As I watched Rachel lay it out tonight, my blood ran cold.

[The_jackalope]

For 15 years now I've been speculating about the collapse of civilization. I think this will be due to biophysical factors like overpopulation, overconsumption, deforestation, desertification, the loss of fresh water resources, and above all the knock-on effects of climate change, especially the disruption of food supplies brought on by extreme weather events caused by disruptions in the jet stream. I am fully convinced that we are already over the edge and into the avalanche.

One of the consequences that I expected to see as the multi-factorial stresses on societies increased, is the spread of authoritarian governments and the resulting destruction of democracies around the world. My expectations have not been disappointed.

But I never expected to be living just across the border from such a society, watching the process of social collapse unfold in front of my eyes, in real time, on my TV, in the terrified comfort of my living room in Ottawa.

I hope (and if I were religious I would pray) that you will pour out into the streets en masse.

If not you, then who? If not now, then when?

[MontanaMama]

1. My blood ran cold too.

I look around at my friends and neighbors who I see and talk to daily and every one of them acknowledges that none of what’s going on is okay...but they like I have to get the kids to school, go to work, make dinner, do homework, flip a load of laundry and get up and do it again...and it’s all going down the toilet while we’re just trying to keep up. Maybe the fascists are counting on my distraction with the mundane. I’m not religious but have my own connection to the Universe...I’m asking for help, wisdom and guidance. I’m afraid.

[The_jackalope]

4. A few things occur to me off the top of my head:

Join protests. Be prepared for them to turn violent.

Learn first aid.

Start thinking of yourself as a member of the resistance,

Follow the examples of resistance movements in other places and times.

Think about becoming part of an escape network to harbor and move fugitives to safer places. Underground railroad stuff.

Find out (discreetly) who among your family, neighbors and friends you can really trust - like with your life. Establish communication protocols with them.

Put together a cache of emergency supplies.

Personally I don't suggest arming yourself - it's a good way to get killed when you're up against fanatics. But your mileage may vary. It's a big decision, so make it thoughtfully.

[cilla4progress]

6. I have also been thinking

along these lines. My husband and I are deferring international travel until sometime after the election.

[SamKnause]

2. We are not allowed without permits.

We have to protest in Free Speech Zones.

Some Free Speech Zones are chain link cages like the ones we lock immigrant children in.

Our police have been equipped with military equipment.

They get by with abuse and murder.

Occupy Wall Street was our last chance.

20 governors got together and shut it down.

This country doesn't believe in freedom or democracy.

The minority have controlled everything for years.

We can pack guns almost anywhere we go.

This country is so fucked up.

[FoxNewsSucks]

3. Truth

[alwaysinasnit]

8. When I think of the hope Occupy Wall St. provided, I also think of those in government who

helped shut it down - Michael Bloomburg, who was mayor of NY at the time.

https://thehill.com/homenews/house/193853-dems-criticize-eviction-of-occupy-wall-street-protesters


New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s (I) decision to evict Occupy Wall Street protesters from a Lower Manhattan park is a blow to free speech, several House Democrats said.

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.), co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, warned that in preventing protesters from camping out in Zuccotti Park, the city has “effectively removed [the protesters’] ability to be there 24/7.”
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“The concern to me was that the occupiers can stay there but cannot set up permanent location, which kind of begs the question of, ‘Are they gonna have a daytime presence and then be gone [at night]?’

“I wish there would have been something done to accommodate the ability for them to stay there for the duration.”

snip...

[KPN]

9. Good point. Though many here were also pretty

anti-Occupy at the time and since.

There’s a sense that OWS failed. It didn’t. It’s been a catalyst and was for what we are experiencing nationally and within the Democratic Party now. It woke up masses.

[alwaysinasnit]

12. +1000

[cilla4progress]

5. I believe the current insanity is due to our understanding

on a molecular level that the planet is dying.

For, isn't this how you might expect humans to act in that situation?

So, my decisions are:

Be as socially and politically active as possible and as is healthy.

Take real good care of my loved ones, pets, and friends.

Don't let the bad guys keep you from having fun. It's hard to do, but you've got to wring whatever joy there out of life, despite what drumpf is doing to our country and the world. Especially if there are little or young ones in your life.

I don't know if Americans are ready to march. I sense not. Don't know what it will take.

I'm sorry, dear jackalope. We were blind.

[MAD Dave]

7. Small L liberal from Edmonton

I’m right there with you. As a small L liberal in Edmonton, I’m horrified by the calamity the world is witnessing. I never thought I’d witness such an historic era.

That being said, authoritarian gov’ts do not function indefinitely. The urge for people to be free from corruption and calamity will eventually win out. The downside is death. The number of people that will perish will be enormous.

Canadians must also be reminded that this march towards authoritarian gov’t is happening in Canada too. Russians will mess with our elections. The IDU and Stephen Harper actively push our democracy towards fascism too.

VOTE like it’s your last ballot ever.... EVERY SINGLE ELECTION.

[Skittles]

13. I am curious, Dave

I had to Google "small L liberal"

A person who holds liberal views but is not a member of their country's "Liberal Party".

in practical terms, what does it actually mean in real life?

[MAD Dave]

16. I'm not a member of any political party.

It means that I have not paid or signed up to be a member of a political party. Canada has 3 major parties - New Democratic Party, a left wing party; Liberal Party, a centrist party and Conservative Party, a right wing party.

Over the years, I’ve voted for all three but my views tend to be socially liberal & fiscally conservative but my fiscal point of view is the most fluid.

[Skittles]

18. OK thanks but please know

that around here, the term FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE is absolutely DESPISED. It means money can be spent on anything except HELPING PEOPLE.

[MontanaMama]

17. I think it is happening in Canada too.

I don’t pretend to know much about the politics of Canada but I do have regular contact and conversations with folks up there who are customers of mine. It could be that the field that most of our customers are in is definitely right leaning politically...I don’t know...but they are VERY vocal about their disdain for Justin Trudeau...that he’s plotting to take their guns and what not. They are also increasingly wary of immigrants who just want to come to Canada for free healthcare (their words, not mine). I try to change the subject when they go off on a rant but their anger and discontent is definitely a thing. No doubt in my mind.

[man4allcats]

10. I think we're in the thick of it or soon will be,

and we'd better get ready.

https://www.businessinsider.com/authoritarianism-experts-say-time-running-out-americans-to-stop-trump-2020-2?fbclid=IwAR2yIzXL9eq7ALs78tYjCDCs6aJ9JCSB3laPq-n_hBXexj2ADtnlJzzSEx0

[Gothmog]

14. Rachel was great last night

I am worried

[Mike 03]

15. Recommended and Bookmarked