early 20s (which was over 15 years ago) I’ve made it a point to attend at least 1 protest every month. For the past 8 years that’s been closer to weekly than monthly. I have plenty of experience at protests. My question here is solely about the phrasing for my sign.

    • Gordon Calhoun@lemmy.world
      0·
      1 month ago

      If you’re afraid responsible for the well-being of other people and can’t afford to of being arrested, stay home do what you’re doing and weigh the risks, seek advice and knowledge to safely make your voice heard. We need the brave all types, not cowards impassioned people with less to lose may choose to protest through higher risk activities, but not everyone needs to go that route at this point.