Today I Learned (TIL)

I get being afraid of going to a protest considering we have police literally saying they’ll just kill people, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get involved with those organizing the protests. See if you can get involved with the organizers of your local protests and ask them what they need for the protests. After all, those signs you see people carrying didn’t make themselves. At the very least you can call your reps and make your voice heard. Even if your reps are dems, make it clear that you want real action, not just talk. You could also talk to the people around you: at work, at the store, family members, etc. Encourage them to call their reps. If your reps aren’t actively making things worse or letting things get worse by doing nothing but fundraise (so most reps) then see if there are efforts to primary any of them and encourage everyone you know to vote in the primaries too

Like I said, I understand being afraid to go to a protest. I am too. But you have to remember that if we don’t stop Trump and a full blown fascist takeover, then things will be much, much worse and much, much harder to change

You'll only be scared before you go to the protest. Once you're there you'll be fine. The vibe on the ground at every protest I've been to is great and there's a real feeling of camaraderie and support from your community. There is some risk, yes. It's probably still safer than crossing the street.

Can you share what exactly your concerns are so that folks could suggest a mitigation strategy?

I've gone to protests and stayed near the edge/outskirts so I can feel the vibe and keep an eye out to leave if it feels bad at all. You could do that if you wanted to try it out. I think massive popular protests are usually fine, it's the smaller ones that are more risky IMO.

Fucking show up is what you can do.

Grow a pair.