#gut support USA | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

samoankpoper21 · 4 months

Text

MTL to date a plus size person - Shiratorizawa Academy

A/N: This is a REPOST!! I didn't like how the first one came out so I decided to revamp, rewrite, and edit, edit, edit this post. Took me forever but we finally made it y'all 🥲 Again these are based off of my opinion/what my gut fupa tells me 🤣 I am also writing from a chubby!/plus size! POC reader POV. All of them are aged up/of legal consenting age. Also in celebration of the fact that the Haikyuu! movie hit theaters in the USA yesterday!! Enjoy~!!

Content Warnings: some cursing, suggestive smut, fat shaming if you squint really hard, small mention of someone attempting to unalive themselves

Ushijima Wakatoshi: I don't know why but I FEEL IN MY GUT that this mans loves him some THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIQQQQQQQQQQ women. He's a big boi so he loves him a thiccccc partner. He loves squeezing your love handles and playing with your thighs, it's his stress reliever. The softness of your skin when he kneads it with his rough, course hands instantly relaxes him. You got cellulite? He doesn't care. Got stretch marks? Baby he'll kiss and trace 'em. Fupa? UGH HE LOVES THE PUDGE. One thing he cannot stand is how sometimes you let society's beauty standards dictate whether he should be with you, he finds it frustrating how you get lost in your head and start comparing yourself to the women you see via ig. He's always encouraged you letting you know IF your weight really bothered you then he would continue to support you by being your gym partner. Regardless please let this man continue to support you physically and emotionally because he will. The sound of the TV only served as background noise, Wakatoshi's head nestled on your tummy as your left fingers ran through his hair, your right hand holding your phone. You were scrolling through instagram a flurry of women similar in age popping up on your feed toting their tiny waist, wide hips, huge tits, and even bigger ass. Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! It was Wakatoshi's dm's going off. Staring in amusement at his sleeping form you chuckled. How could he sleep through all of that? Switching into his account you figured maybe it was Tendou sending him pictures from Paris. He had tons of unopened messages from women, his requests way past 50+. The most recent sender caught your eye, your eyebrow arching up, a slight frown forming. It was from a former classmate named Hana, your memories of her unpleasant. Regardless of the fact that she knew you and Wakatoshi were together in high school she still tried to get him alone, persuading him how much of a better partner she would be instead of you. Back then Wakatoshi just ignored her blatantly telling her, "I'm with Y/N." You clicked on her profile silently gasping; you hated to admit it but she looked amazing, her pictures garnering thousands of likes and comments. Most of her profile were pics of her showing of her "natural body" from working out, the men in her comments thirsty. You tried to switch back to your account but the phone slipped causing you to quickly catch it before it hit your face. Letting out a sigh of relief you glanced at your screen semi panicked, you had just opened Hana's message. >>Wakatoshiiiiiiiii (7:35:06PM) >>Wakatoshi heeeeeeeyyyyy (7:35:10PM) >>I'm talking to you (7:35:20PM) >>I know you see my messages Toshi-kun (7:35:40PM) >>Wow you're really going to ignore me? (7:36PM) >>You're really going to ignore me for that fat bitch 🤣 (7:36:15PM) >>She doesn't' deserve you (7:36:25PM) >>You deserve to be with a REAL woman (7:36:40PM) >>Sends tit pic (7:37PM) >>Like what you see baby? (7:37:20PM) >>Let me take care of you like a real woman should (7:37:35PM)

Love? you hadn't realized Wakatoshi stir in his sleep. "O-oh Ushijima." He frowned at the use of his family name, noticing you averting his gaze. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to it's just your notifications kept going off like crazy and I thought it was Tendou sending you something-" Wakatoshi gently peeled the phone away from your hand peering at the screen, his frown deepening. He sighed typing out his reply: 'Hana, I do not appreciate you sending me such pictures and calling the love of my life, my wife, 'fat'. I suggest you take anti-harassment classes or cyber bullying classes. Don't ever reach out to me again. P.S. A real woman knows that she doesn't always have to resort to using her body to get a man." After he sent that to her, he blocked her, closed his eyes, and deeply sighed. "Ushijima, are you...are you mad at me?"

"I can never be mad at you love. Frustrated, yes. You aren't calling me by my first name or the other names you call me."

"O-oh." you nervously chuckled. He sat up pulling you against him so that you were straddling him, his hard cock pressing into your clothed pussy causing you to gasp. His hands were softly running up and down your thighs, he leaning forward so that your foreheads touched. "Y/N," his gruff baritone voice called out. "I only have eyes for you. I just wish you saw yourself the way I see you."

"I do baby! It's just that sometimes," he shifted his hips causing a delicious friction taking your breath away making it hard to concentrate. "I-I get discouraged when I see -ngh- pics like that." He was kissing the sensitive spot on your neck that he knew would make you weak, submit to his desires. His right hand was squeezing and kneading your thigh, the left gripping your ass. "You are all I need. Rolls and all. I wouldn't have it any other way." Chuckling you kissed the tip of his nose, Wakatoshi's hips never faltering in the way it rolled against your aroused cunt. "I love you Toshi." "I love you too."

Tendo Satori: There's something aesthetically pleasing when you see a big girl/guy with a skinny/lean/muscular partner 😊 It just works okay? Again I feel it in my gut that this man LOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVEEESSS THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIQQQQQQQ WOMEN 😊 He's had to learn/adapt on his own to ignore the scrutinizing, judgmental stares due to him being a monster he has a monster cock there's no persuading me of otherwise so when he meets you being confident in your skin and owning the fact that yes you are "fat" he can't help but fall for you. ⚠️UNINTENTIONAL MANGA SPOILER⚠️ Satori becomes a chocolatier in Paris. When it comes to sex he's mid key heavy on the food play: he loves drizzling chocolate, white chocolate, whipped cream, or caramel on his partner's thighs, tits, and tummy; loves watching you squirm as you watch him slowly lick all the sticky, sweet ingredients off his favorite meal. "Ma chérie," he purred. "I made a new recipe and would love for you to try it."

"Of course love. You know I can never resist your chocolates. What's the occasion?"

"Valentine's Day is around the corner and the baker wanted me to create a small chocolate snack with a...punch." Punch? Knowing Satori he wouldn't outright tell you what that 'punch' was. "I hope you're not trying to kill me this time love."

"Never that ma douce," He kissed the top of your head as he set a saucer of small, dainty, assorted chocolate squares in front of you. "Enjoy." He smirked. Taking the milk chocolate you popped it into your mouth savoring the sweetness as it melted; you popped a dark chocolate square moaning as the sweet, strawberry jelly like custard gushed into your mouth. "Mmmmmmm mon bébé these are sooooooo goooood."

"Careful now love," He cooed with his back turned to you. "Those are aphrodisiacs." You nearly spit out the third piece you were on. Fuck it. "Is it working?" He asked shyly. You couldn't deny the embarrassing amount of wetness that was gathering in between your legs, your body heat rapidly rising. "Love?" Your quietness caused him to worry, turning around to find that you were no longer sitting at the table, your shared bedroom door slightly open. "Love?" Poking his head inside slightly he smirked to find you panting, lying on the bed naked with your legs spread, your sweet essence already dripping on the sheets. "Oh lo lo lo, so it works hmm?"

"If you don't shut up and fuck me right now Tori."

"Of course mon petit monstre."

Semi Eita: I'm not gon lie I kept overlooking this man but my gut kept going back to him. I am convinced that this man likes his women chubby 😊 Random but I saw this youtube short where they were simping over Semi's hands and I have not been the same since 🤣 His aloof nature allows him to tell people off when they disrespect you or if he feels that you are uncomfortable; however his aloofness is also his downfall sometimes 😅

Admittedly you didn't have the typical build of a body guard, standing at 5', 2" weighing at 250 pounds the academy doubted you: how can this fat chick be able to protect someone? Will she be able to withstand and withhold big crowds? You proved that despite your short height and heavy build you were strong, resilient; the academy calling you Little Ox. The academy had assigned you and 2 other male guards, Yuuji and Rito, to assist a famous band, the lead singer scoffing at you. "This puny thing is supposed to keep the crazy fans away?"

"Don't doubt her Kaku-san" your teammate Yuuji defended. "She has skill and talent, made it fair and square like the rest of us."

"Tch. Just make sure she doesn't get lost in the sea of fans." Resisting the urge to roll your eyes, you took note of the shaved headed drummer named Namio, the long haired bassist Kouki and the stoic, handsome, guitarist Semi with headphones around his neck.

As the band made their way through the airport from South Korea, fans immediately swarmed towards them pushing and shoving trying to get through. One intimidating look from you and an extension of your arm caused the fans to slow down, Kaku's eyebrow raised. Yuuji flanking from the back smirked at Kaku's reaction. That reaction was short lived as you noticed an individual moving at an intense speed towards the group from your direction. "Little ox!" Yuuji yelled. Everything happened in a blur: you hit the assailant's forearm knocking the knife out of their grasp, pulled them towards you, threw them over you shoulder slamming their body down, your knee to their back twisting their arm pinning it. Everything went quiet except for the assailant's labored breathing. "Let me go! Let me go!" he screamed.

"Y-N chan! Are you ok?" Rito asked.

"I'm fine. Oi!" you gently slapped the side of the assailant's head. "I'm giving you one minute to explain yourself. After the minute is up I will break your arm."

"I'm not talking to you! You just got lucky to catch me!" Your hold on his arm tightened and twisted further as you continued to count down. "59...58...57...56...55..." the assailant screamed, cursing at how you're hurting him.

"L-let him go." Kaku pleaded. Kaku shivered at the cold, distant expression you gave him. "45...44...43...42...41...40..." She truly is a monster Kaku thought to himself.

"29...28...27...26...25"

"Aaaaaaaaaaagggghhhhh! This is all Kaku's fault!"

"Oh?"

"Ever since that stupid guy announced he was dating that celebrity my sister has been so depressed! Are you really okay with one of your fans dying?!"

"Oi, did Kaku-san hold a gun to your sister's head and tell her to die? You think hurting this man will help your sister? She needs professional help. You're just trying to find someone else to blame because you don't want to help. Stop living like this." The man broke down sobbing, you sighing. "Rito -."

"Security's beside you Little Ox." Turning slightly you nodded your head easing off of the sobbing man, grateful that Rito, a man of few words, was always a step ahead.

"Y-Y/N-san-" Kaku began."

"Please refrain from intervening. That'll make my and your job easier. You asked whether I was able to protect you guys, withstand a crowd? This is enough proof right?"

"Y-yes."

"Rito! Yuuji!"

"Yes!"

"Let's continue shall we?" the walk to the van was quiet, Semi taking note of your full figure: your blazer a bit tight around your middle section, the way your love handles poked out, your ass sticking out of your black slacks. He sensed the dominant aura emanating from you the moment he laid eyes on you but found it thrilling to experience how much of a hold you had over your teammates. Semi isn't one to be submissive but he knew you could be submissive and that made the blood rush to his cock. He couldn't help as his imagination ran wild: you laying on his bed panting in all your naked glory, your tummy scrunching up, begging him to fuck you; Semi's long, thick, calloused fingers from years of playing guitar thrusting into your glistening cunt; Semi grabbing your hips slowly thrusting into you from behind as you pleaded with him to fuck you faster, harder. He needed release.

As the weeks went by Semi would observe you silently: admiring the way you carried yourself, how analytical and precise you were when it came to ensuring the venue they were performing at was safe and that no one could get through. He found himself drawn to you, falling for you. One day before a music show performance Semi found that his feelings for you were overflowing, bubbling over; that if he didn't express how he felt then and now he would go insane. Pulling you to the nearest staircase he trapped you between his arms, your eyebrow arching. "Mr. Semi, why are you trapping me in between your arms like so?"

"If I don't do this now I know I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

"What are you-"

"I like you." You could feel your face heating up as a million thoughts swept through your mind: was I that obvious? Did he catch on? I thought I was being careful with my facial expressions? Did I stare at him too long? His thumb swiped at your cheek bringing you out of your reverie. "What's going on in that pretty little head of yours?" Biting your lip, tears threatening to spill over, fists clenched, you answered. "Semi-san, if you're only teasing me then I suggest you stop. This is going too far."

"I'm not." He firmly set. Looking up you saw the unwavering emotion in his eyes. You still couldn't believe that Semi had feelings for you, he never showed the slightest bit of interest; always politely saying good morning and making sure to let you pass first, you getting a whiff of his cologne. "But I'm..." you carefully whispered.

"Huh?"

"I'm bigger than you."

"So?"

"You don't mind?"

"I could care less if you're bigger than me. I fell for you not your body." Letting a moment of silence pass he asked, "Wait...do you not like me back?"

"No, no I'm sorry. I do. I like you. A lot."

Reon Ohira: Much like Semi Semi I struggled (I wasn't trying to be biased what with the community/culture I grew up around). He's literally the fine, thin line holding one from crossing into the least likely to date a plus sized individual - it may be because the anime doesn't really focus on him 🥲 or the fact that I don't know much about him 🥲😅 If I'm wrong please tell me 😅 In regards to Reon it's a loud, low hum when it comes to him; like I feel that he would appreciate the fluffiness of a plus sized individual. He's known to be the person to calm the team down/center them so I can imagine that his partner would be a little feisty in comparison to him.

Standing in line for a funnel cake you and your husband Reon Ohira were merely enjoying each other's company, conversation ebbing and flowing smoothly. Standing on your tiptoes you pouted. "Babeeee," you whined. "What's taking so long?"

"Well hunn we're at a carnival. There's bound to be a long line for sweets." He pecked your forehead and continued to stare ahead. Taking this time your eyes slowly swept over his features: prominent brows, sharp nose, pointed ears, tanned skin, the veins snaking down his forearm, the intricate design of it on his hands always turned you on. You were about to stand on your tiptoes again to whisper something raunchy until a hard bump against your shoulder caused you to stumble. Turning quickly to catch the offender you yell out, "Hey!" Ohira, arms snaking around your plump waist already trying to steer you in, calm you down. The man turned around to stare at you blankly, phone in hand. "Maybe you should get off your phone while walking."

"Sorry. Must'n have seen ya."

"How the hell you miss my big ass?"

"Babe," Ohira hissed. The man smirked and agreed. "You're right, how could've I missed someone taking up so much space?" Ohira lengthened to full height booming, "I don't appreciate you talking to my wife like that. I understand that you have your own preferences but disrespecting my wife is unacceptable." The murmurings of the crowd caused the man to feel uncomfortable, his face turning beet red. "Tch." He swiveled around and stomped off. "Are you okay love?"

"You know I coulda handled it."

"Absolutely not. Someone disrespects you they're disrespecting me."

"Okay daddy." You smirked knowing the effect that word alone had on him. Feigning innocence you snaked your arms around Ohira's waist, making sure to press your boobs against the lower part of his chest tightly so that it would push up against him, looking up at him with doe eyes. He groaned when he saw how big your eyes were. "Behave bunny." he warned.

"What are you talking about? I am behaving." You pressed yourself tighter to him pouting, making sure to "adjust" your chest, Ohira's grip on your waist tightening. "Do I need to fuck that attitude out of you bunny? Smirking you answered with, "After we get that damn funnel cake."

158 notes · View notes

antifaintl · 1 year

Note

I had a random gut feeling that if writer and actor strikes in USA continues, capitalists may start using their pundits to incite fascists to go after the protesters. Your opinion on this perspective?

We don't know about that Anon, that seems a bit far-fetched. It's not like fascists have a 100+ year history of attacking strikers and trade unions. Unless of course you count Benito Mussolini hiring out his blackshirts as strikebreakers in 1919. Or the fascist attacks & disruptions of the 1926 general strike in the UK. Or Hitler making trade unions illegal in 1933 and then sending trade unionists to be murdered in concentration camps. Anyways, that's all ancient history and there are no examples of recent fascist activity targeting trade unions. Aside from the fascist attack on striking railway workers in Manchester in 2019. Or the murder of Bolivian miner union leader Orlando Gutiérrez in 2020 by a mob of fascists protesting the outcome of the country's election by beating him to death. Or the 2021 attack on the headquarters of an Australian construction workers' union in Australia in 2021 by far-right extremists and anti-public health conspiracy theorists, who broke into the building and attacked union officials and union staff. Or the attack by members of the fascist Forza Nuova party on a union office in Rome, Italy that same year. Or the (failed) attempt by fascists in Albi, France to assault trade union members (only to be badly beaten themselves by the union members!) in October 2021. Or the November 2021 attack on two union members in Paris by a fascist gang. Well anyways it's not like fascist leaders like the UK's Alek Yerbury are currently calling for his followers to target union offices, picket lines, and strikers.

You see? Nothing at all to worry about and anti-fascists shouldn't bother showing their support and solidarity with working people striking in an attempt to raise the working conditions and lives of all of us! OR MAYBE WE SHOULD???

#antifa #unions #strike #trade unions #fascism

707 notes · View notes

cordeliawhohung · 4 months

Text

Important:

Under the cut, I'm going to be talking about domestic and sexual violence, general unsafe scenarios, and my boundaries regarding my pet!au series (though, this heavily extends to ALL my works) and the expectations i have for people who interact with me through my writing and what is sent to me in my inbox.

While I understand that I write dark topics in many of my works, covering things from domestic violence, to graphic sexual violence; I am still a human being. I know it's easy to pretend I'm just some random person, some faceless creature through a screen, or whatever other way you may perceive me, but please, be thoughtful and courteous of the things you say to me/send me in my asks. It's extremely inappropriate to send me graphic descriptions of things you are going through/have gone through in relation to what I'm writing or what my works have depicted. It's unhealthy for both me and for you to send me unsolicited stories of detailed abuse, especially because I am in no position to help you.

It's normal for writing to illicit strong emotional responses, and I am genuinely so thankful that my writing has been cathartic for so many of you. You are more than welcome to share with me that something I've written has helped you, or touched you in some sort of way: I just ask that you please spare me the graphic details. It is damaging, and I will not respond to those asks and slap such heavy, unfiltered content for others to see.

You may think that you know me, and feel safe enough sharing such intimate details about the darker parts of your life with me, but I ask that you please don't because you truly do not know me well enough to dump anything heavily triggering like that onto me. It's very flattering, and I'm glad I come across kind, and as a safe person (because I try to be!!) but it makes me severely uncomfortable. I simply will not tolerate it.

I do not wish to discourage anyone from sharing their trauma, or experiences in general. Obviously, talking about things can be really healing and therapeutic. I am not saying you must keep everything to yourself and bottle up these very complicated feelings. I just beg of you to please ensure that the person you are speaking with is able and willing to bear the things you're about to share with them; and I am making it very clear that I am not that person. I wish I could be that person for everyone, but I simply cannot. The emotional turmoil, the stress of not being able to help, it's extremely unhealthy for me. Especially when I am essentially coerced into doing so. Share your experiences in a healthy, and beneficial way. Dumping an experience (or several) onto someone who has not had the chance to back out of the conversation is damaging, and something I can't afford and will not tolerate.

If you find yourself in need of someone to confide in, there are hotlines and other mediums of support you can seek. While I'll admit, sometimes hotlines or online help isn't always the greatest, it is certainly more effective than I'll ever be. Here are some resources (I believe based in the USA) if you find yourself needing them.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

RAINN Sexual Violence Support Hotline

It is gut wrenching knowing people relate to Bonnie in pet!au in any capacity, but I ask you guys to respect these very clear boundaries. I would hate to have to stop writing/take down the story because of inappropriate or harmful behavior in my inbox.

#announcement #important #pet!au

61 notes · View notes

letsgetrowdy43 · 1 year

Note

for adam fantilli x hughes sister can you do luke finding out about them and being pissed

Luke finds out—

Au Masterlist!!

Luke had been completely oblivious to your and Adam's relationship up until World Juniors.

It was actually comical, to the point that most of the team knew, and he stayed unaware

No one other than him and Dylan was left out of the know (let's be so real, Dylan is even more clueless than Lu)

The two of you portrayed yourselves as simply platonic.

Luke sensed some sort of tension between Adam and you but thought that it wasn't something to worry over.

When in reality your relationship consisted of fleeting stares and friendly touches in front of him but was filled with sickly sweet romance behind closed doors

Adam was such a sweetheart though, he understood the dilemma with your relationship and still wanted to try (the payoff was *chefs kiss*)

And every warm smile or gentle kiss was so worth the struggle of hiding it from your brother.

You had told Quinn a few weeks after your guy's first kiss

He was the only Hughes family member that you trusted to not tell another soul, and he kept his promise

World Juniors had been literal torture, you were struggling to juggle your double life

With trying to keep the other Umich players (bitches) on the USA team from telling your brother

And being so close to Adam at all times but not being allowed to speak or associate with him was even worse.

Jim had been the first to clue in after you had asked to attend one of the Canada games (specifically the one where Adam scored his first goal of the tournament) with him

Your father had been watching as your breath hitched the moment you saw him gain possession of the puck, biting back a loud celebration as the puck hit the back of the net.

Jimmy gave you a knowing look as he watched you glance over to him, wanting to see if he had caught the slip-up.

"I've always liked Adam" "he's really sweet to me" "that's all I ask for" and that's where the conversation ended, never brought up again.

Jack and Ellen were next to see it all, Team USA and Canada had both been staying in the same hotel (the universe was just teasing you at this point)

The three of you had decided to explore the Halifax waterfront (If ever in town do this, I love downtown Halifax!!)

While leaving the lobby you quite literally ran into Team Canada, a quick apology leaving your mouth as you looked up to see Brandt Clarke, a laugh leaving his mouth at the panic in your eyes

That's when you caught the eyes of Adam whose face was now a bright shade of pink, a smile on his lips as the two of you hugged shortly

You slowly glanced at his appearance, clad in his game-day suit you smiled, "you look very handsome" you spoke quietly before leaving to join your brother and mother once again

Jack had a smug look on his face as he watched your return, a grin on your face before you met Jack's suggestive stare, "you and Fants?"

Ellen was over the moon

The two of them had an obscene amount of questions about the two of you (which obviously you spilled your entire guts to your mother cause she's literally your best friend and you've been bottling this up)

Luke was last to find out, team USA had won bronze, and their heads still hung high even if it wasn't the outcome they had wished

The Umich boys decided to go and watch the gold medal game in support of Adam, the six of you (consisting of You, Rut, Dylan, Gavin, Seamus, and Luke) in the stands as you watched Canada take home the gold.

The cheers were deafening in the barn as the boys celebrated their win

The six of you decided to go down to where the Fantilli family sat, right in front of the glass, a grin on your face as your boyfriend skated over to see his family.

You guys made short eye contact through the glass, his adrenaline high as he winked at you while signing the jersey of the girl standing next to you

Luke's brows furrowed as he watched the two of you communicate through stares (eye-fucking as he would call it)

His jaw dropped as he pulled you away from the celebrating group, his blood boiling as he made it outside of the arena

"You're sleeping with him?" "I have no idea what your talking about Luke" "this has to be a joke" he scoffed before walking away from you

Luke left the arena by himself, taking your parent's rental car and leaving you to find your own ride back to the hotel (the Duke's being the sweethearts they are gave you a lift after you lied about Luke's absence)

You showed back up to the hotel room to find the entire Hughes family sitting tensely on the beds

"They all knew, I can't believe you" he spat as you stood defenceless in the doorframe of the room.

"I'm sorry" you croaked as you looked around the room at your other family members who stared awkwardly at you

"I need to take a walk" he pushed past you as you watched him leave the room fuming.

A frown worked its way to your face as Quinn pulled you into his chest, "I'm fine" you said fighting his touch as he placed a kiss on the crown of your head, "it's fine really" tears staring as you stood there and just shook.

#tinydancerau!!#adam fantilli imagine #adam fantilli #adam fantilli x reader #quinn hughes #jack hughes x reader #luke hughes #luca fantilli #umich hockey #umich imagine #umich boys

339 notes · View notes

robertreich · 1 year

Video

youtube

The Hard Hat Riot: A Forgotten Flashpoint in America’s Culture Wars

Missing from most history books is a key moment leading to the culture wars now ripping through American politics.

In 1970, hundreds of construction workers pummeled around 1,000 student demonstrators in New York City — including two of my friends. The “Hard Hat Riot,” as it came to be known, ushered in an era of cynical fear-mongering aimed at dividing the nation.

The student demonstrators were protesting the Vietnam War and the deadly shooting of four student activists at Kent State University that occurred just days before.

The workers who attacked them carried American flags and chanted, “USA, All the way,” and “America, love it or leave it.” They chased the students through the streets — attacking those who looked like hippies with their hard hats and steel-toed boots.

When my friends in the anti-war movement called to tell me about the riot later that day, I was stunned. Student activists and union workers duking it out in the streets over the war? I mean for goodness' sake, weren't we on the same side?

According to reports, the police did little to stop the mayhem. Some even egged on the thuggery. When a group of hardhats moved menacingly toward the action, a patrolman apparently shouted: “Give ’em hell, boys. Give ’em one for me!”

The construction workers then marched toward a barely-protected City Hall. Why? Because the mayor’s staff had lowered the American flag in honor of the Kent State dead. In a scene eerily foreshadowing the January 6th Capitol Riots, they pushed their way towards the building.

Fearing the mob would break in, city officials raised the flag.

The hard hats also ripped down the Red Cross banner that was hanging at nearby Trinity Church. They stormed a Pace University building, smashing lobby windows with their tools and beating students and professors.

Around 100 people were wounded that day, many of whom were college students. Several police officers were also hurt. Six people were reportedly arrested, but only one construction worker.

My friends escaped injury but they were traumatized.

The Hard Hat Riot had immediate political consequences. It was, in my opinion, a seminal moment in America’s culture wars.

Then President Richard Nixon exploited the riot for political advantage. His administration had been working on a “blue collar strategy” to shift white working-class voters to the Republican Party.

“Thank God for the hard hats,” Nixon exclaimed when he heard about the riot.

But rather than passing pro-labor policies to court workers, which would go against the values of the pro-business Republican Party, Nixon sought to use cultural issues like patriotism and support for the troops to drive a wedge between factions of the Democratic Party.

Nixon invited union leaders, some of whom were involved in the riot, to the White House. They presented Nixon with a hard hat inscribed with “Commander in Chief”and an American flag pin. Nixon praised the union workers as, “people from Middle America who still have character, and guts, and a bit of patriotism.”

Nixon’s strategy to use the Hard Hat Riot to appeal to blue collar voters paid off. In his 1972 re-election campaign against the anti-war Democrat George McGovern, he secured a victory with ease and gained the majority of votes from organized labor – the only time in modern history a Republican presidential candidate accomplished such a feat.

The Hard Hat Riot revealed a deep fracture in the coalition of workers and progressives that FDR had knitted together in the 1930s, and the later alliance of Black Americans, liberals, and blue-collar whites that led to Lyndon Johnson’s landslide re-election in 1964.

The mostly white construction workers who attacked the demonstrators had felt abandoned — and forgotten – as the Civil Rights movement rightfully took hold. They felt stiffed by the clever college kids with draft deferments, and burdened by an economy no longer guaranteeing upward mobility.

The class and race based tensions that Nixon exploited would worsen over the next half century.

I witnessed this when I was secretary of labor during the Clinton Administration. I spent much of my time in the Midwest and other parts of the country where blue-collar workers felt abandoned in an economy dominated by Wall Street. I saw their anger and resentment. I heard their frustrations.

Many Democrats, whether they will admit it or not, have not done enough to respond as Republicans have destroyed unions, exacerbated economic inequality through trickle-down nonsense, tried to gut just about every social safety net we have – and stood in the way of practically every effort to use the power of government to help working people.

Today, the right is trying to channel that same anger and violence against the Black Lives Matter movement, the LGBTQ+ community, particularly drag queens and transgender people, and whatever they consider “woke.”

It is the same cynical ploy to instill a fear of “the other” as a means to distract from the oppression and looting being done by the oligarchs who dominate so much of our economy and our politics.

As such, today we face the same questions we faced in 1970:

Will we finally recognize that we have more in common with each other than those who seek to divide us for political and economic gain?

Can we unite in solidarity, and build a future in which prosperity is widely shared by all?

I truly believe that we still can.

#youtube #history #politics #Republicans #Richard Nixon #Donald Trump #Video #Videos #Economics

279 notes · View notes

leonsliga · 1 month

Text

Manu’s farewell letter to die Mannschaft:

–> Translations below the cut

Liebe Fans, liebes Fußballdeutschland,

nach über 15 Jahren und 124 Länderspielen endet mit dem heutigen Tag meine Karriere in der deutschen Fußball-Nationalmannschaft.

Jeder, der mich kennt, weiß, dass ich mir diese Entscheidung nicht leicht gemacht habe. Ich fühle mich körperlich sehr gut und natürlich hätte mich auch die Weltmeisterschaft 2026 in den USA, Kanada und Mexiko gereizt. Und trotzdem bin ich nach vielen intensiven und langen Gesprächen mit meiner Familie und meinen Freunden zu dem Entschluss gekommen, dass genau jetzt der richtige Zeitpunkt dafür ist, mein Kapitel in der Nationalelf zu beenden.

Wenn ich heute zurückblicke, fühle ich Stolz und Dankbarkeit! Nicht zuletzt, weil wir uns am 13. Juli 2014 unseren großen Traum erfüllen konnten und gemeinsam in Brasilien Weltmeister geworden sind. Für insgesamt 7 Jahre und 61 Spiele durfte ich - bis zu meiner Verletzung - die deutsche Nationalmannschaft als Kapitän aufs Feld führen. Eine Ehre, die ich jedes Mal aufs Neue zu schätzen wusste.

Die Heim-EM in diesem Jahr war ein weiterer Höhepunkt, auch, wenn es leider nicht für den Titel gereicht hat. Denn: Ich habe in jeder Sekunde eine ganz besondere Euphorie und Zusammenhalt im ganzen Land gespürt. Behalten wir uns das bei!

Vielen Dank allen Mitarbeitern, Betreuern, Trainern und auch Mitspielern, die mich seit meinem Debüt in der Nationalmannschaft am 02. Juni 2009 begleitet haben!

Und besonders möchte ich mich bei euch bedanken, liebe Fans, dass ihr mich in all den Jahren unterstützt habt!

Ich habe es geliebt, das Trikot der Nationalmannschaft zu tragen. 🖤❤️💛

Danke!

Euer

Manu

Dear fans, dear football-Germany,

After over 15 years and 124 international matches, my career with the German national football team ends today.

Anyone who knows me knows that I didn't make this decision lightly. I feel very good physically and of course, the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico would also have appealed to me. And yet, after many long and intensive discussions with my family and friends, I have decided that now is exactly the right time to close my chapter with the national team.

Looking back today, I am filled with pride and gratitude! Not least because we were able to fulfill our big dream on July 13, 2024 and become world champions in Brazil. For a total of 7 years and 61 games, I was allowed—until my injury—to lead the German national team onto the pitch as captain. An honor that I appreciated every time anew.

This year's home European Championship was another highlight, even if it unfortunately wasn't enough to win the title. Because: in every second I felt a very special euphoria and cohesion all over the country. Let's keep it that way!

Many thanks to all the staff, coaches, trainers, and fellow players who have supported me since my national team debut on June 2, 2009!

And I especially want to thank you, dear fans, for supporting me all these years!

I loved wearing the national team jersey. 🖤❤️💛

Thank you!

Your Manuel

#forever and always a legend #someone hold me #manuel neuer #die mannschaft #dfb team #die nationalmannschaft #german nt #germany nt #manu’s ig posts

22 notes · View notes

uswntpoc · 3 months

Text

catarina_macario Gutted to have to withdraw from the Olympic roster and not be able to represent Team USA. I will be supporting the team every step of the way and the girls are ready ❤️

#gutted for her #but her time will come #catarina macario #uswntpoc

24 notes · View notes

letteredlettered · 5 months

Note

congrats on ur final day on the job! Hope ur moving on toward some great rest, or something exciting :)) Anything u think itd be useful for someone unionized or pro union to know?

Actually, before I worked my firing-people-HR-job I worked in Labor Relations. On, you know, the evil side. So I know a lot about unions--at least, unions in the USA. The company I worked for was huge and had at least a dozen union contracts with at least eight different unions, and unions in our state are pretty strong, despite the way that unions have been gutted in this country over the last few decades. If folks have more union questions, hit me.

If you are in a union, here are my useful tips:

Know your contract (aka collective bargaining agreement or CBA). Your reps are supposed to know your contract, and they try, but they have a lot going on and it's easy to feel like you know it and forget a lot of minor details. It's helpful for all employees to know their rights.

The strongest tool that a union employee has is grievance. You can file a grievance when the contract has been violated. As such, you're going to have a hard time using your union tools if certain things aren't in your contract. Things like harassment are covered by US law (though I would recommend getting it in your contract anyway) but things like workplace bullying are not. Advocate to your union to get things into the contract, even if they seem like common sense or your company already does them, so that you can use grievance if there's a problem.

Union reps have a lot going on and may not remember to follow all the steps like filing or advancing your grievance in a timely fashion etc. Don't be afraid to be a squeaky wheel with your union and demand fair treatment. They're trying their best but just like anyone, they need reminders.

Conversely, with management, it's more useful to use the tools and power unions have to their fullest potential than it is to complain or be aggressive. As a human being, you should be able to voice complaints or display some anger, if that's what you're feeling, but I think we all know by now that companies don't really want human beings; they want cogs in a wheel. I'm not trying to advise anyone not to be human, but I am trying to say that just because you're backed by your union (sometimes, especially because you're backed by your union) doesn't mean management won't have a grudge against you if they think you're a pain, and you don't want management to have a grudge because your union can't protect you from everything. In fact, if aggression or vociferous complaint seem like the best ways to win an argument, let your union rep (the one who works for the union--supposing that your union is a larger entity and not just the employees of your company) be the bulldog. They should be the ones that fight nasty for you so that you can maintain a polite relationship with your boss and leadership.

If you are not in a union but are pro-union:

If there are unions at your company but you're not in them, stand in solidarity with them. Go to their rallies, protests, and union actions when you can. You won't have the right to skip work to do this, so don't do that, but see if they are doing anything before or after work or on your days off. Encourage others you know to do the same.

If there are not unions at your work, consider looking into how to unionize. If you think unions don't make sense for your workplace, reconsider; they're not just for police and teachers and coal miners. That said, union busting is a real thing that is happening right now all over the place. It's important to be aware of that and do what you can to protect yourself.

Support legislation that supports unions.

#human resources #labor unions #i also know a lot about collective bargaining if you are at the table and want to know about it

32 notes · View notes

myafterlifeisbetterthenyours · 1 year

Text

OH MY GOD!

Okay so just finished the episode!

Firstly, I think we all should have seen Loona needing a shot from a mile away. It's exactly what they'd do!

Okay but fucking Striker bursting in all dramatic before snatching Stolas up! Oh it was sooo good.

Though I'm not quite sure about Strikers VA replacement. Like, nobody will surpass Norman Reedus, but still.

Oh, and the fact Stolas literally had to ask "Am I in danger?"

And Striker was a legit menace, maybe even more so than his original episode. Man was kicking Ass with Rope!

Mother fucker answered what the unofficial installation already had.

And Bloood!

STOLAS. CAN. BLEED.

OH MY GOD. ANDREALPHUS.

Alright, I'll bite the bullet and day it.

Andrealphus wasn't nearly as much of a Twink as I was expecting. Like, I expected MAJOR Bottom energy, like Angel Dust levels of manwhore, and sadly I just didn't get it.

But hey, at least he's fairly supportive of his sister, so that's something.

Oh my God! Stolas' weak little "Blitzy will..." when he's stabbed. Fucking Gut wrenching!!

And They finally addressed what happened in episode 7!!! About freaking time!!!

Over all I loved it, and will probably be posting several more things I noticed from the episode later on but not all of us live in the USA and I am so tired.

Still, I'd love to hear what you though?

#helluva boss #season 2 #stolas ars goetia #stolas can bleed!#helluva boss andrealphus #Andrealphus is a twunk #stolas is a masochistic #m&m kicked ass!#loona being a hound #oh and racial slurrs!

206 notes · View notes

tomhollandnet · 1 year

Text

youtube

Tom discusses mental health and life lessons on On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast (approx. 1 hr 53 min)

In this episode, we get a glimpse of the true, behind-the-scenes, Tom Holland - the mental health struggles, dealing with anxiety, and getting sober. This episode will leave you with a deeper understanding of life, personal growth, and finding true happiness.

In this episode with Tom Holland, we discuss:

00:00 Intro

00:46 The Gift Of Supportive Parents

09:32 Tom Holland Addresses The “Nervous Breakdown” Rumors

14:24 On Being Diagnosed With Dyslexia

16:05 How Did Tom Holland Get Into Acting?

20:02 Tom Holland’s Love Of Sports

30:46 Recognizing Alcohol Addiction

40:41 How Sobriety Impacts Your Life & Career

45:25 Tom Asks Jay About Life As A Monk

49:32 Tom Holland’s Travel Bucket List

53:09 Tom Holland On Taking A Break From Acting

57:50 Tom Holland’s Acting Techniques

01:03:02 Tom Holland On Living In The USA

01:09:31 On Trusting Your Gut

01:15:48 Living A “Normal” Life & Staying Away From Hollywood

01:23:53 Swimming With Killer Whales

01:33:37 Tom Holland's Opinion On Pickleball

01:35:52 Who Are Tom Holland’s Inspirations?

01:40:26 Tom Holland Talks About Footballer Harry Kane

01:44:35 Tom on Final Five

#tom holland #misc #podcasts

120 notes · View notes

ushealthrealsolutions · 1 year

Text

#gut support usa

0 notes

argie003 · 7 months

Text

As asked, here is the info of my creepypasta OC, The Weeping Dancer!

Trigger Warnings for: Stalking, Murder, and N3croph1lia.

Name: Juliet Morristown

Alias: The Weeping Dancer

Weapon: None

Age: 19

Species: Human/Ghost

Relationships: Remington Mathias (lover); Arthur McBride (ballet teacher)

Birthplace: USA

(Former) Occupation: Ballet dancer/ Student

(Current) Occupation: Stalk and scare the unjust and chaotic

Goal: To find her lover, Remington

Powers/Skills: Poltergeist; Teleportation

Personality: Loyal; Humble; Caring; but Explosive and Aggressive with her victims

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ・ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

Basics:

The Weeping Dancer only appears to the morally corrupt, unless she wishes to be seen by some in specific. She has no desire to torment and scare the innocent. Her goal is to find her lover, Remington, who, after her death, seemed to have disappeared.

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ・ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

Appearance:

Juliet has dark brown, straight and long hair, some of it gathered in a bun, which is covered in light pink lace. Her skin is pale and irregular, stained with blood and injuries, but her face is immaculate and beautiful, apart from her lips, deprived from any color. Her dress is like the one Julie Lincoln wears in her performance in the "Romeo and Juliet" ballet. She only walks on her pointe shoes, which causes her walking to be very irregular and weak. Her cheeks are always stained with tears.

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ・ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

Backstory:

Juliet Morristown has always been a dedicated student when it came to ballet- ever since the innocent age of 3. In fact, as soon as she finished high-school, she decided to follow that path professionally. Her parents were not all that pleased, but decided to support their daughter nevertheless. Juliet moved to another state in order to follow her dream- she'd been accepted in a prestigious academy in Nevada. She moved at 18, and there, she started her brand new life.

Juliet met Remington Mathias on her first day in Nevada. They were roommates and partook in the same classes! The two girls hit it off right away, and became close friends not too long after meeting. Juliet was calm and collected, a little shy, but that was her charm; Remington was fierce and spontaneous. They completed each other. Their ballet teacher, Arthur McBride, also got well along with the two. But something about Juliet just caught his eye... It was no secret that he had her as a favorite student, but nobody complained, since he was fair to everyone. Remington was the only one to suspect something, and she was not happy about it. She knew her friend was clueless, but she was certain that their teacher did not have good intentions. It was only a gut feeling, however. So when she expressed to Juliet her worries, the girl only laughed. "Please, Remi! He's the best teacher I've had in a while..." That did not calm Remington's nerves.

As time went by, watching as Arthur would help Juliet out in his classes- watching as he grabbed onto her thigh a little too tight as to "elevate her Arabesque", or when he touched the naked skin above her chest to "help straighten her back"- Remington realized that Juliet was more than oblivious to his touches. She didn't see anything wrong in all of it. In fact, she trusted the man so much, that when he offered to give her private lessons, she did not hesitate to say 'yes'. Once she told Remington about it, the girl asked the obvious: "Do you have feelings for him?". Juliet admitted, in fact, that she was not into men at all. She just found Arthur to be an exceptional teacher. And she owed him a lot too. He was the one to name her to the council when it came to pick the students who would partake in the class. He was the one who stayed late after class to help with her troubles. He was the one to stay up to talk to her on the phone, when she had doubts about her homework.

Somehow, that conversation had strengthened the bond between the two girls. They started to openly tell each other their secrets, their most profound thoughts. Before they realized it, they weren't friends anymore. They were ridiculously in love. They weren't just cuddling in bed anymore, as they watched their favorite TV shows. They weren't just ordering take-out and eating it on the couch. They weren't just talking, or jokingly flirting, or hugging, or pecking each other's lips. All of that, they already did as friends, but now, they gained a whole new meaning. Remington became, to Juliet, a silver lining. The reason why she wanted to make herself look pretty everyday. The reason why she would happily go back to their dorm after class. Remington became a love that went deeper than the passion she had for dancing. Juliet was no longer perfecting her technique or taking care of every single aspect in herself for Arthur. It was for Remington. And boy, were they head over heels for one another. Giving each other flowers- oh, Remington found out Juliet loves roses; Baking things for the other- Juliet only made raspberry brownies for months because Remington told her ONCE that she likes those. The little things became big in their hearts, out of the blue. Like love should be. And love... oh, how dangerous love is...

Once a year had passed, and it was time to prepare their final presentation, Arthur chose the piece "Romeo and Juliet" for his students to perform. To no one's surprise, he had picked Juliet to play, well, Juliet. She was perfect, after all! Her technique, her figure, her elegance, even her name! Besides... he truly believed the two of them had something sparking. That Juliet was getting better and better everyday to impress him. That once she finished a variation in front of the class, she would smile bright in his direction. Little did he know, Remington was right behind him. Their relationship was a secret, but no one was blind. If asked, they would deny it, although it felt like being choked to deny such a love.

One day, Arthur called Juliet apart. Just a week before their final presentation. Said he could offer her a few extra classes before the big day, and for the first time, she declined. That caught him off guard. "Juliet, you're at a ripe age... You probably have a boy on your mind, but I advise you to focus on your performance for now.". She didn't say anything. She only nodded, and so, another extra private class was settled, but not for the day he'd wanted. So... he decided to follow her wherever was more important than class.

He hid in his car, parked in front of Juliet's and Remington's apartment building, and followed them around as soon as they left the place. At first, nothing seemed odd. Just two best friends going for a night out... That didn't worry him. But when nighttime arrived and they went back home, Arthur took the phone from his pocket, opened the camera, and zoomed in to the window in Juliet's room, where she was undressing. This wasn't his first time doing something quite like this. Taking pictures as she got ready in the dressing room with the other girls, so he could have some material for later. A sickening smirk painted his lips as he started photographing and enjoying the scene, but his movements came to a halt once another person got in frame. Remington. Her arms wrapped around her "friend's" naked figure, and as soon as lights went out, Arthur threw his phone across the car. He didn't know what felt worst: the fact that Juliet had been "leading him on", that she was into another woman, or that she was seeing someone else in general. He was infuriated. Oh, he was furious.

On the day of her extra private class, Juliet was radiant. It was Remington's birthday, and they had some amazing plans ahead! But first, she needed to practice. She put on her beautiful costume, and prepared to amaze her teacher with her development. He watched as she did her variation, stopping her at some points. Just to help out... She didn't think much of it. Just the basics. Bringing her chin up- she needs to look joyful. Straightening her back- oh, she must look impeccable. Her complaints started once he raised her leg far beyond her limit, in the Arabesque. "You've been doing ballet for years, how can you not go higher than this?" Said he, as she felt something finally snap in her groin. She tried to move away quickly, explaining how she was hurting and how she needed a break, but then, came her back. He bent her torso backwards, then again something cracked in her spine, and barely a scream came from her mouth. Especially when his gruesome fingers shoved down her throat, a threatening whisper sounding against her ear. When she was left trembling and sobbing in silence, he released his grip just softly. As he did so, she took the opportunity to bite his two fingers, and in rushed adrenaline, Arthur was blinded. She'd barely started screaming for help when his foot kicked against her leg, throwing her to the ground, and he finally crouched down to punch her body repeatedly. Not her face. God, no... What worth would she be without her pretty face? No, he can punch her body, lift her dress and claw at her torso until only a mass of blood formed from under the pink fabric, but never her face.

The glint of rage in his eyes was the last thing she saw as she kept screaming (for her love, maybe. If she's going to die, she will die with a beautiful scenery in her mind), before he took her neck in his bloody hands, and squeezed it until only a wheeze left her parted lips, which he felt the oh-so unbearable need to kiss, to claim, yet all she wanted was to vomit. Then once more, something snapped. It was her neck. Something cracked. It was her life. That's... not what he wanted at all...! He just wanted to make her see how much power a man can hold. How strong he can be. He snapped back to reality as he heard footsteps echoing from down the hall, and he had to think fast. Quickly, he wiped his hands on her dress, folded Juliet's lifeless body like a dirty napkin to throw away, and placed her inside the costume chest, which he dragged to cover the blood stains on the floor. The security guard that came inside only questioned the silence. How he'd heard a girl screaming, but looking around the room, he saw nothing. Only Arthur, who flashed a welcoming smile at the man. Once he left, he decided he needed to do something about the body. He'd bury it. That was the best course of action.

After hours of cleaning the blood from the wooden floor, he took the costume chest, brought it to his car, and drove to the middle of the woods, where no one would find them, especially in the dark of the evening. He dug a hole on the ground with his bare hands, cringing at the small cuts that were forming all around his nails. Disgusting. Once the hole was big enough, he opened the chest and brought Juliet's corpse out, throwing it next to her grave. But... something about the moonlight, about how it illuminated her pale skin... how she was finally his... He decided he needed to claim her before he got rid of her forever.

And how silly... she thought death would be peaceful... Then by God, why is she watching from afar as her oh-so trusted teacher abuses of her carcass, grunting like the pig that he is? Why is she watching, and why does she have a conscience? And why is he burying her in that filthy hole, not noticing that she is right there, behind him? Oh, wait... he finally turned around. He screamed. He's begging her for mercy... but wasn't she the one begging for him to stop just a few hours ago? Why does his life matter more than hers, suddenly?

He's clutching at his chest like he's in pain, now. Laying on the floor right above her grave... She can't move him away from there, can she? He has to be on top of her even in death? She prays that he will be found... so they can drag him away from her at last. So they can give her a proper goodbye and a dignified tombstone, since dignity is something she doesn't have anymore.

They did find him. But they didn't find her. They found out he was alive, after all. But they left her there to rot. To be eaten by maggots and to be used as a shell for worms and the earth. But she can wander. She can, after all, mess with the plane above her. She can move from one place to another, as she can move things as well. She could've moved Arthur's body. She just didn't know. Oh, but now she knows... She knows and she's angry. And as she's able to do so, no unjust and disgusting soul will rest, as long as she's haunting them. As long as she has that power. She will forever wander through her realm and cry for her love to find her, as her tired legs roam on her pointe shoes. Yet all she wants, is to see the last scenery she pictured before she died: Remington blowing out her birthday candles.

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ・ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

Extras:

While Juliet wanders, Remington has disappeared from society. She noticed a pattern in some reports from inmates: that they all seem to see or have seen a haunting figure like a ghost, dressed in ballet clothes, describing her girlfriend perfectly, while some of them have also died mysteriously. Remington theorized that Juliet had died, and the blame was obviously on their ballet teacher, Arthur McBride. Also, that she appears to bad people only, and because of that, mixed with the mourning of losing the love of her life, Remington snapped to insanity. She gathered her things, and in a matter of days, also gathered a plan to kill Arthur, which she did. And she doesn't plan on stopping there. She hopes that, if she kills and hurts others, Juliet will appear to her, like she appears to the morally corrupt. Because she will forever love Juliet unconditionally. And they will infinitely try to find each other.

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ・ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

Thank you so much for reading! This character is so special and important to me, I feel like I want to draw her a lot more. I want to come up with a design for Remington, and develop her own story too! This whole story was heartbreaking to write, and I put so much thought into it. I really hope it has reached you guys like it has reached me. Anyways, slay for Remington, kill that disgusting bastard!✨️

#creepypasta #fanart #creepypasta fanart #slenderman #creepypasta fandom #proxy #slender proxy #marble hornets #oc #oc art #original character

28 notes · View notes

canichangemyblogname · 1 year

Text

People need to realize the label "terrorist" is, more often than not, a political label. When you point this out, people often accuse you of terrorism apologia, but it's actually quite the opposite.

If we were to- say- define a "terrorist group" as "a non-governmental organization that violently targets civilian populations as a tactic to score political points, often relying on 'propaganda by deed,'" many more people and groups would be included under this definition. It would rightfully exclude the Ukrainian military as it engages directly with the Russian military, in direct contrast to Russia's rhetoric, while it would rightfully include groups like the KKK, which has been excluded from official terrorist organization lists.

It is not a perfect definition, but it is one of many working definitions proposed to counteract current political labeling. Current political definitions and usage often result in organizations like the PLO being included on the list for a year before the US government waived it or non-violent protesters in Georgia, USA, being hit with the label. It also leaves out several groups of violent extremists, providing them with more of an air of legitimacy and more discretion in their operations than those groups with the label.

Labeling a group as a "terrorist" group often legally allows a government, like the US government, to heavily surveil the group's members, freeze group and member assets, imprison group members, and engage with the group militarily. The label also often serves to justify any treatment of group members under a government's authority, like denying them due process. Some will argue it is a necessary evil. Others will point out how many men have been released from places like Guantanamo without charge. Or how the US "No-Fly" list appears to racially profile people and primarily target Muslims.

As long as labeling a group "terrorist" allows a government to legally circumvent certain rights, like that of a free and speedy trial, it will be used politically and ideologically, often against civilian separatists and opposition to the state, as we see in Georgia's Stop Cop City protests. But the US is not the only country that does this. Nor is it the only country primarily focusing on Islamic Extremism to the detriment of National security and democracy.

"Terrorism" is the pretext, but involvement in "terror"-related occupation has objectives other than stamping out terrorism. Just as there are socio-political gains in labeling common Georgian protesters as "terrorists," there are geo-political gains in the primary focus on Islamic fundamentalism and violence, like an unwavering international gaze on the Islamic world and multiple different military occupations in the Islamic world. If people's gut assumption is that Muslim = terrorist, they won't think twice about something like US military strategies in the Islamic world. It has led to 30% of Republicans and 19% of Democrats supporting things like the bombing of the fictional nation of Agrabah in polls. It has also led to US militarized counterterrorism in 85 countries worldwide with limited Congressional oversight and next to no public knowledge.

When I point this out, most people like to straw-man my argument to assume my goal is to let listed terrorist organizations prance around and kill people indiscriminately. The goal is not the absence of justice, but strengthening protections for the accused so a label is not an automatic guilty sentence. No government or military should simply be able to invade another to play judge, jury, and executioner on the people of that country. Morally. They also shouldn't be able to justify suspending due process for anyone. It sets a precedent.

Additionally, the goal is not to let a terrorist organization operate without impunity, but to admit that the "War on Terror" was a failure, in large part due to its violent and indiscriminate strategies. That is the second thing people need to realize.

This theoretical war against this nebulous force has been nasty, brutish, and long. It has also been ineffective. The "War on Terror" has only contributed to more violence and extremism worldwide. In fact, terror-related incidents have increased fivefold worldwide since 2001. The number of existing terror groups is at the highest level since 1980, and they've seen their numbers swell. And they have become increasingly transnational.

We've learned that it is impossible to win any terror-related "conflict" without destabilizing a nation or region. It is impossible to win any terror-related "conflict" without inflicting a tremendous number of civilian casualties, especially due to modern governments' aggressive military strategies. It is also impossible to win. Period. You cannot defeat terrorism. An organization, sure (although only about 7% of terror organizations have been quelled by military action). Terrorism itself? No. Mostly due to the diversity, scope, and decentralization of the threat. It is simply not possible to eliminate armed terror groups through the use of force and armies. It's quite literally counterintuitive.

The Hot War on Terror replaced the Cold War on Communism. And leading powers in the Global North are repeating the same failed tactics they used between 1950-1990. An overemphasis on military force to achieve state goals (most terror planning *does not* take place in a dedicated physical location, which military force primarily addresses). Neglecting non-military instruments of statecraft (terrorism is a tactic, not an ideology, so you can't "war" against a tactic). Focusing so narrowly on military action, you practically ignore other foreign-policy goals (like economic and political stability, anti-corruption, and nation-building because terrorist groups thrive in instability and disaffection). Creating the state's enemies of the future (see: arming Afghan rebels to fight the Soviets). And disowning and contradicting their country's own stated moral values to achieve its goals abroad.

Declaring war on terror is nothing short of a forever war. It ends only when counterterrorism measures stretch governments so thin they collapse.

#international relations #tw: terrorism #tw: long post

95 notes · View notes