Holding Off the Stormtroopers
They held so-called “No Kings” rallies this past Saturday; organized by well-funded sources designed to protest the Trump Administration.
I got a mass email Saturday from someone who encourages these events, complaining about comments made against the protestors. “This rhetoric marks a dangerous escalation against a peaceful opposition to fascism. Hopefully the day will come off without incident, but just in case, people deserve to be prepared and protected,” Jay Ponti wrote. He promoted a forthcoming book, “The Political Revolutionary’s Handbook,” and offered a free section on Substack “with tools to help demonstrators stay safe and protect each other if the stormtroopers bring violence to what should be a peaceful demonstration of our First Amendment rights.”
While I hated to give him any more clicks, I thought I should check it out to see what might be in a “political revolutionary’s handbook”. There was even a Spanish translation available.
This is hardly a spontaneous, grassroots effort…with tips under “prep like a pro” including “train like your freedom depends on it,” “assume the cops are listening”…they are encouraged to clear unpaid fines or warrants before risking arrest “as they will complicate your case”.
They encourage the buddy system to never protest alone…dress in layers for weather and mobility…avoid contact lenses because it can trap tear gas chemicals…”Skip the all-black unless that’s the agreed tactic—optics matter”…and “bonus points for clothes with hidden pockets”—not sure what you would need hidden pockets for.
And that was just the beginning…there are several bullet points under “control the narrative” including setting up a remote media team and using drones.
And under “everyone masks up,” they say “N95s protect your lungs and your identity. Do not wear distinctive clothing. Do not give them anything they can use to find you later.”
And all that was before the “legal and jail support,” including tattooing information in marker on your inner arm, including a legal hotline number and trusted contact for bail.
There was much more, but it closed with the encouraging phrase, “Don’t let the bastards grind you down!”
So if the goal was a peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights…why was all this guidance necessary. Oh, that’s right…because those in charge are fascists, kings, and dictators.
But if they really were…would protests of any sort have been allowed? Just a thought.
