Hi all. I went to a Tesla Takedown yesterday -- my first one. There were about 200 people in attendance. About 8 in 10 of the cars that drove by honked their horns in support of our message.
The protest was at the Tesla dealership in Northbrook, IL -- one of the predominantly white, upscale suburbs north of Chicago (collectively known as the "North Shore"). Northbrook leans Democratic. Some of the nearby suburbs lean Republican.
The young man who organized the event was passing out photocopied flyers that included the story of how this particular Tesla Takedown got organized. I'm sharing his story below, so that you can see how important one person's actions can be. Here is an excerpt from the flyer:
"Who I am and how the Northbrook protests began: I'm a person just like you. I've read books and watched or scrolled the news and heard podcasts all about how bad the state of the world is right now. Like you, I got tired of sitting around at home. I wanted to do something besides worry all the time that even the work I was doing at my day job wasn't making enough of a change. So, I thought I'd check out the Tesla Takedown protests I was hearing about toward the end of February."
"On the official site, I didn't see anything happening in Northbrook. There were reports from the Gold Coast (near north side of Chicago) that events had happened there, but it was a little far for me and I figured there might be some energy building in the northern suburbs. I texted a few friends about it and said it might be worth seeing what's happening at the Northbrook Tesla location around noon on Saturday the 8th. Only one friend was able to make it and it was just the two of us there that day. One car slowed down to take a video of us and two people stopped to grab flyers from us, one driving a Tesla. He told us, 'I hate this f---ing thing,' which was surprising and encouraging! I figured it would be a good idea to keep the momentum going by creating an event through the proper channels."
"If you're reading this 'zine, it's because I pressed it into your hand at the Global Day of Action on March 29, 2025. (Or someone who was there gave it to you, which is great!) Needless to say, the turnout of at least 10 protesters on the 15th and 22nd demonstrates that there IS an appetite for this kind of action, even on the North Shore. It is inspiring how we have fed off of each others' energy."
As I stated above, there were about 200 people in attendance yesterday. In just four weeks, this protest grew from 2 protesters to 10 to 200! Take inspiration!
My son drives a Tesla and he said people are taking off the logo to make it look like an Audi. My daughter in NJ saw a Tesla driven by a woman with a sign “l’m driving an anti-Musk-club car.” Both of these are great ideas for Tesla owners.
Welcome to the resistance. Yesterday was my 5th Tesla Takedown in Tempe, AZ home to Arizona State University. The same town I graduated high school and college from many decades ago. I remember ditching high school to join the protests against the Viet Nam war at ASU. I've been calling my senators and house rep to let them know I'm worried about cuts to Social Security. That's the issue I've chosen to focus on. My rep Greg Stanton sent me an email invite to attend a town hall with the AZ AG Kris Mayes. She's been instrumental in joining with other Democrat AG's to file lawsuits to slow down the Mump regime. I plan on attending that town hall as well. Sometimes I feel that my friends aren't as socially conscious as I am and wind up doing these events by myself but have met like-minded people along the way that have offered camaraderie.
and remember, such crowds are a great opportunity to share information about upcoming events and actions they can take. I did that at a Tesla protest in St Louis--about 120 protestors. Lots of honking going on.
Thanks so much for the wrap up and instructions for next steps. I love the work this community is doing and its commitment to confronting unspeakable evil.
It's frustrating that even Trump's bad weeks are bad for America in the sense that he keeps trying to destroy us through EOs and we 're dependent on the wisdom and integrity of the judges (which is by no means a sure thing).
A POTENT REMINDER! John Lithgow reads "20 Lessons on Tyranny from the 20th Century". This is the core of Timothy Snyder’s message – a timely reminder of the precarious times in which we live. And which Simon reminds us in every single update of Hopium!
As did I. After watching it twice, I spent all morning writing letters and sending it to friends and family in the USA and abroad, asking everyone to share it far and wide.
Simon, I really enjoyed your interview w Rep Bynum. She is a breath of fresh air in DC, and just the type of leadership we need!
I am so energized by the level of engagement w the Tesla Takedowns yesterday - it's growing and diversifying, and people are meeting and sharing ideas, and just finding community together - so important! 300 people in ruby red coastal NJ.
I just want to remind everyone that you don't have to do it all - take one or two issues that speak to you and jump in. For me, it's gun safety and voting rights. Moms Demand Action is such a powerful movement that is well-organized and nationally recognized. When the red shirts walk in the room, people take notice. We take that very seriously, and we use it to our advantage. It's very gratifying to see women - many of whom have never been activists before - feel engaged and empowered. And it's scary to do these things the first time, but you don't know the impact you have on others who are also inspired to jump in and help. This week, Moms will be calling in to Wisconsin and calling our reps to oppose the Concealed Carry Mandate. https://everytownresearch.org/report/chaos-and-uncertainty-a-concealed-carry-mandate-is-dangerous-and-unpopular/
And voting rights - we need to do all we can to register and engage people, because they are for sure coming for our elections - vote by mail, voter ID laws, voter suppression - the whole 9 yards.. I volunteer with VoteRiders, and I spoke w a woman in Wisconsin last week who didn't know that her voter registration didn't match her ID. I was able to look that up and then give her the info to call her local elections clerk to find out what ID to bring so she could vote. I also spoke w a young man who was formerly incarcerated, ordered his new ID, then had it stolen out of the mailbox. We can make a difference for people, and it all matters. And if you don't want to make phone calls, you can write letters! Sign up at VoteRiders.org
Yes, here in KS the Rep led legislature just eliminated the 3-day grace voting period. We've now got one of the shortest times for mail-in ballots to be counted and the post offices here have been short handed and extremely slow. We are seeking ways to activity help people register to vote and get out to vote.
Hi everyone. Recruited 2 people and went to the Tesla Takedown yesterday. Called my senators and reps four times this past week. Write letter to our school board regarding supporting the Trans Day Celebration. Emailed senators and rep re: the 200+ kidnapped Venezuelans and other individuals living here legally who have been taken by this terrible new DT regime
just wanted to know why Jasmine Crockett, Ruby Bridges in Louisiana, Kamala, et all are not speaking out re trump censoring Smithsonian museums, revising history?!
well, it would be helpful to me, for example, if you had written that. as a hopium person who follows the larger picture I could write an explanation/ guess, but we are in crisis and must make most efficient use of our time, I have confidence in those stars and that they are making use of their valuable time for the benefit of us all.
Thanks, Michael. Kindness is crucial: we're on the same side. That no one seems to be stopping trump's demand that history be rewritten, to fit his reality, in all the Smithsonians, including the National Zoo, - free to all, should be pretty important.
yes, I didn't intend to be unkind. I read your comment as a criticism of some of our best stars. It's important, imo, to think in terms of what they are doing, what we are doing and encourage each other forward.
have you looked into what is happening on the legal front? when you see a need, e.g., in this matter, I recommend looking for a way to become involved, e.g., keep us informed about the pushback. Keep in mind, Jasmine Crockett is a top lawyer (in addition to 'killing her a b'ar when she was only three')
Send them emails on their websites. Send them snail mail letters. Jasmine C is a "Bad-A--!" fabulous woman. She knows straight and loud. Say it like it is. At this point it doesn't matter if you're not a constituent. If you have a feeling about something, say and do it!
Kate, As a DC resident, whose kids went to summer camps at Smithsonians, + birthday parties on The Mall, + where we ice skate at Sculpture Gargen Ice Rink, piqued that there seemed to be little outrage. Though the Smithsonians are small potatoes, in view of trump-musk destruction path, ...but per word 'hopium', need fun + joy, where we can get it. Think of the millions of visitors, from all over, what the museum collection brings to all... Sooo, reacting to lack of outrage....
I've taken to getting news from European videos such as Times Radio and DW. Recently in one of the Times Radio interviews they were shocked re the Smithsonian move and compared it to someone pulling items from all of the British museums combined. It might be powerful for you to find media such as that and share it with your electeds, demand they do everything they can to protect the theft of our taxpayer-owned museums! Good luck! :)
Attending Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s online Resistance Lab: Organizing Training today. Apparently, it’s been well attended already and this is a subsequent installment. Getting ready for the April 5th Hands Off nationwide protest!
Attended a locally organized neighborhood, weekly Friday protest here in Portland on the Sellwood Bridge during rush hour traffic. Many positive honks, one Heil Hitler and a few thumbs down, but not many. Yesterday, at the Saturday Tesla Take Down there were approximately 350 - 400 people there, up from 75-100 the previous week, (which was also the first day of Spring Break here). There was also a noticeable shift yesterday as the local police were parked behind the dealership (which is conveniently located next to the ICE facility). There was also someone (I suspect paid by Musk?), from central casting, filming folks and amplifying, "Elon's Life Matters" through a megaphone and accusing the protestors of being paid. His T-Shirt had what looked like a stoned psychedelic cat on it. I also heard from a fellow protestor, but did not qualify where the information came from, that The Proud Boys were expected to show up. There were no signs of that although I left a little early. Many more positive honks than the opposite. This is Portland and Trumps has not been shy about his disdain for this city. Next Saturday the event will move downtown for April 5th. Monday Tesla protests during rush hour have been growing rapidly as well. Probably 400 last week.
My husband, a close friend, and I attended Saturday’s Tesla Takedown in Tigard, a suburb south of Portland. About 150 energized and loud protesters, which KGW (NBC affiliate) covered with a two-minute report in the evening. Great site; between a Tesla showroom and highway 217. Mostly honks and thumbs up. Just a few flipped fingers, thumbs down, and yelling out of windows. I’d guesstimate ratio 20-1. (Of course, this is greater Portland Metro.)
Attended a Tesla Takedown in Littleton Colorado yesterday, which was well attended and much bigger than the one I went to two weeks ago at the same location. However, yesterday’s protest definitely felt more heated and less safe.
This time, there were loud MAGA counter-protestors, and MAGA videographer-provocateurs infiltrating our line, attempting to engage protestors on camera and microphone and provoke responses.
Finally found the ONE organizer present (bless his heart!) and expressed my concern about people engaging with the provocateurs, and potential for conflict. There were five police officers present, but standing so far back that they were not a presence.
Chad the organizer deputized me and gave me a high-visibility vest, and I followed the worst provocateur around to try to de-escalate any conflicts. I did the best I could, but felt I could have been far more effective with training. 😞
We could have used three or four TRAINED security personnel yesterday. Not sure I want to attend another Tesla Takedown in the absence of trained and visible de-escalators.
I welcome input from y’all about who to contact, and how to make this event safer for everyone. Next event is April 12 and Chad can’t be there. He gave me the vest to take home so I could fill in on April 12, but I am totally in over my head.
Karen, ask Chad whether he has any contacts with your local police. Make a record of your contacts with the police (email or something recordable) expressing your concerns and desire to keep the protests non-violent while protecting free speech. See if they'll volunteer more presence or other options. Ask Chad if they/you can send out text or email letting people know it's getting heated, and to keep cool, as any violence will play into MAGA's interests. If you can bring any friends as deputies, do. Contact the national Tesla Takedown if you haven't already - https://www.teslatakedown.com/
If you can, developing a you-and-me-buddy relationship with your local police can be invaluable. I have done this over wildlife and security issues in our neighborhood over the past 6 years and have gained improvements.
Ah…I see the wisdom in this. I’ll work with developing a relationship with the Littleton police and also with my local police here in a different Denver suburb. I believe we have a police liaison assigned to our neighborhood—I’ll find out who that is.
A friend in California attended a Tesla Takedown protest and found MAGA counter-protestors. My friend ended up getting kicked in the shins by a MAGA maniac. Luckily others intervened to keep things from escalating.
Yikes!!!! I hate to hear that, David. We definitely had that potential for violence yesterday. Plus people driving threateningly close and fast to the protestors lined up on the sidewalk. As a “deputy,” I went up and down the line warning people to be aware of vehicular assault.
I saw some cars circling the block continuously so the drivers could harass us. We had someone “roll coal” on us—illegal in Colorado.
We were just lucky that there wasn’t physical violence. Without intervention, I’m nervous about April 12.
Please be careful. One idea— if there are police present and they are not keeping protestors separated from counter-protestors (other side of the street or a demarcation line), gently request that they request they part the two groups into separate areas?
Saw different social media posts last week of counter-protest flyers (not by right-wing accounts, but by liberal ones sharing as info) so they are definitely popping up lately. Watch for provocation- they are itching for attention and any sign of aggression so they can claim to be “victims” of “violent leftists”
Yes, it felt pre-planned and coordinated. And the provocateur videographers working our line were definitely being bad actors. I need to find out what can be done about that kind of situation, recognizing that First Amendment rights apply to all.
I had been thinking that we may need to organize "granny groups" "moms and kids" and "disabled peoples groups" as the MAGATs will try to portray us as violent - particularly once they start more surveillance and start sending their masked men in around protests - having a front line of little old ladies, kids, wheelchair users, etc. and ensuring everything is getting video'd to take to the media if need be might be a useful tactic to win the info war around this.
Good Sunday morning from wet No. Calif. I am loving that the demented felon with 34 convictions and his co-pres. muskrat, are bumping up against hope! My Tesla takedown protest in WC Calif. was at 1800 patriots yesterday...included all genders, ages (kids with "protect my future" signs), all colors and sizes, so friendly, energized and peaceful, it is a joy in the amidst of all the fear mongering; also writing post cards for Commit to Democracy, currently for Abigail Spanburger, and calling and emailing senators and representatives almost daily.... let's spread the hope and work hard for our kids and grandkids and all future generations!!
After reading Sen. Thom Tillis's (GOP NC) March 25th remarks on Social Security, I broke my no-politics-on-Facebook rule and told my friends that as a widow with a dependent child, I receive Social Security. These benefits comprise 45% of my take home pay. (Tillis said, "You have my commitment, if you present analytics that say the best and highest use of American taxpayer dollars to support those who are on Social Security is somewhere else, then I’m going to support it. Do not pull any punches. Go after it the way you would in the private sector.”) People are commenting like crazy, including two other widow friends who also rely on their payments to make ends meet. Other friends chimed in that they hadn't thought about people like me being affected and several said they would start calling. One friend messaged me privately to ask about how to make contact with the senators, so I coached him. And of course, I made my daily calls!
Y'all, I'm getting an incredible reply from my friends! Several of them have thanked me and said they're inspired to make calls now. I just watched Sunday on the Bulwark with Sarah Longwell and she made what I thought was an excellent point. She talked about how many law firms and universities are caving to the administration's threats with carefully worded replies about how they're protecting their clients'/employees' interests, but which basically boil down to the cowardly (but reasonable!) responses that Republicans gave during Trump's impeachment, which amounted to, "But I have kids." She urged all of us watching to share personal stories of how the administration is affecting and harming us with specificity. Personal stories from millions of Americans will have a huge effect of informing those in the Trump / Fox bubble, and the administration is spread too thin to go after all of us. Collectively, we have power! (And watch John Lithgow's excellent video of Timothy Snyder's ways to resist tyranny. We cannot submit in advance. And personal stories cannot really be refuted, even by the most hardcore MAGA people in our circles.) We are stronger together!
Thank you, this is great! And remember, these are not benefits - we Americans paid into these programs, they are insurance programs! They can't take our money AWAY from us! To do so is theft, plain and simple - true for both SS and Medicare.
Reporting for yesterday as it is only 9 AM in my time zone
Volunteered for an extra shift in our Democratic campaign headquarters to cover for someone who was unable to make it.
Sent emails to both our US senators and District congresswoman regarding HR 22, the SAVE Act.
Collected signatures to add the Equal Rights for All amendment to the Oregon ballot in the November ’26 election. The ERA will protect discrimination based on pregnancy/abortion and trans/gender identity healthcare decisions, as well as sex, sexual orientation and the right to marry who you love.
Signed up for the Indivisible Hands-off protest on April 5 in my rural town.
Reporting for yesterday as it is only 9 AM in my time zone.
Volunteered for an extra shift in our Democratic campaign headquarters to cover for someone who was unable to make it.
Sent emails to both our US senators and District congresswoman regarding HR 22, the SAVE Act.
Collected signatures to add the Equal Rights for All amendment to the Oregon ballot in the November ’26 election. The ERA will prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy/abortion and trans/gender identity healthcare decisions, as well as sex, sexual orientation and the right to marry who you love.
Signed up for the Indivisible Hands-off protest on April 5 in my rural town.
Just donated $100 to Josh Weil in his closely contested race for Michael Waltz’ vacated House seat in Florida. His website says “Winning this race puts the brakes on MAGA.” We can only hope!! Good luck, Josh 🤞🤞
Hi all. I went to a Tesla Takedown yesterday -- my first one. There were about 200 people in attendance. About 8 in 10 of the cars that drove by honked their horns in support of our message.
The protest was at the Tesla dealership in Northbrook, IL -- one of the predominantly white, upscale suburbs north of Chicago (collectively known as the "North Shore"). Northbrook leans Democratic. Some of the nearby suburbs lean Republican.
The young man who organized the event was passing out photocopied flyers that included the story of how this particular Tesla Takedown got organized. I'm sharing his story below, so that you can see how important one person's actions can be. Here is an excerpt from the flyer:
"Who I am and how the Northbrook protests began: I'm a person just like you. I've read books and watched or scrolled the news and heard podcasts all about how bad the state of the world is right now. Like you, I got tired of sitting around at home. I wanted to do something besides worry all the time that even the work I was doing at my day job wasn't making enough of a change. So, I thought I'd check out the Tesla Takedown protests I was hearing about toward the end of February."
"On the official site, I didn't see anything happening in Northbrook. There were reports from the Gold Coast (near north side of Chicago) that events had happened there, but it was a little far for me and I figured there might be some energy building in the northern suburbs. I texted a few friends about it and said it might be worth seeing what's happening at the Northbrook Tesla location around noon on Saturday the 8th. Only one friend was able to make it and it was just the two of us there that day. One car slowed down to take a video of us and two people stopped to grab flyers from us, one driving a Tesla. He told us, 'I hate this f---ing thing,' which was surprising and encouraging! I figured it would be a good idea to keep the momentum going by creating an event through the proper channels."
"If you're reading this 'zine, it's because I pressed it into your hand at the Global Day of Action on March 29, 2025. (Or someone who was there gave it to you, which is great!) Needless to say, the turnout of at least 10 protesters on the 15th and 22nd demonstrates that there IS an appetite for this kind of action, even on the North Shore. It is inspiring how we have fed off of each others' energy."
As I stated above, there were about 200 people in attendance yesterday. In just four weeks, this protest grew from 2 protesters to 10 to 200! Take inspiration!
Thank you - this is such a great story!
yes, indeed!
Incredible!! This is so inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing and spreading the Hopium!
My son drives a Tesla and he said people are taking off the logo to make it look like an Audi. My daughter in NJ saw a Tesla driven by a woman with a sign “l’m driving an anti-Musk-club car.” Both of these are great ideas for Tesla owners.
saw a sticker "pre-madness edition".
Awesome! Just awesome – and so inspirational!
Welcome to the resistance. Yesterday was my 5th Tesla Takedown in Tempe, AZ home to Arizona State University. The same town I graduated high school and college from many decades ago. I remember ditching high school to join the protests against the Viet Nam war at ASU. I've been calling my senators and house rep to let them know I'm worried about cuts to Social Security. That's the issue I've chosen to focus on. My rep Greg Stanton sent me an email invite to attend a town hall with the AZ AG Kris Mayes. She's been instrumental in joining with other Democrat AG's to file lawsuits to slow down the Mump regime. I plan on attending that town hall as well. Sometimes I feel that my friends aren't as socially conscious as I am and wind up doing these events by myself but have met like-minded people along the way that have offered camaraderie.
and remember, such crowds are a great opportunity to share information about upcoming events and actions they can take. I did that at a Tesla protest in St Louis--about 120 protestors. Lots of honking going on.
Over ~400 folks at the Tesla Takedown in Dedham MA yesterday. Crazy response from folks driving north and south on Route 1 !!!!!
Thank you, Cynthia. I so appreciate your inspiring story.
Thanks so much for the wrap up and instructions for next steps. I love the work this community is doing and its commitment to confronting unspeakable evil.
It's frustrating that even Trump's bad weeks are bad for America in the sense that he keeps trying to destroy us through EOs and we 're dependent on the wisdom and integrity of the judges (which is by no means a sure thing).
Judges can sometimes take their cues from public response and public pressure - we just need to keep doing our thing!
A POTENT REMINDER! John Lithgow reads "20 Lessons on Tyranny from the 20th Century". This is the core of Timothy Snyder’s message – a timely reminder of the precarious times in which we live. And which Simon reminds us in every single update of Hopium!
https://snyder.substack.com/p/twenty-lessons-read-by-john-lithgow
To phrase it another way: "If you ever wondered what you would have done in Germany in 1933, you’re doing it now. Or not."
This is an amazing post - I’d encourage everyone to watch it. I’ve shared with friends and family.
As did I. After watching it twice, I spent all morning writing letters and sending it to friends and family in the USA and abroad, asking everyone to share it far and wide.
I love Snyder's post and Lithgow's reading. Bring it to the table!
Simon, I really enjoyed your interview w Rep Bynum. She is a breath of fresh air in DC, and just the type of leadership we need!
I am so energized by the level of engagement w the Tesla Takedowns yesterday - it's growing and diversifying, and people are meeting and sharing ideas, and just finding community together - so important! 300 people in ruby red coastal NJ.
I just want to remind everyone that you don't have to do it all - take one or two issues that speak to you and jump in. For me, it's gun safety and voting rights. Moms Demand Action is such a powerful movement that is well-organized and nationally recognized. When the red shirts walk in the room, people take notice. We take that very seriously, and we use it to our advantage. It's very gratifying to see women - many of whom have never been activists before - feel engaged and empowered. And it's scary to do these things the first time, but you don't know the impact you have on others who are also inspired to jump in and help. This week, Moms will be calling in to Wisconsin and calling our reps to oppose the Concealed Carry Mandate. https://everytownresearch.org/report/chaos-and-uncertainty-a-concealed-carry-mandate-is-dangerous-and-unpopular/
And voting rights - we need to do all we can to register and engage people, because they are for sure coming for our elections - vote by mail, voter ID laws, voter suppression - the whole 9 yards.. I volunteer with VoteRiders, and I spoke w a woman in Wisconsin last week who didn't know that her voter registration didn't match her ID. I was able to look that up and then give her the info to call her local elections clerk to find out what ID to bring so she could vote. I also spoke w a young man who was formerly incarcerated, ordered his new ID, then had it stolen out of the mailbox. We can make a difference for people, and it all matters. And if you don't want to make phone calls, you can write letters! Sign up at VoteRiders.org
Keep going!
Yes, here in KS the Rep led legislature just eliminated the 3-day grace voting period. We've now got one of the shortest times for mail-in ballots to be counted and the post offices here have been short handed and extremely slow. We are seeking ways to activity help people register to vote and get out to vote.
Hi everyone. Recruited 2 people and went to the Tesla Takedown yesterday. Called my senators and reps four times this past week. Write letter to our school board regarding supporting the Trans Day Celebration. Emailed senators and rep re: the 200+ kidnapped Venezuelans and other individuals living here legally who have been taken by this terrible new DT regime
just wanted to know why Jasmine Crockett, Ruby Bridges in Louisiana, Kamala, et all are not speaking out re trump censoring Smithsonian museums, revising history?!
why are you asking us?? please see my reply below.
Please. Just disappointed.
well, it would be helpful to me, for example, if you had written that. as a hopium person who follows the larger picture I could write an explanation/ guess, but we are in crisis and must make most efficient use of our time, I have confidence in those stars and that they are making use of their valuable time for the benefit of us all.
It's important to Suze. Let's be kind SW.
Thanks, Michael. Kindness is crucial: we're on the same side. That no one seems to be stopping trump's demand that history be rewritten, to fit his reality, in all the Smithsonians, including the National Zoo, - free to all, should be pretty important.
yes, I didn't intend to be unkind. I read your comment as a criticism of some of our best stars. It's important, imo, to think in terms of what they are doing, what we are doing and encourage each other forward.
have you looked into what is happening on the legal front? when you see a need, e.g., in this matter, I recommend looking for a way to become involved, e.g., keep us informed about the pushback. Keep in mind, Jasmine Crockett is a top lawyer (in addition to 'killing her a b'ar when she was only three')
Send them emails on their websites. Send them snail mail letters. Jasmine C is a "Bad-A--!" fabulous woman. She knows straight and loud. Say it like it is. At this point it doesn't matter if you're not a constituent. If you have a feeling about something, say and do it!
Kate, As a DC resident, whose kids went to summer camps at Smithsonians, + birthday parties on The Mall, + where we ice skate at Sculpture Gargen Ice Rink, piqued that there seemed to be little outrage. Though the Smithsonians are small potatoes, in view of trump-musk destruction path, ...but per word 'hopium', need fun + joy, where we can get it. Think of the millions of visitors, from all over, what the museum collection brings to all... Sooo, reacting to lack of outrage....
I've taken to getting news from European videos such as Times Radio and DW. Recently in one of the Times Radio interviews they were shocked re the Smithsonian move and compared it to someone pulling items from all of the British museums combined. It might be powerful for you to find media such as that and share it with your electeds, demand they do everything they can to protect the theft of our taxpayer-owned museums! Good luck! :)
Why only Black people? And Jasmine Crockett is doing more than just about any politician right now.
Because well-spoken Jasmine Crockett is much regarded, by our DC kids.
Attending Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s online Resistance Lab: Organizing Training today. Apparently, it’s been well attended already and this is a subsequent installment. Getting ready for the April 5th Hands Off nationwide protest!
Attended a locally organized neighborhood, weekly Friday protest here in Portland on the Sellwood Bridge during rush hour traffic. Many positive honks, one Heil Hitler and a few thumbs down, but not many. Yesterday, at the Saturday Tesla Take Down there were approximately 350 - 400 people there, up from 75-100 the previous week, (which was also the first day of Spring Break here). There was also a noticeable shift yesterday as the local police were parked behind the dealership (which is conveniently located next to the ICE facility). There was also someone (I suspect paid by Musk?), from central casting, filming folks and amplifying, "Elon's Life Matters" through a megaphone and accusing the protestors of being paid. His T-Shirt had what looked like a stoned psychedelic cat on it. I also heard from a fellow protestor, but did not qualify where the information came from, that The Proud Boys were expected to show up. There were no signs of that although I left a little early. Many more positive honks than the opposite. This is Portland and Trumps has not been shy about his disdain for this city. Next Saturday the event will move downtown for April 5th. Monday Tesla protests during rush hour have been growing rapidly as well. Probably 400 last week.
Oh, the Proud Boys were probably just coming to buy some Teslas.
/s
There’s a Yuge sale going on! Discounts, discounts and more discounts!
My husband, a close friend, and I attended Saturday’s Tesla Takedown in Tigard, a suburb south of Portland. About 150 energized and loud protesters, which KGW (NBC affiliate) covered with a two-minute report in the evening. Great site; between a Tesla showroom and highway 217. Mostly honks and thumbs up. Just a few flipped fingers, thumbs down, and yelling out of windows. I’d guesstimate ratio 20-1. (Of course, this is greater Portland Metro.)
Good ratio!!
R
Attended a Tesla Takedown in Littleton Colorado yesterday, which was well attended and much bigger than the one I went to two weeks ago at the same location. However, yesterday’s protest definitely felt more heated and less safe.
This time, there were loud MAGA counter-protestors, and MAGA videographer-provocateurs infiltrating our line, attempting to engage protestors on camera and microphone and provoke responses.
Finally found the ONE organizer present (bless his heart!) and expressed my concern about people engaging with the provocateurs, and potential for conflict. There were five police officers present, but standing so far back that they were not a presence.
Chad the organizer deputized me and gave me a high-visibility vest, and I followed the worst provocateur around to try to de-escalate any conflicts. I did the best I could, but felt I could have been far more effective with training. 😞
We could have used three or four TRAINED security personnel yesterday. Not sure I want to attend another Tesla Takedown in the absence of trained and visible de-escalators.
I welcome input from y’all about who to contact, and how to make this event safer for everyone. Next event is April 12 and Chad can’t be there. He gave me the vest to take home so I could fill in on April 12, but I am totally in over my head.
Wow. Good luck, Karen! I hope you get some good advice.
Karen, ask Chad whether he has any contacts with your local police. Make a record of your contacts with the police (email or something recordable) expressing your concerns and desire to keep the protests non-violent while protecting free speech. See if they'll volunteer more presence or other options. Ask Chad if they/you can send out text or email letting people know it's getting heated, and to keep cool, as any violence will play into MAGA's interests. If you can bring any friends as deputies, do. Contact the national Tesla Takedown if you haven't already - https://www.teslatakedown.com/
Thank you, Freda! Good, solid action items I can pursue. I have Chad’s email address and I will loop him in. Much appreciated! 🙏🏻💖🇺🇸
And I you!!!
If you can, developing a you-and-me-buddy relationship with your local police can be invaluable. I have done this over wildlife and security issues in our neighborhood over the past 6 years and have gained improvements.
Ah…I see the wisdom in this. I’ll work with developing a relationship with the Littleton police and also with my local police here in a different Denver suburb. I believe we have a police liaison assigned to our neighborhood—I’ll find out who that is.
A friend in California attended a Tesla Takedown protest and found MAGA counter-protestors. My friend ended up getting kicked in the shins by a MAGA maniac. Luckily others intervened to keep things from escalating.
Yikes!!!! I hate to hear that, David. We definitely had that potential for violence yesterday. Plus people driving threateningly close and fast to the protestors lined up on the sidewalk. As a “deputy,” I went up and down the line warning people to be aware of vehicular assault.
I saw some cars circling the block continuously so the drivers could harass us. We had someone “roll coal” on us—illegal in Colorado.
We were just lucky that there wasn’t physical violence. Without intervention, I’m nervous about April 12.
Please be careful. One idea— if there are police present and they are not keeping protestors separated from counter-protestors (other side of the street or a demarcation line), gently request that they request they part the two groups into separate areas?
I’ll look into that, Susan! It makes sense, doesn’t it?
Saw different social media posts last week of counter-protest flyers (not by right-wing accounts, but by liberal ones sharing as info) so they are definitely popping up lately. Watch for provocation- they are itching for attention and any sign of aggression so they can claim to be “victims” of “violent leftists”
Yes, it felt pre-planned and coordinated. And the provocateur videographers working our line were definitely being bad actors. I need to find out what can be done about that kind of situation, recognizing that First Amendment rights apply to all.
I had been thinking that we may need to organize "granny groups" "moms and kids" and "disabled peoples groups" as the MAGATs will try to portray us as violent - particularly once they start more surveillance and start sending their masked men in around protests - having a front line of little old ladies, kids, wheelchair users, etc. and ensuring everything is getting video'd to take to the media if need be might be a useful tactic to win the info war around this.
T
I was thinking something similar, AA. 👍🏻
Here is the very abridged version of Timothy Snyder's book On Tyranny: https://snyder.substack.com/p/twenty-lessons-read-by-john-lithgow
No. 21 send it far and wide.
Good Sunday morning from wet No. Calif. I am loving that the demented felon with 34 convictions and his co-pres. muskrat, are bumping up against hope! My Tesla takedown protest in WC Calif. was at 1800 patriots yesterday...included all genders, ages (kids with "protect my future" signs), all colors and sizes, so friendly, energized and peaceful, it is a joy in the amidst of all the fear mongering; also writing post cards for Commit to Democracy, currently for Abigail Spanburger, and calling and emailing senators and representatives almost daily.... let's spread the hope and work hard for our kids and grandkids and all future generations!!
After reading Sen. Thom Tillis's (GOP NC) March 25th remarks on Social Security, I broke my no-politics-on-Facebook rule and told my friends that as a widow with a dependent child, I receive Social Security. These benefits comprise 45% of my take home pay. (Tillis said, "You have my commitment, if you present analytics that say the best and highest use of American taxpayer dollars to support those who are on Social Security is somewhere else, then I’m going to support it. Do not pull any punches. Go after it the way you would in the private sector.”) People are commenting like crazy, including two other widow friends who also rely on their payments to make ends meet. Other friends chimed in that they hadn't thought about people like me being affected and several said they would start calling. One friend messaged me privately to ask about how to make contact with the senators, so I coached him. And of course, I made my daily calls!
Y'all, I'm getting an incredible reply from my friends! Several of them have thanked me and said they're inspired to make calls now. I just watched Sunday on the Bulwark with Sarah Longwell and she made what I thought was an excellent point. She talked about how many law firms and universities are caving to the administration's threats with carefully worded replies about how they're protecting their clients'/employees' interests, but which basically boil down to the cowardly (but reasonable!) responses that Republicans gave during Trump's impeachment, which amounted to, "But I have kids." She urged all of us watching to share personal stories of how the administration is affecting and harming us with specificity. Personal stories from millions of Americans will have a huge effect of informing those in the Trump / Fox bubble, and the administration is spread too thin to go after all of us. Collectively, we have power! (And watch John Lithgow's excellent video of Timothy Snyder's ways to resist tyranny. We cannot submit in advance. And personal stories cannot really be refuted, even by the most hardcore MAGA people in our circles.) We are stronger together!
Thank you for sharing. It’s shocking to me though no longer surprising how few people understand what the social safety net means.
I challenge any American family to come forward and prove all their members through their entire lives never needed the government.
Thank you, this is great! And remember, these are not benefits - we Americans paid into these programs, they are insurance programs! They can't take our money AWAY from us! To do so is theft, plain and simple - true for both SS and Medicare.
Reporting for yesterday as it is only 9 AM in my time zone
Volunteered for an extra shift in our Democratic campaign headquarters to cover for someone who was unable to make it.
Sent emails to both our US senators and District congresswoman regarding HR 22, the SAVE Act.
Collected signatures to add the Equal Rights for All amendment to the Oregon ballot in the November ’26 election. The ERA will protect discrimination based on pregnancy/abortion and trans/gender identity healthcare decisions, as well as sex, sexual orientation and the right to marry who you love.
Signed up for the Indivisible Hands-off protest on April 5 in my rural town.
Reporting for yesterday as it is only 9 AM in my time zone.
Volunteered for an extra shift in our Democratic campaign headquarters to cover for someone who was unable to make it.
Sent emails to both our US senators and District congresswoman regarding HR 22, the SAVE Act.
Collected signatures to add the Equal Rights for All amendment to the Oregon ballot in the November ’26 election. The ERA will prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy/abortion and trans/gender identity healthcare decisions, as well as sex, sexual orientation and the right to marry who you love.
Signed up for the Indivisible Hands-off protest on April 5 in my rural town.
Just donated $100 to Josh Weil in his closely contested race for Michael Waltz’ vacated House seat in Florida. His website says “Winning this race puts the brakes on MAGA.” We can only hope!! Good luck, Josh 🤞🤞
me too