I saw my naivete during the George Floyd protests when state police came to my city with blacked out badges and punisher masks.

They are HEAVILY armed.

It’s a nice sentiment for garden tools but you need actual firearms. Regrettably, I’ve yet to go to a major protest since trump has been in office. Somewhat a relief since we know now they are using footage to put protesters in terroist databases. If you aren’t going to protests even partially in black bloc you are ill prepared. If you aren’t arming yourself you are ill equipped.

I hope this ends, yet I have zero faith in peaceful protests to stop a fascist regime. I’m not saying don’t protest, I am explicitly saying that force must be met in kind. When winter ends I anticipate things escalating and heating up a lot more.