I'm supposed to write something this morning so I don't wanna waste my morning burst...

... but lemme get these lil' tweets off real quick. Just a warm up.

Staying safe and not transmitting COVID - i.e., flattening the curve - does not mean that protest activity needs to end.

It does mean that tactics need to change and networks need to be hardened. Indeed, habits need to be formed and actions need to be focused.

Gotta smarten up.

The instinct to focus on mutual aid during the winter, I think, is both natural and logical. The climate is harsh, and chances to do not just good but better by the people most vulnerable to the environment are plentiful.

The potential to collect blessings is overwhelming.

Actions in the street can still occur, but accessibility becomes an issue as temps drop & pathogens (not JUST The Rona) rage.

DAs should have a specific point. If you need a crowd to make your point, consider why you need a crowd to make your point.

T A C T I C S

Marches, rallies, riots... all tactics. The point is communication. The motivation includes urgent concerns going unheard.

Is there another way to communicate to the decision makers?

Are we forcing ourselves into a tunnel and ignoring other forms of protest?

Are we suffering from adrenaline withdrawals? Are we addicted to the smell of tear gas? Are we vengeful for specific police officers in addition to despising all of them? Are we in love with seeing each other night after night in solidarity?

YES.

But sit with it for a minute.

Following our banal instincts will not free us from these clever shackles. We need to explore in the uncomfortable. Understand that doing what makes you feel good from moment to fleeting moment is not a solution to oppression.

This work is hard.

Have you talked to your job about anti- racism yet? Have you followed up?

Are you engaging with your bloc(s) and ramping up on project planning and execution?

Have you contacted a lawyer about suing the City, State, PPB or a chud?

Are you writing your local government?

Are you supporting Black businesses?

Are you donating white wealth?

Are you "coming out of the closet" to your peers as an anti-racist? (ANTIRA?)

Are you hiring trans people?

Are you speaking to your faith community about acceptance?

Oh there's work out here, for sure.