This material was written to radicalize. Beating or threatening your opposition into submission is certain the most efficient path to an immediate solution. It was the tactics used in the 60’s and beyond to subdue minorities in the US and maintain the status quo.

It was also the process the Catholic Church used to push back on the KKK.

It was not the process used for peaceful protest that finally gained rights in the 60s and beyond. Sure, there were demonstrations of power, such as the Black Panthers. The first pride parade was a literal riot.

Peaceful protest could be considered a threat is violence. People threatening to remove officials from office who refuse to listen. Soft power exercised by forming mutual aid groups. The violence only happens when those holding power stop fulfilling their end of the social contract and the people suffer. That’s what happened in many revolutions.

There are currently many calls for action. More protests are scheduled for Juneteenth. Current political pressure is causing repeated embarrassment for the Republican party, and I’m starting to get the die-hard Republicans in my circle express their frustration and rejection of their own party.

Now is the time to talk with people about what is going on. Don’t shove their faces in it. They may be holding conflicting views simultaneously. Ask then about these things and let their own words be their argument.

What do they think the next steps are for ICE once we have come to a point where people are no longer attempting to enter the country?

If a new enemy is defined, where does it stop?

What do they think should happen with the Epstein files?

How much of their freedom are they willing to sacrifice for protection?

What should be done with the child rape internment camps?

Do they think that the government is able up maintain the current news cycle and atmosphere of fear?

This is not my forté. Others have better questions, but it is important to let people talk it out and allow them to form their opinions on their own words. Really listen to people and what they have you say. It’s okay up point out that someone’s comments are racist or bigoted, but don’t fight then over it. Unconscious bias exists everywhere, and sometimes someone needs to speak it and then regret it.

This isn’t going to fix your family’s cookouts, but by engaging with then and discussing it, you poke holes in their echo chambers. If they shut you down and change the subject, you have already won for now. If you get to the point where they are pulling out random news stories, it’s okay up put a pin in it for now and ask if you can read about it before you discuss it.