i am a frequent security volunteer for queer social gatherings open to the public, drag shows, pride events, and such. i will not do "protest security" because a protest should not have a security force. a protest - even a relatively chill one - is a collectively directed escalation. deescalation isn't always desirable, and it often places people in more danger from cops+fash because it breaks the solidarity and safety-in-numbers that makes it harder for them to single out targets to attack/arrest. if there's a place for "organizers", it's to encourage and guard the chaos and share tactics for pushing back the cops. empower everyone and reject the outsourcing and specialization of self-defense. effectively taking the lead on that looks a lot more like a black bloc than random wannabe cops in safety vests.
đź“Ł New Episode!
We interviewed one of the collective members behind the Black Oak Anarchist Social Space, which launched in Hamilton in Spring 2025.
https://fromembers.libsyn.com/black-oak-anarchist-social-space
At the 1988 anarchist "Survival Gathering" in Toronto, a planned Day of Action took place the day after the US shot down an Iranian passenger jet, killing hundreds of people. Anarchists exploded in rage and took out their anger on a number of corporate and state targets.
As they marched, black-clad anarchists chanted “eat the rich, feed the poor” and “we don’t want your fucking war! We don’t want your fucking state! This time we retaliate”!
It's that time of year when the wild turkeys wake me up at the exact same time as my phone alarm
We're ready for Microsoft Recall and the automatic screenshots it takes of everything on your desktop.
Signal Desktop on Windows now includes support for a new "Screen security" feature designed to block screenshots of your Signal chats.
We are thrilled to announce the Black Oak Anarchist Social Space! This space is meant to give us a place to gather, support the organizing and political development of anarchists in Hamilton, and be an entry point for those interested in anarchist ideas.
To stay in the loop about upcoming events, add us as a contact on Signal! Send us a message at @blackoak.492 on Signal (any message - "hello" will do!). You will then be able to see our Signal stories, where we will share event announcements and reminders. We'll also maintain a list of upcoming events on the website below.
We welcome event proposals: workshops, film screenings, reading groups, and discussions are just a few ideas. We are also happy to offer meeting space for anarchist and politically aligned groups. To inquire, get in touch over Signal (@blackoak.492) or by email (blackoak@riseup.net)
For more information about the intentions and accessibility of the space, please visit blackoak.noblogs.org.
Stay tuned for information about upcoming open hours and a launch event!
One last trip to town before the icepocalypse hits tonight
Signal Updates Terms of Service to Forbid Users From Using Platform to Plan Deadly Airstrikes Using the World’s Biggest Military https://thehardtimes.net/culture/signal-updates-terms-of-service-to-forbid-users-from-using-platform-to-plan-deadly-airstrikes-using-the-worlds-biggest-military/
For a sober overview of how #Trusk are removing all the barriers so that they can rule like autocrats listen to this episode of "The Breakup Theory"
https://breakup.libsyn.com/episode-20-what-happens-after-the-end-of-the-constitutional-republic
"Carney and premiers have agreed to develop national energy, trade corridor, PM says"
https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/premiers-mark-carney-meeting
I know these promises are being made in the context of a national election, but there's a good chance whoever wins will attempt to revive extractive megaprojects like Energy East and the Ring of Fire using the trade war as an excuse
I've seen more than 50 deer in a 10 minute drive this morning. They're gobbling up the plants that have emerged from the melting snow.
@CedarTea local gas station! It's still 1991 in there
@riotmuffin yeah of course that one's from Kingston 🤮
The Canadian business class is losing their shit right now
Shout out to the rural old guys who still wave at every single vehicle they pass on busy secondary highways
@springephemeral I never thought about the tempered windows but that makes perfect sense!