Are You Afraid of Speaking Your Mind in Public?

[ProudLib72]

Luckily, I live in a blue state, so that gives me a little comfort. However, I still don't speak much about politics in public.

Now we have an Alabama judge ruling in favor of racial discrimination because of fear of reprisal: http://occupydemocrats.com/2017/04/28/alabama-just-brought-back-school-segregation/

We have the formation of a gang called the proud boys who are ready to beat us up in the name of tRump: https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2017/04/25/new-alt-right-%E2%80%9Cfight-club%E2%80%9D-ready-street-violence

We have courts ruling that tRump himself incited his supporters to violence at his rallies: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/04/02/a-judge-rules-trump-may-have-incited-violence-and-trump-again-has-his-own-mouth-to-blame/?utm_term=.1dab62e2d507

So how does everyone else feel, especially those of you who live in deep red states? I guess it's one thing to be part of large protest and have strength in numbers; but being by myself or with my wife in a crowd of people whose ideologies and propensity to violence are unclear frightens me.

[rzemanfl]

1. There is a penalty enhancer in Florida that makes it a felony to so much as touch

a person over 65 without their consent. I'm almost seventy. It's my armor.

[ProudLib72]

12. With age comes some benefits

Wisdom and protection against assault. The trouble is, though, that most of these provocateurs are relatively young. For instance, the guy who attacked the coffee shop with a machete was 19. That's just old enough to be tried as an adult but not nearly old enough to reason like one. I may be cynical when I read about the rise in violence, but I just don't feel like these people have any regard for the law. Or, to put it another way, they believe they will be exculpated because they were breaking the law to support tRump or his ideology.

[MedusaX]

2. I find it more difficult NOT to speak/stand against that which I believe to be unjust ...

Whether it is addressing a government official or an entire body of officials...

Or intervening on behalf of someone being treated unfairly.... be it verbal or physical...



That being said... I am not an activist nor am I a fan of social gatherings..... and have no desire to change peoples opinions or beliefs....
As I respect every individual's right to have their own opinion....


But should they consider engaging or choose to engage in an act which seeks to harm, oppress, or in any way infringe on the rights of myself or others
I will do eveything in my power to stop them.... regardless of potential repercussions.

[Cracklin Charlie]

3. I just got a dirty look in a craft store.

I told my daughter to buy a paint-it-yourself outhouse, and paint "Make America Great Again" on the side of it.

Lady in the aisle gave me such a look.

[yortsed snacilbuper]

4. I live in SW.PA. and have signs all over my car,

get a lot of one finger salutes, no shots fired yet!

[argyl]

5. Not as much as I should be. I'm in Texas.

And I'm a native Texan, been one for 65 years. So I shouldn't be tarred with the Texas bashing.
There are a lot of good people here. And a lot of violent, stupid, racist morons who have no problem settling a difference of opinion with bloody, downright gory,violence.
But I will frequently give my unfiltered opinion about Dizzy Donald whenever I damn well please.
And like poster#1 in Florida, stomp a geezer here and there are enhanced penalties. And there is a deference to age here which is ingrained, that provides a modicum of defense.

[mitch96]

6. I'm not a good "debater"

and I can't remember pertinent facts that would support my position either. I normally don't talk about religion, politics or sports for that reason. I know what I believe is right and follow that...
m

[shenmue]

7. Pretty scared

Lots of Trump stickers on trucks where I live. Florida.

[kentuck]

8. I fear speaking my mind on DU...

I feel like we are being watched.

Just paranoia, maybe?

[ProudLib72]

11. I've had the same thought

And I've also tried to pass it off as paranoia. Six months ago it would not have crossed my mind.

[WhiteTara]

9. No. I write a weekly letter to our paper

and I am honest. I've only gotten one phone call and that was someone thanking me. I also figure this is such a small town and I am such a no one that who cares.

[Locutusofborg]

10. HELL NO!

"No guts, no glory."
Nobody ever said that living in a democratic republic would be easy.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good {women and} men do nothing.--Edmund Burke

[Egnever]

13. Depends

If I am working I keep my mouth shut.

If I am in a social setting invited by someone else I tend to keep my mouth shut..

If I am sitting in a public place and some clown starts spouting off then all bets are off.