We the people demand immediate action to defend the right to protest, free speech, and democratic dissent against the Trump administration’s escalating assault on civil liberties — an assault echoing fascist regimes.
A recent Democracy Now! interview with scholar Mark Bray shows how this administration is weaponizing “antifa” to silence critics. Bray — author of Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook — fled the U.S. after threats, surveillance, and harassment. His case exposes a campaign to criminalize dissent and crush opposition.
This is not hypothetical. Scholars, activists, and citizens are being treated as enemies of the state for daring to speak out.
The Threats:
• Criminalization of dissent: labeling “antifa” terrorism is an attack on the First Amendment.
• Authoritarian policing: treating protest like organized crime is repression, not law enforcement.
• Suppression of academic freedom: harassment and travel interference show critics are targeted.
• Erosion of law: authoritarians promise “order” while destroying due process.
• Chilling democracy: when citizens fear speaking out, democracy is already endangered.
Our Demands:
1. Condemn efforts to label anti-fascism as terrorism.
2. Hold hearings on the targeting of activists, journalists, and academics.
3. Strengthen protections for protestors and whistleblowers.
4. Rein in DOJ, DHS, and intelligence agencies abusing power.
5. Fund journalism and watchdog groups defending democracy.
6. Convene a commission to safeguard civil rights and protest freedoms.
And Most Urgently — Support H.R. 3651.
Cosponsor and fight to pass the Protect the Right to Dissent Act, which bans federal agencies from using counterterrorism powers to surveil or criminalize activists. Dissent and protest are rights — not crimes.
The attacks on dissenters like Mark Bray are a warning. What happens to one can happen to all. If protest becomes terrorism, democracy dies.
We vote. Stand with us — or be replaced.
First sent on October 16 by BlueCollarJew
