This guy is speaking the truth. It's a painful truth though.

[1WorldHope]

He's hit the nail on the head. I'll try to summarize. He's saying that all of our protests are just performative. Because they have not realized any real change.
I protest weekly and I can see his point. We just made it a safe middle class hobby that has not changed a thing. Nobody in power is afraid of us

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8qW1dMa/

[Irish_Dem]

1. Protests are only powerful when you live in a democracy.

[cbabe]

6. I guess we live in a democracy. WA just passed a billionaire tax. First state income tax ever.

king5.com
https://www.king5.com › article › news › local › seattle › workers-over-billionaires-protest-labor-day-seattle › 281-6cb3ebd8-ca31-4cba-a4fb-e21527fe0def

Hundreds attend 'Workers over Billionaires' protest on Labor Day in ...

Sep 2, 2025Seattle Central College hosted a Labor Day protest, advocating for workers' rights and social justice under the 'Workers over Billionaires' initiative.

[Irish_Dem]

17. We shall see if the rich actually pay one penny

The rich and powerful do not really have to follow the laws in our country

[cbabe]

19. Take the win. Step at a time.

[Irish_Dem]

23. It is not a win until the rich actually pay up.

Until then, it is just a pretend law and kabuki Theatre.

[TBF]

2. 100% - everyone is "busy" on bluesky, substack etc

Because many are convinced we can vote our way out of this. We'll see. I'm with your tick-tocker - I think we are in a lot deeper than people realize.

[wnylib]

25. What about the protests in Minneapolis?

They accomplished several things.

They brought public awareness of ICE murdering citizens on the street.

They saved people from deportation by blowing alert whistles when ICE agents were spotted.

They drove children to and from schools when their parents were afraid to leave home.

They provided food for people afraid to go out to shop.

They took photos snd videos to use as evidence of ICE's and the administrstion's lies. Those videos got some people released from ICE concentration camps.

They collected funds to pay rent for people without money because they had stopped going to work out of fear.

Protests bring together people who are like minded so that they feel less alone. They help people make contacts to know whom to turn to if ICE raids or some other atrocities occur in their communities. They can then organize actions like took place in Minneapolis.

Protests influence the opinions of voters while we still have a vote. After the George Floyd protests in my community, a justice coalition was formed consisting of secular and religious organizations meeting with city and county politicians to resolve problems locally.

[TBF]

30. Yes Minneapolis and Cali turned out -

and are the kind of people power we need. I think the tick-tocker is being careful, and I don't blame him. But he's right. Capital hasn't been threatened yet.

I think some of the most effective tools are massive strikes and refusal to play (don't buy things). Ironically, the war may doom itself because there are a lot of people in this country who are going to refuse (or will be unable) to shop while oil prices continue to rise. Not only does expensive oil cost more at the pump & heating homes, but it also drives up cost of trucking goods etc so prices across the board will inch up.

We can't afford this war - at least the average American can't. Maybe the billionaires can afford it, but they never seem to have actual skin in the game - they leech off everyone else by avoiding both taxes and military service.

[1WorldHope]

39. You all were incredible people in Minneapolis.

But you weren't just protesting. You were defending your community, closer to combat than just protest. I love what we saw in your beloved state! What you all did, created change. But, immigrants, Brown people and the poor are no safer in this country at large. Where is the Justice for the people who were murdered by the state on the streets of Minneapolis? Where is the Justice for all the people, including the children who are in our government concentration camps all over the country? Where is the Justice for sex trafficking survivors who were used by the most powerful men in the world?
When that happens and becomes the norm then check back in and I will have changed my mind.
I'm not sure I stated this but I protest weekly, I call my Congress persons almost daily. I'm not questioning you, I'm questioning myself. My whole life is wrapped up in this, I want to be effective and not waste precious time.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

3. The value of organized permitted protest is less the protest and more the organizing that goes on around it.

A protest like No Kings brings like-minded people together who then tend to organize along more specific lines -- people who want to organize letter-writing/calling Congress campaigns, people who want to support or become candidates, people who want to work on mutual aid in their communities, and other tactics. Organizing is never wasted.

[cbabe]

4. I disagree. Completely. We meet others. Create allies. Create tactics. Spread

the resistance via media. Show our numbers to celebrate solidarity.

I noticed my public radio station is playing more resistance music like Jesse Welles.

We don’t have to hit with a hammer but singing and dancing (see Portland frogs) and a cardboard sign can do a lot (see Greta Thunberg).

You never know what black swan event will pop.

[wnylib]

26. Agree. Completely. I saw your post after posting

my own similar views and some examples of concrete results.

[NJCher]

31. exactly

My No Kings group is full of impressive people. The minutes of meetings would knock your eyes out, not only for professionalism in writing (hey, I'm writing teacher, I notice these things) but the depth and breadth of their discussion, their willingness to take on causes, and provide support to like causes where support is needed (example: Roxbury).

It's a large group, too.

Speaking of public radio, on mine, WNYC, a caller voiced the sentiment in the OP. She kept saying we needed millions in the street. We have millions in the street, but it apparently slipped by this oblivious person.

The blowback was fast and furious both in call-ins and on whatever social media they use. Very few people, it seems, are that unaware that protests work.

[PatSeg]

42. Thanks

I agree.

[no_hypocrisy]

5. If anything, our crowds show that we can match MAGA and exceed them.

[BootinUp]

7. The question is this... Is the resistance to Trump growing in numbers and strength or not?

[wnylib]

27. It is growing due to the Epstein files and the

pressure that protesters put on Congress to pass a law for the release of the files. The fact that DOJ has refused to fully comply with the law has increased the numbers of people who turn against the administration, including some MAGAs.

The numbers of Trump administration opponents are growing as a result of Trump's war on Iran.

The numbers who oppose the administration's handling of immigration have greatly increased as a result of videos from protesters in Minneapolis.

I remember how opposition to the Vietnam War grew slowly as a result of protests. Initially the administrations succeeded in painting protesters as losers and radicals. The Kent State shootings were a turning point in public opinion against the war.

[stopdiggin]

8. there are people going to thse (No Kings) protests - that have NEVER attended a protest before

in their lives. Additionally they are telling their neighbors, friends and family about going (also something that most likely hasn't happened in the past). And finally - it's a rare individual attending these protests (or driving by honking in approval) - that isn't a relative surety to show up at the polls - for at least a couple more election cycles.

Respectfully - protests DO change minds and alter public opinion. And 'this guy' - is just flat wrong.

[AfternoonJoe]

9. Come November...

They’ll be afraid

[democrank]

10. I strongly disagree

Here in Vermont protesting is not a “safe middle class hobby” but a serious endeavor which we hope will help bring about change. I’ve protested here alongside guys with NRA stickers, ministers, MANY veterans, carpenters, students, seniors using walkers and wheelchairs, health care workers…..folks from all walks of life. We’re dead serious and committed.

I’ll never believe that protests don’t work because I was out there during the Vietnam War, women’s rights movement, civil rights movement, pre- Civil Unions legislation and more. I don’t regret a second of it.

[1WorldHope]

13. He didn't say protest doesn't work.

I think it is a point of view to consider. Black folks are not showing up to our protests. The protests in Wisconsin are not what he is talking about. Although, what seemed to changed was the governments tactics. They are still building concentration camps all over the country. Wall Street is still booming, the rich are getting richer. What have we changed? And I'm out there every week, so don't think that I have been sitting this out. But I'm able to listen to what he's saying and consider that he may have a good point.

[lees1975]

11. I agree. There are marches, protests, smaller group gatherings, while Trump ignores them all,

goes ahead and does exactly what he wants, and whether it is constitutional or not, gets a tsk tsk tsk from Democrats who are watching him make plans to violate the constitution and step into election regulation and are doing nothing about it. It's the same thing we got the last time he was in office, and when we did finally get control of Congress and the White House, it was business as usual with nothing at all being done to prevent a repeat, and here we are.

[Intractable]

12. It's easier to point out problems than have solutions.

He does a good job of rebelling against how we currently protest, but he's vague on specific actions that we should take.

It's ironic that he complains about being "platformed by the rich" on TicToc, but TicToc's recent acquisition resulted in a $10 billion payment to the Trump organization. His TicToc video may be as futile as our protests.

[patphil]

14. I disagree. Protest is a great awakening force, and has effected huge changes.

The whole civil rights movement was based on peaceful protest.
The women's suffrage movement eventually won them the right to vote.
Tens of thousands of protests in town halls across the United States have brought about local, state, and, in some cases, national change.
It's the demonstration of the national consciousness that protests put on display. The purpose is to rally support, clarify the issues, and show a united front that stimulates change.
I agree that demonstrations are performative. That's the whole point. It's the power behind the performance where the energies of change lie.
We can effect change when we are united and move as a body public, not just individuals.
I guarantee that people in power are afraid of us. Why else would they be considering legislation to prevent us from exercising our power.
The real problem is with people who don't believe we can effect change; people who don't vote; people who are too detached or afraid to speak up.
Protests are magnets that attract and energize the public to take that next step and make things happen through force of numbers.
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance. That's the driving force behind public protests.

[lees1975]

16. Name one change these current protests have effected.

Just one.

[patphil]

18. As of today, there is no plan to put a internment camp in Chester, NY. at the Pep Boys warehouse.

At least the administration has indicated they are dropping their plan.
Similar demonstrations have stopped plans in many locations across the nation.

Have you noticed the push back by Democrats and even some republicans to ICE funding? It may or may not end in our favor, but without the protests it would have sailed through. We need to continue the protest movement and encourage it's growth. Without these protests we would already be buried in a fascist dictatorship.
We'll see how it works out in November. In the meantime, don't be so negative.
If you want change, then you have to stand and deliver.
Get out there on March 28th, and make your voice heard.

[lees1975]

21. If you're telling me that it took massive protests

to get Democrats in Congresss to grow balls and step up to use the power they have to block ICE funding, then protests don't have the weight of the numbers they are drawing. Motivating Democrats to stop their nest feathering for a few minutes to do their job isn't what I'm thinking when I'm at a protest. What I'm thinking is to put fear into enough Republicans to impeach, remove, then put the orange headed buffoon on trial and in prison, and I'd be happy with just the impeach and remove at this point. Local protests in Minnesota got Bongino bounced.

[W_HAMILTON]

22. Bad things about Democrats.

[cbabe]

20. Bye bye bongino.

[hunter]

15. Ha ha. Says a guy posting on tiktok...

...or on any other social media for that matter.

A lot of stuff is posted by people with ulterior motives to demoralize people. And then this crap is amplified in the great echo chambers.

Take the opposition to ICE, for example. Can anyone claim protests have been ineffective?

There are places in the U.S.A. where ICE won't go because the majority of people, including local law enforcement, would not respect their authority.

Simple on-the-street protests lead to much more effective opposition as people connect with one another personally outside of social media.

That's why these sorts of street protests are banned in totalitarian nations. It's not the street protests themselves totalitarian governments are afraid of.

[GreenWave]

24. And the Great Fear in the GOP to show up at town halls.

Here in Virgin eye aaa we voted out the pigs, gaining headway in every county. The Great Fear is happening. Call out your local (loco?) GOP pigs for being pedophile enablers, for allowing Musk to run ape shit over our privacy and social security, etc.

Oh ye of little faith...

[NJCher]

32. I know!

I've been watching this with glee. Congratulations to all of you voters and to the candidates who appealed to them!

[1WorldHope]

36. I live in Nebraska. And we are trying to vote them out.

I hope the next election will change things. But, the change we need is bigger than Trump. He is disgusting.
But, when the billionaire class is taken down, when my kids can afford to buy a house and get health coverage and not have to spend $500.00 for a weeks worth of groceries and when our government reflects the diversity of the nation. Then, I will join you in celebration. But, again what's good enough for us older white folks rarely means it's anywhere near to equal for all the oppressed in this country including the youth.

[Keepthesoulalive]

28. I'm in the commonwealth

And they are afraid. We are going to meetings, stopped their concentration camps and we will redistrict . It took 50 years and billions of dollars to create this disaster, it will take many years to fix it. If you want instant gratification go to an amusement park. This is going to take work, protest and voting.

[1WorldHope]

37. Really? Instant gratification? I'm 70 years old

and in those years the top powers of the world did not get weaker, they got sneakier and richer. And I don't like amusement parks.

[Keepthesoulalive]

38. I'm a bit older than you

And I watched as Reagan convinced people of trickle down meaning piss on you underlings, Rush Limbaugh, the Bush family. This crap show took a long time and dems voting for Nader and Stein didn’t help. I have been in the resistance since I was old enough to understand racism and hubris. To say that people who are protesting are not achieving anything is bull shit. There is a street in my town with the Name Heather Heyer .She gave her life as she protested against cos playing girly men saying Jews shall not replace us.

[1WorldHope]

40. Heather got a street named after her and how about the guy who murdered her?

And, remind me who the president is now?
I'm not talking about Not protesting. I'm questioning the kinds of resistance that are most effective.

[Keepthesoulalive]

43. Black folks protested and it took almost a hundred years from reconstruction

There are lawyers working tirelessly challenging him. But the dominant culture must stop listening to right wing radio and looking at Fox News, they must vote for the candidate that will lead our country forward. You are not going to fix 300 years of bs about America being the greatest democracy the world has known in 20 years. Don’t denigrate the sacrifice of others because America wasn’t fixed yesterday. A whole lot of black bodies sacrificed to make America live up to her ideals. Let’s honor and support the people now who are doing the hard work to bring back us back to our stated ideals. Oh yeah we are winning elections because many Americans are feeling the yoke and they don’t care for it. I will be volunteering at the polling place for our next election. Because I am part of the woke brigade.

[Tree Lady]

29. I read a long thing today about

All Trump has done and now that gas has gone way up maga is mad at him, they don't care about anybody or anything but themselves which is why they never wanted any programs to help the poor or any of us.

[Dave says]

33. I forget the Senator's name from Mass

Long retired. But he said as much. Protests (he said this 20-30 years ago) have no effect on Congress. They themselves respond performatively. They only pay attention to their donors. So the more money you have, the more you can donate, the more you effect the course of our “democracy”.

Our only hope, really, is to get money out of politics. But the big money donors make that very difficult to do. Why would they surrender their power so that the man on the street has the same say as they have in directing how our country is run? No easy answers.

On edit: many of the posts on this thread give me some hope.

[Whip-poor-will]

34. Not the powerful

WE live with an unconstitutional number of representatives congress in congress voted on by ....congress

Article 1 Section 2 “the number shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand “ this has never been amended.
Us population +/- 341/347 million average 344 million/30,000 =11,466 +/-representatives. Our
Representation is 1/20 of the constitutional requirement multiplying the power of the president and supreme court by a factor of 20

[Torchlight]

35. I think you're confusing opinion and fact again.

I'd imagine that if you allow yourself thrity minutes of objective, good-faith research with a mind open to conclusions which may not validate your orthodxies, you'll find quite the opposite.

[malaise]

41. BS

That is all

Check the courts

[Skittles]

44. I'm seeing a lot of this kind of stuff lately

trying to make us see things aren't as bad as we think, and any protesting is ineffective

why is that

[malaise]

45. Hmmmm is all I say

[Skittles]

47. "the usual suspects"

yes indeed

[1WorldHope]

46. I don't think that man on TikTok is a Russian influencer.

The reactions I've gotten to posting that Tik Tok is very interesting. I wanted to examine an opinion from another perspective. I too am Woke, and an active protester. I live in a pretty white and privileged world, and I respect the opinion of someone whose great grandmother was probably a slave. No apologies.

[Skittles]

48. "I too am Woke"

yeah, OK