I have quoted Timothy Snyder and his book "On Tyranny" for years. "Do not obey in advance" was Snyder's first directive... yaledailynews.com/blog/2025/03... - ThreadSky

piperformissouri.bsky.social • 74 days ago

I have quoted Timothy Snyder and his book "On Tyranny" for years.

"Do not obey in advance" was Snyder's first directive...

https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2025/03/27/three-prominent-yale-professors-depart-for-canadian-university-citing-trump-fears/

Comments

davidwbrown.bsky.social•74 days ago

My wife is reading it now

treacherous-bitch.bsky.social•74 days ago

Kind of a low move

jillian-kate714.bsky.social•73 days ago

Let the brain drain begin.

bluepleiades919.bsky.social•73 days ago

‪
Guess we stupid, poor people will stand our ground, then. It was always going to be a 'boots on the ground' fight anyway.

Cool that the *elites* can advise from afar tho, I'll be waiting with baited breath for my directive through signal chat.

Class war, as they've always been.

anitaw1610.bsky.social•73 days ago

That's exactly what I have been thinking since I read this news. Those of us who lack the money and contacts will be stuck with this. Same as it ever was.

b-kellyjr.bsky.social•74 days ago

*rump “fears”?? More like disgust.

grandmaontheisland.bsky.social•73 days ago

Canadians welcome them with open arms. They will educate our children.

mchgngrl.bsky.social•74 days ago

Imagine the threats to his life and his family. He will continue to speak out.

pasandy.bsky.social•74 days ago

There aren’t a whole lot of teaching positions at that level. This is grab one while you can.

deroses.bsky.social•73 days ago

Yeah. I heard he's bookin' ass.
I am disappointed.

grrrin.bsky.social•74 days ago

Elect Josh Weil on April 1st!!!

sarahgrc.bsky.social•74 days ago

Yep it’s really disappointing.

harleytheequinn.bsky.social•74 days ago

Obeying in advance us exactly what two prominent law firms — Paul Weiss and Skadden Arps — have done. Seems to me they’ve ruined their ability to stay in business, but what do I know.

jac028.bsky.social•74 days ago

Directive millions have ignored.

savvycammom.bsky.social•74 days ago

They are looking out for themselves, and I can't blame them. How many people would give up their cushy lives to fight tyranny? Not many.

goldenearthgirl.bsky.social•74 days ago

Then don’t write a book about it? 🤷🏻‍♀️

savvycammom.bsky.social•73 days ago

I didn't.

lokinator65.bsky.social•74 days ago

This is the start of a huge brain drain that will make this country all the dumber than it already is.

whilewestillcanpod.bsky.social•74 days ago

Same sis. Wish people read books lol

wildcherry70.bsky.social•74 days ago

Good for them. If I were in education and could do it, I'd follow suit

littlerednj.bsky.social•73 days ago

Well I can see the other side, he tried to warn us, and for whatever reason not enough of us listened. I don't think he owes us anything

drenglish.bsky.social•74 days ago

I have read that book many times. The Road to Unfreedom is also very good. It’s dense but his understanding of America, Russia, and Ukraine is unparalleled.

bubbles9333.bsky.social•74 days ago

I think Canadians will treasure their knowledge.

hdebusk1066.bsky.social•74 days ago

Very sad news but I think he probably did the right thing. He has done one of the things Inmate #P01135809 hates the most; educate people on authoritarian.

halfbackjack.bsky.social•74 days ago

We're glad to have them join one of our top schools.

eric81521.bsky.social•74 days ago

Everyone, this is absolutely required reading.

keebl3r.bsky.social•74 days ago

"On Tyranny" should be the next book everyone reads.

It is extremely pertinent to our current situation.

miztberri.bsky.social•74 days ago

I felt the same about his departure! The whole book discusses putting yourself forward in defense of Democracy.

bengalzae.bsky.social•74 days ago

Didn’t they kind of just ‘obey in advance’ by leaving the country?

aposthumousmemoir.bsky.social•74 days ago

Maybe "do not obey in advance" is merely meant to be a rallying cry for the poors and other cannon fodder who obviously don't have anything important to lose.

caruddy.bsky.social•70 days ago

Then why is he leaving for Canada.

grammyk14.bsky.social•74 days ago

This makes me sad, I think Bluesky needs a sad emoji as well and the heart. I'm glad they have the ability to do it, I would do it too if I could. It also scares the crap out of me because they see what is coming.

hillyyard.bsky.social•74 days ago

😱😱😱

drannlopez.bsky.social•73 days ago

Welcome to Canada

5miriam9.bsky.social•74 days ago

When the country's top academics who study facism and authoritarianism start leaving the country, you know you're screwed.

karinbc.bsky.social•74 days ago

My thoughts exactly.

mannedaniels.bsky.social•74 days ago

Their fortunate enough to be able to move. Most people can't.

mannedaniels.bsky.social•74 days ago

*They're

uckta.bsky.social•72 days ago

Most people voted for this.

mannedaniels.bsky.social•72 days ago

Most people did not vote for this. DJT got a plurality of the vote, not a majority. More voters voted for Harris plus a 3rd party than voted for DJT. Also, 36% of eligible voters did not vote. That being said, anyone who did not actively vote for Harris deserves blame for the current situation.

gordos52.bsky.social•73 days ago

Just what I was thinking.

meltedplasticman.bsky.social•74 days ago

Don’t let your fear create reality. Straighten out your spine, start thinking about the the fight you’re in, whether you like it or not.

kushnerpandemic.bsky.social•74 days ago

He must be very disappointed.

jestastrophy.bsky.social•74 days ago

I tried to defend him leaving at first, but that was before I heard he said it was out of fear.

trixiebeldame.bsky.social•74 days ago

That's not what the article says. Pls don't spread inaccurate info. Thanks.

groeblbubble.bsky.social•74 days ago

And now he fled. I think that's a sign of how bad he thinks it's going to get.

joceh.bsky.social•74 days ago

That was my takeaway-also that HIS life might be in danger as a dissident

voyageinfini.bsky.social•73 days ago

We're all dissidents.

sanelunatic.bsky.social•74 days ago

That was my exact same reaction as well. Bailing for Canada seems to contradict his own advice to others.
That said - I researched it, and there may be personal issues involved.
But it still looks pretty...well, less than brave.

piperformissouri.bsky.social•74 days ago

That's my thing too...none of us are safe doing this work, but he has preached for years to not do the thing before we are forced to do the thing.

sanelunatic.bsky.social•74 days ago

Exactly!! I'm shocked at how many people just can't get the fact that you either stand your ground the first time Trump attacks - in which case he usually backs down - or you appease and so die by a thousand slow cuts. Surrender is never enough for him. He bleeds to death those who won't fight.

sheridanstewart.bsky.social•74 days ago

They aren't sending the people they disappear to work at universities, though. It's not quite comparing apples to apples.

simplymagnificent.bsky.social•74 days ago

I can’t leave so I’m just going to stay and fight. But I can’t say it’s a choice.

sanelunatic.bsky.social•74 days ago

A friend of mine said something very wise: nowhere is safe anymore.
This is a coordinated effort by oligarchs to change the global order, starting with attacking the US from within in the 70s (see "Dark Money").
Every nation will be attacked in turn.
All will fall unless we fight back and win.

goldenearthgirl.bsky.social•74 days ago

Exactly! It will find you. If the US falls, the rest of the world is gonna feel it. And an ex pat might find themselves despised…

sanelunatic.bsky.social•73 days ago

True that. I saw a post from a Canadian blaming all of us for Trump, even those who are fighting, for not stopping him. They don't realize Charles Koch and Rupert Murdoch spent billions and have worked hard for 50 years to turn us into zombies. We all get blamed for the half who succumbed.

alouzon.bsky.social•74 days ago

The IDU helps right-wing politicians help each other advance their ultra-conservative agendas.
https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2024/04/05/Democracy-Under-Siege-Globally/

sanelunatic.bsky.social•73 days ago

Thanks for sharing that! I've been meaning to read this book, which I think is similar...

trixiebeldame.bsky.social•74 days ago

I still feel depressed by his departure, & like you I wonder why he left despite advising everyone, again & again, not to obey in advance.

I'm guessing that his being a father was a big factor (I think he & Shore hv 2 teens); Stanley said it was a big factor for him.

peggesis1.bsky.social•73 days ago

He's not obeying. He's leaving. He's continuing his work where he can speak freely and do his job. I don't understand why people think he's obeying tyranny by moving his family to a safer place. And kudos to those who stay & do their own safety planning here.

kaslina.bsky.social•73 days ago

His book - Bloodlands -was a great book on Ukraine.

silencenotanoption.bsky.social•74 days ago

It is disappointing, but when you read the article it appears that the political environment wasn't the primary motivating factor, although I'm guessing it was part of the decision. I'm willing to take him at his word.

trixiebeldame.bsky.social•74 days ago

As am I.

I think that many of his admirers would be less disappointed if they were to read this excerpt. Thanks for sharing it.

jamiedmc.bsky.social•74 days ago

Fleeing is not obeying…… but kinda seems like an abandonment…. Even IF he can be of better service where safe. Tough call. Hard to know what I would do and/or how to feel.

genthesen.bsky.social•74 days ago

He said he and his wife made a personal decision and it didn't have to do with trump.

melodykayyoung.bsky.social•73 days ago

Speaks to how far we have gone. Obeying in advance would have been to stop speaking out. We are all having to weigh our vulnerabilities, and there is no shame in caution. History would suggest staying in certain situations is unwise. I don’t give much thought to those who judge me for leaving Texas.

js-h117.bsky.social•74 days ago

They can fight fascism better from the safety of Canada without worrying about getting snatched off the street & disappeared. I know at least one of them is the parent of small children. Glad they will be somewhere safe to raise their families.

piperformissouri.bsky.social•74 days ago

I think all of us could fight fascism from Canada but most of us don't have the resources and speaking of resources, we have followed his rule about not obeying in advance.

js-h117.bsky.social•74 days ago

No, most don't have the resources, but do these academics owe us their lives? Or the lives of their families?

bluedotinaredspace.bsky.social•74 days ago

But he did write something about being prepared to die… Like that’s a risk ppl should be prepared to take, and then he leaves. Understandable but still disheartening.

davidicouldbewrong.bsky.social•74 days ago

They can teach anywhere where they have the freedom to teach. The United States is no longer that place https://cbwrong.blogspot.com/?m=1

jayelseee.bsky.social•74 days ago

I was dishearted to hear this news, as well. The only thing I can figure is that they feared prosecution for their work and activism, and felt they could accomplish more for the US while working under the protection of Canada. Either way, it’s a terrible loss.

piperformissouri.bsky.social•74 days ago

I fear for all activists...all the lawyers who have tried to prosecute him to the politicians who stood up to him to the regular folks like me doing the work. All the people still here. Snyder gave us the direction and now he's in Canada?

jayelseee.bsky.social•74 days ago

I know. It feels like a betrayal on many levels, I suppose because it is. Thank YOU for the work you are doing, by the way. I follow your work as closely AOC and Jasmine Crockett’s.

irishrock.bsky.social•73 days ago

But he is still guiding us with posts on here. I thought the same thing about the first item in his book. I guess the felon has come after him before.

margaret-susan.bsky.social•72 days ago

I would change “under the protection of” to under the freedom of Canada. Yale didn’t speak up in his defense after JD Vance attacked him in January. I suspect Yale may be capitulating to outside pressures resulting in changes or restrictions placed on Snyder and/or his wife.

russofcanada.bsky.social•74 days ago

As a Canadian I am happy to have Snyder safe in our country. He can do his rallying and good work from here. His "Do not Obey" forms the basis of a resistance guide I recently wrote for Canadians in case of US invasion.

PDF - Resistance Guide for Canadians

https://drive.google.com/file/d/179uUW-N2l1ary_qfHM57MEYiQJPnGziL/view?usp=drive_link

missmaudiemaude.bsky.social•74 days ago

When the academics leave, you know things are only STARTING to get bad.

mistercharlie.bsky.social•74 days ago

The stupefying of America continues, but now at a more rapid pace.

nezlamna2.bsky.social•74 days ago

але ви підкорилися трампу,маску,венсу,рубіо.

sanneru.bsky.social•73 days ago

Jason Stanley: He is leaving, because the non-actions of the universities is shameful, Like the White House Correspondents. He said, as a son of a jewish mother surviving the Holocaust: This is fascism, we are all in danger, not only the jews. it is the beginning

https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/faschismus-forscher-stanley-ueber-trump-und-seinen-abschied-von-yale-es-ist-erst-der-anfang-a-29a1ab6a-7b22-4c15-9b2e-fb00b3001693

sanneru.bsky.social•73 days ago

In the German Der SPIEGEL he said, that he fears there will be civil war and wants to protect his Kids. And it was long planned that he will move.

aliceleste.bsky.social•73 days ago

I keep thinking this can be stopped, but nothing moves in that direction. What is it going to take to turn us back in the right direction?

thenightcabbie.bsky.social•73 days ago

I don’t blame people who will absolutely be jailed and/or killed, and soon, for going where they can continue to be loud voices of resistance. There’s a time to stay and fight and a time for strategic retreats.

Just look at Navalny in Russia. He went back. He’s dead. Can’t help anyone now.

oleskool.bsky.social•74 days ago

That is so sad, losing good, talented, smart, and intelligent people because of Trump's tyranny. It's obvious they are afraid.

1618dgr.bsky.social•73 days ago

That’s the comment written on all my report cards as a kid. No problem.

searchingfor.bsky.social•74 days ago

As bad as everything else has been, this has been the cruelest blow.
They gave us the early warning.
When they start to leave, it’s a sign we are in SERIOUS trouble. 🚨

cherylej0806.bsky.social•74 days ago

Thank you for sharing. But it is scary when Timothy Snyder leaves the country.

cleareye2795.bsky.social•74 days ago

Canadian here.

I am vigourously not in support of privileged running north. I get that it’s scary. I don’t want to be in your shoes. But the fact is it’s YOUR COUNTRY & you need to stay home & fight, to fix what you collectively broke.

But now they run north for the safety we offer.

STAY HOME.

iamantigone.bsky.social•74 days ago

He received just under half of the votes CAST not half of the population. Fortunately there are more of us who didn't vote for him than did. I think it's hard to say what you'd do until you're in fear for the safety of your family. I'd expect that response from MAGA, lacking empathy.

cleareye2795.bsky.social•73 days ago

Thank you for this. I hear you; I do not envy or revel in your fear.

Recent polls have revealed that nearly half of Americans still support tRump & (thankfully) the # is decreasing.

While it’s impossible to understand/accept that 30+m voted for him, The World fears for themselves. Know that we… /1

cleareye2795.bsky.social•73 days ago

…are behind you but this is a fight that Americans must take on themselves. The country wasn’t invaded; it did this to itself &must fix whatever’s broken w/o global chaos again (ie. 2008). Our concern & anger is justified but we very much want to inspire 30+m Americans to get out there & do the work

shayveno.bsky.social•74 days ago

MAGA will say “good riddance”- and pop their earbuds back in, hoping to drown out the sound of the brain-suck.

thegreygoose.bsky.social•74 days ago

Brain drain… happening in America. So sad, and I absolutely understand why they did it.

el-intrepido.bsky.social•73 days ago

When the #WHITES start to #FLEE, it is way too #LATE!!

All #scientists of #Color must leave NOW!!

shellyfauble-64.bsky.social•74 days ago

So sad our higher institutions of education are caving!!

meltedplasticman.bsky.social•74 days ago

they would be teaching the children of those that benefit from project 2025 or fascist America. You decide.

meltedplasticman.bsky.social•74 days ago

I forgot to say yes, they are chickens overall.

trixiebeldame.bsky.social•74 days ago

Not true, not fair of you to assert that, and not helpful for you to share an opinion divorced from the facts. Read the article.

meltedplasticman.bsky.social•74 days ago

I still assert if you teach at Yale, Harvard, or any other Ivy League college, you are teaching the elite or if you like the 1%. These schools do not teach for the common folk. They never did.

vanja-s.bsky.social•74 days ago

They see what’s coming.

curiouspongo.bsky.social•74 days ago

I do not walk in their shoes, but - I am disappointed. Navalny did not leave.

beckalecka.bsky.social•74 days ago

Apparently his second directive was run away and leave others to fight.

trixiebeldame.bsky.social•74 days ago

Respectfully: I think that's a little unfair. As a longtime critic of this admin and of Putin, and a longtime supporter of Ukraine, Snyder is at far higher risk of retribution than are most of us. Pls try to cut him + his family some slack. Thanks.

beckalecka.bsky.social•73 days ago

I can't even keep up with all the people right now. But I will continue to say what I feel in regards to people fleeing. It must be nice for those who have the option. The rest of us are just stuck here to suffer.

anitaw1610.bsky.social•73 days ago

Yep.

christiandeist.bsky.social•74 days ago

And yet the big players did.

kauaihorses.bsky.social•73 days ago

https://bsky.app/profile/kauaihorses.bsky.social/post/3llm3xser2c2r

richarddonquixote.bsky.social•73 days ago

People ARE disappearing while we freeze like deer caught in the headlights. Fascism is here now They would not leave if they were not targets of this regime. Epstein didn't kill himself and now the threat of being sent to an El Salvadoran concentration camp is a very real concern for intellectuals.

freddiefan2.bsky.social•73 days ago

Things are escalating faster than anticipated and we are headed for some dark times.
Expect to see an exodus of those who have the means or an invitation based on their occupation.
I fear we will be silenced on social media soon. We will be alone and isolated and suspicious of our neighbors.

rebeccastory.bsky.social•73 days ago

Toronto has been courting his wife for some time and she’s been living there since September, I believe, so before the election. And I absolutely do not fault Him for leaving. Do we look back at Nazi Germany and find those who got out lacking? No — we call them lucky.

melodykayyoung.bsky.social•73 days ago

I don’t think anywhere is safe until this chapter passes, and I also believe in staying alive to continue the fight. I learned this from the same history Snyder studied. It is part of why I left Texas. We have to be as courageous as we can where we can, and we are of no use silenced.

grumpygeek4sure.bsky.social•74 days ago

Trump’s War on Science Is Fueling a Brain Drain in Real Time - March 24, 2025

https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/trumps-war-on-science-is-fueling-a-brain-drain-in-real-time/

grumpygeek4sure.bsky.social•74 days ago

The great US brain-drain: how Trump’s contempt for research is driving scientists abroad - Mar 15, 2025

https://medium.com/enrique-dans/the-great-us-brain-drain-how-trumps-contempt-for-research-is-driving-scientists-abroad-c570586ba8ae

Has Trump triggered US brain drain, the biggest since World War II? - Mar 25, 2025

https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/is-donald-trump-forcing-an-exodus-of-researchers-biggest-since-world-war-ii-trump-green-card-us-visa-2698186-2025-03-25

noniebynature.bsky.social•74 days ago

While I agree this seems he is running, I have to respect the decision to put oneself in a safe place. Many Jews ignored how serious the nazis were and then lost their chance to leave.

maudesaveamerica.bsky.social•73 days ago

You know it's bad when...

purpleprince89.bsky.social•73 days ago

I hope someday, when this is over, our best and brightest will consider returning.

princessofely.bsky.social•74 days ago

That’s right.

spateroni.bsky.social•74 days ago

They are experts in autocratic takeover. And they can do a helluva lot more to save American democracy if they are not in jail. I don't think it was weak or obeying in advance, they are responding to reality & know they are right-wing targets.

pheasant.bsky.social•74 days ago

Leaving the country so that you can continue what you were doing is the opposite of offering in advance.

maggienellie.bsky.social•74 days ago

Welcome to Canada! 🇨🇦

treetopreader.bsky.social•74 days ago

Fantastic book!

filmalicia.bsky.social•74 days ago

America’s loss is Canada’s gain.

Just like the many German artists, directors and actors who fled Germany and Europe when the Nazis came to power and immeasurably enriched the American film industry and other artistic media.

nettienoel.bsky.social•73 days ago

All white. Mostly men. Huh.

boonemurph.bsky.social•74 days ago

Not good. But maybe they are safer and better appreciated there for now.

lcdrhomer.bsky.social•74 days ago

This might be the most concerning news of the week. Professor Snyder is the smartest person in the room and the canary in the coal mine. We need to be afraid, very afraid.

doxiemom07.bsky.social•74 days ago

What about the folks that clean the toilets & mow the grass at Yale?

What are *they* supposed to do?

They probably can't run to Canada. Most of us can't.

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