Its in moments like these that I really appreciate non corporate social media. Everywhere outside the fediverse all I see is people freaking out, acting like this is the first shooting to ever happen in the united states. Even supposed leftists are just like “I don’t agree with the man but no one deserves to get killed over their beliefs”.
They seem to have forgotten that people get killed over way dumber shit all the time. Personally I care about all the other shootings a lot more than this one. Especially the school shooting in Colorado that happened the same afternoon, which is being mostly ignored.
There are even lots of comments that condemn anyone making light of his death, or even just making comments about his politics. This dissent they condemn is almost nowhere to be found though, because algorithms bury it all straight to the bottom. The only opinion allowed to be seen is “I’m horrified look at me”.
Coming back to a place where a real discussion can be had makes me realize just how important this project really is. We need more spaces that we truly own.
Personally I doubt most of these people are genuinely worried about being harassed by the state for publicizing those beliefs. In some cases maybe they should be worried, but in reality I think most of them are more concerned with social pressures.
If you voice those opinions, hordes of people will attack you for it. And that’s a product of both wide spread conservatism influencing real peoples view of the situation, and social media platforms actively crushing dissent and pushing the narrative that aligns with their interests.
In all likelihood my comments, despite being made with no vpn or tor, will never result in any action taken against me. That’s simply because I don’t pose any material threat to the state or its power. America maintains its illusion of freedom by explicitly allowing dissent, as long as it doesn’t have teeth. I am simply not worth the trouble.