Embed Notice

The shooting at Donald Trump’s rally took place just in time to maximize ratings for the Republican National Convention. The Democrats already seem to be accommodating themselves to a future in which they will be the junior partners in an even more authoritarian reboot of state power.

In response to the shooting, politicians across the spectrum have decried “political violence." But political violence is fundamental to all government—not least the United States government. The key to Trump’s appeal is that he is explicitly promising to direct this violence against undocumented people, poor people of color, women, queer and trans people, anarchists, and other scapegoats.

Trump’s rise coincided with a dramatic spike in political mass shootings and vehicular attacks, many of which were carried out by his supporters. Everything that centrist politicians do to pave the way for his return renders them complicit in the bloodbaths ahead.

Anarchists already participated in the round of social unrest that ultimately blocked Trump’s ambitions in 2017-2020. We know that voting, sign-holding, court cases, and liberal op-eds will not protect us or our neighbors.

Now it’s time to prepare for the next round.

To study up on how it went last time:

https://crimethinc.com/TrumpYears