like this is the most irresponsible level of hysteria i’ve ever seen. most of these people are either paid by the republican party, or are high level advisors and allies. this is insane

all far right posters be like “civil war postponed, will reconvene if a new possible reichstag moment presents itself”

The 16-year-old boy accused of shooting two classmates at Evergreen High School embraced conspiratorial, antisemitic and white supremacist social media content

Great thread by Chad

In these scenarios, the predator counts on their willingness to use tactics higher up on the "escalation ladder" than what the victim is willing to use.

By the time the victim makes the required mental shift, it's too late. The predator has already maneuvered them into a disadvantaged position. 6/

I think the fascists who are now carrying out a coup in the US have spent the last 8 years conducting a Criminal Interview of the Democratic party.

They've concluded, correctly, that the Democrats are incapable of making the mental shift required to do what's necessary to defend themselves. 5/

The key to the Criminal Interview is that the would-be predator operates unconstrained by norms — all options are on the table for them.

The predator is testing how far they can push their potential victim before getting pushback.

The predator is trying to figure out "Can I get away with this?" 4/

Most people will be uncomfortable with a stranger approaching them on a dark street to ask the time. Our instincts tell us we're in danger.

But many people will freeze or go along, not wanting to violate the norms of polite behavior.

A predator will note this lack of pushback and then escalate. 3/

Marc MacYoung in his book "No-Nonsense Self Defense" talks about the Criminal Interview — a process by which a would-be attacker decides if you're safe to attack.

They start by crossing a small boundary, like approaching you on the street and then standing too close. They observe how you react. 2/

In my self-defense classes I focus on how most people are socially conditioned to follow the norms of a civilized, polite society — and there is a MENTAL SHIFT required to use violence to defend from violence.

I'm reminded of this while watching our elected officials dithering and delaying. 1/

Decided to finally update my following list and start using this more. Have a feeling the days are numbered for my account in the other app

Feed will be filled with Steelers reaction tomorrow followed by depressing politics forever.