I’m feeling so uneasy with everything I’ve been seeing. I keep thinking about what we will be this time next year, and if shit hits the fan, what is your plan? I’m queer and was politically active in 2020, so I would potentially be considered a political enemy.
The only blueprint I can think of is what you do in an active shooter situation; Flee, Hide, Fight.
I know there’s that romantic notion of “don’t be a coward, get out and protest”, but I remember the brutality of the 2020 protests firsthand, and even then I thought “thank god I’m going toe to toe with the CPD and not the CCP”. Next time is going to be different. The president now has authority to send drone strikes. Protests and riots don’t stand a chance agains missiles and live rounds.
Flee- I have an Uncle in Montreal who my family could potentially use as a way to at least temporarily escape the chaos. The hope I’d have is that Canada and other countries would accept American refugees, however that’s not a guarantee.
Hide- If borders are closed, lay low and move away from major cities if possible. If civil war breaks out, try to get away from the violence even if you think your side will win. Todays losers may be tomorrows victors.
Fight- If cellular data/ social media algorithms can keep track of you, and surveillance can make sure there’s no movement, this would be the last resort of desperation. I guess if possible try to either find a group for safety in numbers, or conversely go guerrilla as groups of resistance would make easy targets.
Sorry my mind is running and I’m getting scared.
Damn, I guess you’re right. It’s a shame I don’t have the money to move.
I’ll have to abandon my elderly family, put my pets up for adoption, and stow away on a local fishing boat for a few months. I guess it’s the only way.
…but seriously, this is my point. Yes, this is all bad, but what do you want me to do? Being able to just jump ship is a privilege I do not have. If the building is burning, then I’m not getting out in time.
I’m sorry about your situation. But asking this question “what if a fascist dictator comes to power in your country,” is not some veiled attack on you personally. Calling people “entitled” because they’re considering fleeing a fascist takeover of their government… ok. thanks for chiming in.
Now? Vote. Tell good people to vote. Convince bad people not to vote.
There are more extreme options too but I’m not going to ask someone to do things I’m not willing to do myself.