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
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    10 hours 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.

    • notabot@lemm.ee
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      10 hours ago

      Foil will do nothing against ultrasonic or any other acoustic weapon, but may, possibly, be of limited use against microwave weapons should they use them.

    • vvilld@lemmy.worldOP
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      10 hours ago

      It’s not that kind of protest. I’ve been to plenty of that kind of protest, and this isn’t that kind.

  • Hegar@fedia.io
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    14 hours 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.

  • djsoren19
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    11 hours ago

    Nah that’s a cool sign tho. Just follow the basic protesting tips and you’ll be fine.

  • cattywampas@lemm.ee
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    15 hours ago

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

    • Bongles@lemm.ee
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      14 hours ago

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

      • Glitterbomb@lemmy.world
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        10 hours ago

        Yeah, instead OP should fill a gas can with Gatorade and casually sip from the can while at the protest. If anyone asks, say you brought it to show your support for combustion engines. There’s no way that can be interpreted as a threat, right?

  • HubertManne@piefed.social
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    14 hours 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.

  • dhork@lemmy.world
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    15 hours 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.

  • Gordon Calhoun@lemmy.world
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    15 hours 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.

    • sem
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      11 hours ago

      Dodge, Dip, Duck! (Dive&Dodge)

      • vvilld@lemmy.worldOP
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        11 hours ago

        There was a book that came out in 2010 titled Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don’t Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. It’s an analysis of the insurance industry (not just healthcare, but with a special focus on healthcare) that details how insurance companies operate to delay approvals of insurance claims, deny insurance claims, and defend wrongful denials in court. It basically shows how it is cheaper for insurance companies to not pay lawful claims and fight them in court than to pay out claims.

        When Luigi Mangione killed the UHC CEO last year, he left behind 3 bullet shells at the scene of the murder with the words “Delay”, “Deny” and “Depose” written on the bullet shells. It was a pretty clear reference to the book, and was the first indication (before Mangione was caught) as to the motive of the shooting.

  • sarah ash (She/They)
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    15 hours ago

    Honestly go to the protest yes, but I would not risk it. Its very on the nose and you dont know how the acabs will react.

      • sem
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        11 hours ago

        They are saying the bastard cops will not like it

    • vvilld@lemmy.worldOP
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      14 hours 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
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      14 hours 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.

      • vvilld@lemmy.worldOP
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        11 hours ago

        Right? How can one be brave if they’re not afraid? Isn’t the definition of bravery doing a thing even though you’re scared to?