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1/I remember the early 00s and Iraq 2: The Sequel when the FBI spied on craftspeople, librarians, Quakers, and any other group that couldn't be "dirtied up". It's easy to make ppl fear the Black Panthers, not so when it's 60 year olds knitting antigovernment slogans. The playbook hasn't changed.

Bylines Scotland@bylines.scot

“Rage knitting”

theguardian.com‘Rage knitting’ against the machine: the hobbyists putting anti-ICE messages into craftsMakers take a stand through ‘Melt the ICE’ red knit caps and sparkly nails – all while raising funds for those affected by immigration raids

Matt Pogue

@kyloson.com

30 Jan

2/Imho, this is one of the most effective forms of resistance: quietly powerful, hugely influential. Pat Buchanan (of all fscking ppl) coined a phrase when he was Nixon's speechwriter: "the silent majority". The 90% who aren't rabidly pro-government or anti-government, who don't post on socials.

Matt Pogue

@kyloson.com

3/They don't protest, but they also don't go to Trump rallies. They've always been there, back to the Revolutionary War. They're the underwater part of the iceberg. Nixon's point? He felt he had their support, and he probably did for a while. Ditto Trump, as is clear from his actions.

30/1/26, 11:48 am0 reposts0 likes

Matt Pogue

@kyloson.com

30 Jan

4/But here's the thing - once you lose them, they're GONE. It's like turning around an oil tanker. Their opinions are mist, impossible to grasp. And they absolutely decide our fate. If you want to reach someone? Reach them. Keep knitting and conscientious objecting. Keep talking without yelling.

Matt Pogue

@kyloson.com

30 Jan

5/These things make a difference. In "The Emperor Has No Clothes", they're the townspeople. We have to make them see it, but once they do, things will start to change. It is what it is. Wake up the sleeping giant and we might have a chance.