Charlie StrossNov 8, 2024

I'd just like to remind Americans that France is currently on its Fifth Republic since 1789 (with three Empires—with monarchs—interleaved until 1870).

The USA appears to be in the dying days of its Second Republic (time out in 1860-65) but something better will emerge eventually, if we avoid planetary ecosystem collapse in the meantime.

This, too, shall pass.

Show threadDavid WheelerNov 8, 2024
@cstross true, but in the meantime, there will be so much unnecessary suffering
Show threadPteryx the Puzzle SecretaryNov 8, 2024

@theory @cstross Every friend I have is at risk of being killed or kidnapped.

Every. Single. One.

Show threadMx Verda

@pteryx @theory @cstross

Can they learn martial arts? They shouldn’t need to regardless, but do they have their passports? Official documentation not just for travelling, but also jobs, housing, benefits etc.

Again: shouldn’t need this shit, but give them every advantage and extra time for decisions later.

Nov 8, 2024 at 7:11pmWeb
Show threadSteve PopovichNov 8, 2024
@MxVerda @pteryx @theory @cstross that might help in some situations, but martial arts against large numbers of armed police/soldiers seems like a non-starter; martial artists can do a lot, but they can't actually deflect, or even dodge, bullets.