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Paul Princejvstin Weimer's avatar

I hope for his cowardice, but I think Donald Trump *wants* his own Kent State.

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Cynthia Phillips's avatar

These are spontaneous protests, basically in self-defense. That is, it is an understandable reaction to long-standing Trump provocations. Remember, Trump made a big display of sending people to a hell hole in El Salvador, without determining whether they were eligible for deportation. So, there may be a desperation underlying the justifiable anger here. Republicans have spent a lot of time and money sending the message to Hispanics that they are not only targets, but that their lives don't matter. In Uvalde, government sat on its hands while babies were slaughtered. Then, Texas buried the fault of law enforcement. Trump and Republicans have deliberately cultivated a lot of rage here.

Basically, this protest is going to spin out of control just as stage managed by Trump, unless leadership emerges to use the power of protest strategically. Now, the provacators and those who are excited may be engaging in the protest drama for its own sake. I mean, at this point, is ICE even arresting people? Or has it now devolved into performance on both sides?

I suggest that labor unions can step up and provide the leadership. Targeted strikes in businesses subject to the Trump spectacles. Solidarity from other unions across the US will make Trump the bad guy. This can also create the kind of pressure that will cause Trump to back down. Hit his business donors' bottom lines. Watch them push him to back down, just like Wall Street pushed him to back off tariffs.

Or, another good counter-move is for everyone to go home. Because Trump can't win if no one plays his games.

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