What they are trying to say when they say “Do not obey in advance.”

I think I have figured out what folks are trying to say when they say “do not obey in advance.” (DNOIA for the rest of this screed)

I know that they are well intentioned, but without explanation it can be read a couple ways. I have been misled by leftists that I am not aligned with so I am distrustful and need to work it out for myself.

But I am catching on, and I am understanding now.

To me (and I welcome input that we can come to agreement and be more powerful as a group) DNOIA means don’t read the mind of those trying to crush you. Make them tell you what they are asking of you.

Maintain your norms. Love your people. Say out loud what you think.

If you are in an institution, operate as you did in December. Operate as you always have. Do not react before they come and tap you on the shoulder. And then, tell them to say it all out loud, in public.

Make them work for it. Allow no chilling effect to reach the people you protect, the people you love. That is your job.

Make the Trump agenda labor for everything. Make them have to explain everything. Be their exhaustion. Realize the value that you hold, the power you have in being your own loving, thinking, community minded self.

There is another mindset, to keep one’s head down and last another day. I think these two can exist together. If you don’t plan to resist actively, you can still not obey in advance. You can still make them say it out loud.