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[scout86]

I would not have thought of "a mouth guard." :)

 

[Deleted member 41765]

I would not have thought of "a mouth guard." :)

I've one from my roller derby days... I agree. Teeth are important!

@scout your position remains stay away?

 

[scout86]

Well, I think that would be the answer for ME. I can relate to the desire to stand up and show solidarity, I really can. And, I'm pretty much appalled at a lot of what's been going on. At the same time, I'm not fond of crowds and I'm a little creeped out by some of the "group think" stuff that can happen at even a well intended gathering to support any kind of cause. So, personally, I probably wouldn't go. Mouth guard or not. I'm thinking there might be a time to put my body on the line, but not yet. I can't really answer for you though. I think going to something a in a separate location would be the better idea, for sure. And, if you go, just be alert for the unexpected.

 

[hodge]

This is a tough one, @ShikibuZ. I used to be on the front lines when I was able to. I had little fear and a lot of faith. Even though we were "monitored" by security with big rifles, those times were not these times. I won't begin to tell you what I think you should do, but I've never regretted standing up for others. Would I do it today? Actually, due to sciatica, I'm physically not capable of standing for more than 5-10 minutes, so I wouldn't. If I knew I could run and take care of myself if need be, I would do it again. But it's not just the ability to run if need be. You need to be confident in an ability to see bad trouble coming before it hits you (like literally, as in a car, maybe.) It also helps to have peacekeeping training so if you find yourself amongst or near a group of ruffians you have some strategies to try to keep them in check.

Oh, and to pick up on Scout's point, the other important thing peacekeeping training does is prevent the "mob mentality" phenomenon. I found it crucial to have a faithful focus as did the other leaders in our actions. We were there because of our love for others (even the ones we were protesting against). And that was at the top of our minds always.

 

[Deleted member 41765]

Ok. I appreciate the answers. I'm out. It is, of course, the unexpected Im fearful of, and the wish I weren't affected by crowds, helicopters, and violence. (Oh oh the helicopters) It irritates me that Im going to get slack for not going due to lack of ptsd understanding and my own disavowal in this instance. Thanks all.

 

[scout86]

There are lots of other ways to make a difference and be heard. From what I've seen of you here, I'd guess you advocate on a more person to person level all the time.

 

[Deleted member 41765]

@hodge thank you! Your message came through as I was typing. My only peacekeeping training is though my reading. This invasion of home is insufferable to me. That said, I appreciate your perspective. I will probably remain at home.

 

[Justmehere]

There are lots of other ways to make a difference and be heard.

I've seen many protests where I live on many sides. I've yet to see a protest change anyone's mind in this political season. I don't actually much consider them "the front lines" right now. I totally respect and support the *right* to protest, and I totally understand the desire to be there too - but I think the front lines right now is building relationships with others and talking to them or volunteering on a grass roots level. I'm sure there are numerous groups and causes in your area eager for volunteers to help with safer and possibly more effective ways of making a difference right now.

 

[Deleted member 41765]

've yet to see a protest change anyone's mind

I'm not attempting to change anyone's mind. I am wanting to contribute to the attempt to counter hate, MLK style. In every way I can.

 

[Tornadic Thoughts]

I'd seek out some community gardens and go plant stuff, or food banks that need a hand, or anything that can foster a nurturing stance where it matters the most, in meeting the most basic human needs, which is becoming harder and harder for many to meet.

Counter the hate by helping to provide what the hateful systems work hard at keeping out of reach. I've found things like that to be my best method of advocating for loving each other and oneself, as I had to learn to do it for myself to improve my own well-being.

I can't handle the energetic exchanges that go down at the rally/protesting/whatever else they're called scenes anymore. It drains my being in too many ways that make it hard to bounce back.

I also have little patience for the hateful responses spewed by the supposedly peaceful others who do go to them in telling those who don't that their so-called silence is agreeing with the oppression.

I may be silent in my words and absent in attending the mass gatherings, but if you really watch my day to day actions, I'm living out loud in ways that nurture myself and others from the inside out. A concept that's quite foreign to many based on how we were raised and what we've experienced..

Take good care of you and follow your heart to where you can do the most good while also feeling good about it.

 

[hodge]

Hang in there, @ShikibuZ. Believe me, I know how frustrating it is to not get out there, but as others have said, we can work positively online. For my part, I am trying to find any common ground with Trump supporters online, and trying to appeal to their better angels. It may be a fools' errand, but what else can we do? I mean that seriously. What else can we do? I really, really do not want to see another civil war in this country and I am afraid we are getting too close to that.

 

[Deleted member 41765]

Thank you all. I'm listening.