Are you afraid?

[adigal]

I had a conversation last Sunday with a very intelligent gentleman. We were sitting down, eating lunch at a cafeteria-type setting, and we started talking. Now, I had no idea what he thought about this administration, but we started talking about transportation.

We spoke about the French train system, and the demise of Amtrak, and then we started talking about the election (I figured out he was with us by now.) He said that he had been very active before the election, had manned phone banks, gone to protests, signs at his house, bumper stickers on his car. And then the conversation got more worrisome.

He said he has taken the Kerry/Edwards bumper stickers off of his car. He mentioned Jose Padilla, the American citizen who has been held for a couple of years without a hearing, no habeas corpus for him, we spoke about the torture cases, we spoke about the wars and the terror attacks on NYC. And he said that he has taken the bumper stickers off of his car because, "I don't want anyone to be able to identify me." I asked if he meant crazy red-necks, and he said "No." He meant the govt, or the military, or representatives of the govt. I was really surprised by this.

This is a businessman, very successful in his community, not paranoid at all; in fact, we laughed because we both were worrying if we were becoming paranoid. I said, half kidding around, that the Germans worried about that, too, probably, in the 1930s. He said that he is seriously thinking of relocating his family to France for the next 3 1/2 years, for safety reasons. And then he said the scariest thing, in my view:

He said: "I used to be against the Second Amendment, but now I am really glad for it. I think we may need it."

Well, I almost started crying. I went home and had some wine - well, a lot of wine, actually. I did not sleep very well that night. I wondered if he was paranoid, or if he was one of the only ones seeing the forest for the trees. I know there are those here who have been saying this for a while, but I am really trying to decide if this is tin-foil talk, or something we as a community need to be concerned about. To that end, this week, I have been asking my Democratic/liberal friends if they feel this, and a surprising number say, "Yes, I am afraid for my family and the future."

Is this just paranoid talk?? Seriously, are those with progressive views in danger in this environment?

I considered myself a republican until last year, and I cannot believe how far I have journeyed in one year. Then I wonder if if is I who have journeyed, or my nation?

[Fovea]

1. I don't want to die

in fascist Amerika.
This is not the future I worked for.
I am frightened, but not into submission.
I am angry, but unlike red Amerikans,
I actually know what I am angry at.

Your friend is prudent, not paranoid, IMO.

[FiveGoodMen]

2. We need to watch each other's backs

If we do not hang together we will all hang separately.
— Benjamin Franklin

[Al-CIAda]

3. I was afraid, but what can you do...

but FIGHT on. All it takes for evil to prevail is for good people to stand by and do nothing. I'm in a reichwing wacko area and have my anti-fascist stickers plaster all over my back window. I'm a former Libertarian, now I'm a friggin DU regular.

What your friend has lost faith in by contemplating leaving is faith in the American people themselves. I'm certainly not going to defend them, nor would I blame him for leaving. It was clear to me this country needs more pain inflicted upon it by the mass murderers and traitors -or this election (stolen) would not have even been a contest. The media is wholly complicit. Only when the pain becomes manifestly intolerable will the American IDIOTS wake up.


...in the meantime, we fight on...

[cry baby]

4. No, not for my personal self, but very afraid for this country.

Having said that, my eyes are open and I am alert, but not afraid for my personal safety.

I see danger ahead with the hate and anger in this country, and also from other countries in the world.

[bpilgrim]

5. we certainly have plenty to fear

we must resist the beginnings and consider the end. it is our most important legacy from the holocaust, never forget.

fear is a powerful motivator, though and we must harness our fear to keep us motivated in our resistance. it will be long and difficult but thank GORE he 'invented' the INTERNETs because this is a critical tool in our resistance arsenal.

and there is MUCH more awareness and resistance now then there was in his first term but granted we still have a long ways to go.


http://images.globalfreepress.com

peace

[adigal]

6. My feeling is also that we need to keep

paying attention to what is going on. We need to know if any liberal blogs get shut down, or go missing from the "internets." Jose Padilla is a citizen who has been held 2 years without any kind of hearing - habeas corpus does not exist for certain Americans and what if that is us?

I have always been a very reality based person, and I hope to continue to be, but I also don't think it will do us any good to put our heads in the sand when Hannity and Limbaugh regularly call liberals "evil" and say that questioning the shooting of an injured Iraq insurgent in Fallujah is "aiding and abetting" the enemy.

This is dangerous language, friends, and it is aimed at us. I will not be afraid, but I will keep paying attention.

[Technowitch]

7. Yes, deeply afraid

And concerned that your businessman acquaintance may be right.

This country is in serious trouble, and may not survive it. At least, not in the form that many of us grew up with.

In other words, 'freedom' and 'liberty' are becoming nothing more than that: Just words.

[blueroses]

9. I was too scared

to even put a sticker on my car, I live in such a fundie fascist area. Is that bad? :shrug:

[adigal]

10. Yeah, that's sad, come live in NY

even though I live in upstate, conservative NY, we have more progressives than most red states.

[Just Me]

8. At this moment, I'm too busy ROTFLMAO at the political suicide,...

,...that has been committed by the RW manipulation machine.

On the other hand,...I am kinda' wondering why the Shiavo obsession has suddenly disappeared from CM. Makes me even more convinced that they are conspirators.

[prattleon]

11. No paranoia--we have a reason to be afraid.

This nation has become one very frightening place to live.

If I had the money, I would leave in a heartbeat. I have a sister who is doing anthropology work in South Africa. I would want to stay with her.

Unfortunately though, I can't afford to leave.

[adigal]

12. You can probably find a way to leave

but we NEED you here. We need all sane people to stay and speak out and write out and fight for our rights. Please don't give up on us - stay with us and bring sanity back to the US!!

[Tux]

13. If I can get a job in Jesusland

I'm buying guns and ammo like no tomorrow. Once the Christians come to convert or kill unbelievers, I'll be ready. We have to arm ourselves and protect our loved ones from them.

[Flammable Materials]

14. If I'm going to die in Amerika ... I'm going down with my words on my car.

Currently taped into the window of my $800 hatchback:

DICTATORSHIPS ARE A CORPORATION'S BEST FRIEND.

[Rex]

15. I lost my fear on Dec 12th 2000

Now I'm just fucking MAD. I shall stay fucking MAD until these people are behind bars!

[MuseRider]

21. Exactly the way I feel.

There is not a day that goes by that my husband does not try to convince me to leave. We would be outta here without a single belonging except our dogs in 24 hours if he had his way. I am not going, I am afraid at some point he will. I want to die knowing these people were dealt the blow they deserve and that I had some small part in it.

[serryjw]

16. This is how I sign my emails for 4 years

quote.....
"If you are not paranoid, you are not paying attention"
America's challenge:LEARN TO READ BETWEEN THE ROTTEN LINES/LIES!
I Stand with Dennis Kucinich
I'm proud to be a Kucinich 2004 delegate
The ONLY TRUE Democrat!
www.kucinich.us

I think you have every reason to be afraid. No tinfoil hat stuff. The evidence is overwhelming that we will have more of the last 4 years for the balance of my life and I don't know how to stop it. nobody wants to hear the truth. I have tried. They are all burying their heads in the sand. Don't be surprised how Nazi Germany happened

He said: "I used to be against the Second Amendment, but now I am really glad for it. I think we may need it." I have said this also many times in the last few years. When I decide it's time to learn how to shot, it is time to leave this country

[solinvictus]

17. Well, yes...

here's my approach on the subject:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=3336622&mesg_id=3336622

[mandyky]

18. Yep, and your new acquaintance is right about guns too.

I think everyone needs to get a gun and as much ammo as they can. Keep it locked up if you have kids, but learn to use it. In Germany, the Jews never really fought back. We can't be like that or we'll end up in Gitmo or worse.

Maybe forming a liberal militia would be worth while. I don't know.

[femme.democratique]

19. Liberal militia....heh....I like that!

[solinvictus]

23. It worked in Spain, 1936..

The Spanish Revolution was the first true working class revolt which, for a while, resulted in worker's control over society. The militias formed as workers seized armories to defend themselves against Franco's men. Sadly enough, the workers were crushed not by Franco, but by Stalin's agents.
A left militia would be a great damn idea. Can you imagine the Freeper jaws dropping if suddenly leftists were taking to the woods to shoot, maneuver, and learn basic combat tactics? I'd love to see it.

[mandyky]

27. Let's turn our fear into action!

We cannot let this crap stand!

[nadinbrzezinski]

20. After the selectiion I said to my husband

I want to leave

He said, no I am not ready to give up on this country

I said, fine, then we fight... but yes I am afraid... all of us woudl be silly NOT TO

[Dave Reynolds]

22. To those who do not like firearms,

don't worry. There are those of us that own them who will have your backs.

[adigal]

24. Thank you

for your measured and honest responses. I agree with many that we can not afford to put our heads in the sand. We have to be aware that many in this country hate us, they hate us for our freedoms of thought, and who knows what those wackos will do???

[H2O Man]

25. Fear is your enemy.

Fear and hatred are the tools of the enemy. People have been lied to for far too long. They have been taught to be afraid, and to hate. Listen to the teachings of those like Gandhi and King: the truth will conquer fear. Do not be afraid.

[_testify_]

26. I'm more drained than scared....

Every day the direction we're headed in chips away at my resolve....I know I'm not the only person who once in a while wishes they were ignorant of the whole mess

[Liberty Belle]

28. Congratulations on your enlightenment.

As a former Republican, you know better than anyone that the people running our country do NOT represent the values of the Republican Party--or the Democratic Party.

They are turning our country into a dictatorship, not a democracy. Our only hope is to reach more Republicans until we have a groundswell of opposition.

I don't think your friend is paranoid. I only hope that there is still time to take back our country peacefully.

I would not resort to violence, but others may if there is no other way to remove these parasites from power. But neither will I flee. As a journalist, I feel compelled to stay here and continue speaking and publishing the truth, come what may.

[mmonk]

29. My survival instincts kicked in

awhile back. Not afraid, just very aware and have a backup plan should things keep sliding out of hand. An exit strategy if you will. I'll never forget what Chalmers Johnson said after he released his book, "Sorrows of Empire". He said. "Get yourself a backdoor".

[UTUSN]

30. Why Would Anybody Be Against the 2nd or Any Amendment? n/t