alt Hacker News> Block traffic? Tweet? Cut off ties with friends and family that don't share your political beliefs?
All of the above. Get involved with political organisations, NGOs, volunteering groups, go to protests and network with people there. So that when the government starts doing something that approaches a police state, you, your group, and many other groups of people will be out there ready to make their will known. Block roads, burn tires, occupy squares, remove cameras, etc. Is is easy? Not at all. Can you do it alone? No. Is it worth doing to avoid living in a police state? Yes.
Take a look at Russia if you want an example of what widespread political apathy leads to.
Replies
marknutter • today at 6:12 PM
Zero proof that any of that works to prevent police states from forming.
There's nothing that could convince me to do the opposite of what a proponent of a policy is advocating for than inconveniencing me to that extend.
If someone blocks traffic because of [topic], I don't think "gee maybe we are overly-dependent on oil", but the reverse. Most people are the same.
If I see someone defiling a public space, I am more accepting to more authoritative means to restore order.
If someone cuts ties with me because of their political beliefs, I am further convinced they are part of a cult. Because that's essentially what cults advocate for.
You can believe what you want, but you should not be deluded to think you're changing anyone's mind by behaving this way.