Thread by @EdmontonAgainst

There is a rumour spreading in far-right circles that busloads of "antifa" were going to Red Deer today.

This isn't true, of course, and we saw these rumours play out in various small towns in the US. But they want a spectacle for some reason. (1/9)

The irony is that antifa is portrayed as the outsiders who are coming to the community, yet it is these far-right "patriots" who consistently travel far and wide to attend these rallies. (2/9)

Now, I'm not down with the "outside agitator" narrative. People travel to attend rallies and marches. It... literally isn't anything.

When members of the far-right who are consumed by conspiracy theories and looking for a spectacle do it, they often create the spectacle. (3/9)

We saw it in Edmonton in March of 2019. These people came from all over the country and province to hold a hate rally.

When Greta came to Edmonton, counter-protesters also came from all over the province.

On both occasions, they may have amassed 50 people. (4/9)

In both cases, the far-right was greatly outnumbered. And our numbers came from people who actually live here.

That takes work, though, and you have to talk to people and make connections with other groups. And sometimes the timing is just bad and it doesn't work out. (5/9)

Anyway, I'm just contemplating why it's always paid outside agitators who are a part of some shady conspiracy. I think there are two reasons.

First, that's just the trope. That's how these folks delegitimize criticism. (6/9)

Second, these people -- generally white, generally men -- can't believe that they live in a society where their actions would be questioned.

There was a time where they wouldn't be questioned, and I guess that was the world they were promised. (7/9)

And I suppose that's the world they want, but we can't go back to that.

Whatever happens in Red Deer, the far-right will claim a victory. It'll be a victory when buses of antifa doesn't show up. It'll be a victory when they assault someone. (8/9)

It'll be a victory when someone loses their cool and yells at them.

Whatever the outcome, please keep organizing and keep talking to your friends and neighbours in Red Deer. It's hard and difficult, b you'll be ok! (9/9)