Pragmatic Leftist Theory

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The neolibs are too far right. The tankies are doing whatever that is. Where's the space for the people who want fully-automated-luxury-gay-space-communism, but realize that it's gonna take a while and there are lots of steps between now and then? Here. This is that space.

Here, people should endeavor to discuss and devise practical, actionable leftist action. Vote lesser evil while you build grassroots coalitions. Unionize your workplace. Participate in SRAs. Build cohesion your local community. Educate the proletariat.

This is a place for practical people to develop practical plans to implement stable, incremental improvement.

If you're dead-set on drumming up all 18,453 True Leftists® into spontaneous Revolution, go somewhere else. The grown ups are talking.

Rules:

-1. Don't be a dick. Racism, sexism, other assorted bigotries, you know the drill. At least try to default to mutually respectful discussion. We're all on the same side here, unless you aren't, in which case kindly leave.

-2. Don't be a tankie. Yes I'm sure you have an extensive knowledge of century-old theory. There's been a century of history since then. Things didn't shake out as expected, maybe consider the possibility that a different angle of attack might be more effective in light of new data.

-3. Be practical. No one on the left benefits from counterproductive actions. This is a space informed by, not enslaved to, ideology. Promoting actions that are fundamentally untenable in the system in question, because they fulfill a sense of ideological purity, is a bad look. Don't do that.

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agamemnonymous@sh.itjust.works

Buying a Gun - Just Do It (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by agamemnonymous@sh.itjust.works to c/PLT@sh.itjust.works

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I'm no lover of firearms. In normal times, I think firearm proliferation makes for a nervous and violent populace. These ain't normal times though.

I'm a pasty white man, I can, and do, blend in with crowds dominated by Trump supporters. I have basically no social media presence (tied to my actual identity) to betray my political inclinations. I don't really have to worry about being scooped up by ICE, I'm more likely to be recruited if anything.

But that's not the case for my wife or neighbors. This administration can claim credit for inspiring my enthusiasm for the Second Amendment.

And I think that's not an uncommon position for leftists. We are, largely, in the awkward position of feeling conflicted between our distaste for mindless gun violence, and the very real threat of a fascist administration. This leads to some apprehension towards the whole firearm acquisition process.

Just do it. I went into a gun shop today for the first time ever to buy an AR-15 because it's a popular and reliable platform, and I had my reservations. But it was quick and easy. I did my research and knew what I wanted to buy, and I was in and out in 20 minutes. Still gotta wait 5 days to actually pick it up, but it was a surprisingly simple process.

If you're on the fence, just do it. Do it now, get some range time in, learn to use and service your weapon. Be ready when shit really hits the fan. Don't wait to prepare until it's too late, who knows what kind of obstacles may be erected in the near future.

Personally I went with a Ruger 556 because it's highly regarded at a ~$600 price point. If you have a bit more budgetary restriction, Palmetto State Armory has options under $500 that are still pretty well reviewed.

But if you're intimidated by the prospect, don't be. It's really very straightforward, at the end of the day a gun shop is a business and they want to make a sale. Especially if you're a minority, get a firearm and learn to use it.

I could see the process being a bit more complicated if you're trans, personally if your ID reflects your birth sex I'd bite the bullet (no pun intended) and crawl back into the egg on your application for simplicity. No need to complicate your personal safety, though !trans_guns@lemmy.blahaj.zone can probably offer more targeted service.

Just do it. It's surprisingly simple and you didn't want to be caught unprepared when it's too late.

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[–] HalfSalesman@lemmy.world 12 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I would, but I have to worry a bit about my suicidal ideation. And another person I live with's potential mental instability.

I mean realistically I'm too afraid of dying to ever pull the trigger on myself... but man IDK... seems like a bet I'd rather not risk until I'm a bit happier about my current life circumstance.

[–] agamemnonymous@sh.itjust.works 7 points 3 months ago

Probably not a bad idea. Still, you can generally rent guns from ranges to at least get some practice while your circumstances improve.