it's so funny that all my friends who are schoolteachers and NGO workers and shit now have plates and gas masks and a lot of the same kit too because that's the price of living in a city with these fucks - ThreadSky | a Reddit-style client for Bluesky

iwriteok.bsky.social • 5 days ago

it's so funny that all my friends who are schoolteachers and NGO workers and shit now have plates and gas masks and a lot of the same kit too because that's the price of living in a city with these fucks

Reposted from merritt

running around in neck gaiters and ballistic plates and carrying guns trying to scare people doesn't make you cool or badass, it makes you a LARPer. a figure of ridicule. to all ICE agents: everyone is laughing at you

Comments

irredeemablebunny.bsky.social•5 days ago

What is LARP? LA Ridiculous Police? Sounds legit.

spider95818.bsky.social•5 days ago

Live Action Role Player

somertonem.bsky.social•5 days ago

To add a bit to the definition, LARPers are people who dress up like some of their favorite fictional characters. People who dress up and pretend they're characters from say, Lord of the Rings.

irredeemablebunny.bsky.social•5 days ago

Folks, it was a joke 😅

spider95818.bsky.social•4 days ago

Sorry, it's a question I have to answer for real every so often.

robll.bsky.social•5 days ago

I think with all of the rubber bullets being aimed at heads a face shield or goggles to a ballistic standard such as en166B or Mil DTL (MIL-PRF-32432A) would be a good idea. Avoid safety glasses or goggles with ANSI Z87. 1 ; They may do more harm.

robll.bsky.social•5 days ago

There loads of surplus riot helmets available on eBay with clear face shields, so no LEO can say your face is covered.

legitimate.guru•5 days ago

I’ve never heard of Z87.1 possibly doing harm. Google isn’t giving me anything. Could you explain why?

I’ve always worn those while doing wood working and have had multi pound chunks of wood bounce off a face shield without issue after breaking free from a lathe.

robll.bsky.social•5 days ago

Face shield is different standard to just safety glasses 👍 and is probably sufficient but you need to be check the rating that's my point.

legitimate.guru•5 days ago

Yeah, 100% always get appropriately certified things. I’m a crazy person for my woodworking safety though and wear safety glasses (prescription) + face shield when I’m using my lathe.

Trying to get the best gear I can afford for protesting, just in case. Cost/benefit analysis is a pain.

robll.bsky.social•5 days ago

Yeah they're about seven times less strong than the ballistic standard.

robll.bsky.social•5 days ago

A face shield is stronger than just basic glasses though.

Here's the European standards. So it's a similar thing.
https://www.safetygoggles.co.uk/blog/en-166-explained.html

robll.bsky.social•5 days ago

So en166F is wood working standard safety glasses and en166 B is goggles and face shields suitable from wood lathes, grinders, and table saws etc.

robll.bsky.social•5 days ago

And then grade a is the top grade.

stolenfires.bsky.social•5 days ago

As someone who has ran around public campgrounds with foam swords and fake leather armor *and* played rock-paper-scissors in Dennys at 2 am while wearing heavy eye makeup... these guys aren't LARPers. We don't claim them and we don't want them. They're just dork-ass losers.

privatepixie.bsky.social•5 days ago

This!
These people are not LARPers, they are assholes/wankers.
And we LARPers would really be happy if people would stop using our hobby as an insult to such jerks.

v-zimmer.bsky.social•5 days ago

Yep. Most LARPers I know are pretty cool. These guys just want to be Rambo.

stolenfires.bsky.social•5 days ago

Yeah, for the record, it's the ICE wannabes who are the dork-ass losers. Teachers and NGOs who actually need this stuff and actively hope they never have to use it are fine.

omisspearl.bsky.social•5 days ago

This. LARPers get caught on the roof wearing kitty ears at worst.

uhohohno.bsky.social•2 days ago

Getting caught is definitely not the worst thing I have done on a roof wearing kitty ears.

dazedandcamus.bsky.social•5 days ago

We just call 'em loot drops.

kaitensatsuma.bsky.social•5 days ago

Turns out that several layers of cardboard glued together with some wire mesh? Pretty decent nonlethal round stop.

the-johnny-box.bsky.social•5 days ago

It seems like it'd be pretty easy to steal their fit too? Like idk how THEY know who is on their side beyond the look.

pixiewoman.bsky.social•5 days ago

your friends are badasses. those other guys are dickheads.

belovedcandy.bsky.social•5 days ago

I used to love reading cyberpunk and looking forward to a future with all the cool™️ mods and stuff. Really sad we also got the part where average people are walking around with military hardware in cities.

billz3bub.bsky.social•5 days ago

No public servant aside from actual covert agents should be allowed to act anonymously against lawful citizens. ICE cowards are not masked for national security reasons. The masks are for their personal benefit. A mail carrier doesn't not get an exemption from canine rebuke.

tonynoone.bsky.social•5 days ago

That filth isn't serving the public.

uhohohno.bsky.social•2 days ago

Cheaper than plates and more important, GET A FUCKING IFAK AND LEARN STOP THE BLEED.

A good IFAK (individual first aid kit / shooting response medical kit) will cost around a hundred bucks.

The medical training is free.

https://www.stopthebleed.org/training/

lorewilson.bsky.social•5 days ago

i had both a soft shell vest and a hard plate vest until the psu encampment last year. then someone messaged me that there was a sniper on the roof at the arizona university encampment so i brought them with me and left them at the medic tent because i wanted the students to have them instead.

lorewilson.bsky.social•5 days ago

that was before we went in the library. same thing happened to my protective noise canceling headphones once we were inside too after lrad hypersonics around 1am the first night. i had them for that but then i left them on the table for the students. i wanted them to be safe and have what they need.

lorewilson.bsky.social•5 days ago

it makes no sense to me to lose people to the system when we are underprepared. people are not just bodies and i hate that they get referred to as such when folks have a hell of a lot more to offer. “we need more bodies”. fuck that. we need a lot more than that and a lot more than just vests.

iwriteok.bsky.social•5 days ago

I'd be shocked if there's a city not at war with a higher per capita rate of body armor ownership than Portland, Oregon

theladyred.bsky.social•5 days ago

I love that Portland was running tutorials on how to construct 'armor' during the George Floyd protests! 😂🤣🥰

mx-peacekeeper.bsky.social•5 days ago

I think I found that going through a local mending/sewing group's website.

theladyred.bsky.social•5 days ago

nice

theauntnanny.bsky.social•5 days ago

I'm still trying to rebuild that network after leaving the T. Word.

Weee!

theladyred.bsky.social•5 days ago

keep us informed?

theauntnanny.bsky.social•5 days ago

From auntie to auntie, I'll do what I can. Whenever you buy masks for yourself, think about your neighborhood and maybe try to get a pack for the small faces. I actually passed some out a few months ago when a fire started on a hill nearby, and smoke got into all our homes.

mx-peacekeeper.bsky.social•5 days ago

Mending/Armor Bloc?

theauntnanny.bsky.social•5 days ago

Preschool teacher here. That's all I have to say.

theauntnanny.bsky.social•5 days ago

If people like this, PLEASE buy children's masks if you can. I haven't yet stumbled upon the person/group I supported before on the old place, but if you have them on hand, it'd be appreciated by your neighbors!

hotcock420.bsky.social•4 days ago

this might be the most depressing comment I've ever read

theauntnanny.bsky.social•3 days ago

It's really fucking depressing, but here we are. Awful timeline.

vindroseworkshop.bsky.social•5 days ago

Shadowrun but Mr. Johnson (the principal) hires his runner team (preschool teachers) for an escort mission of VIPs (small children) to the offsite recreation zone (playground)

doohickeynotgun.bsky.social•5 days ago

Any recs on body armor? Asking for a...me

spamelot.bsky.social•5 days ago

Read up on what the protection levels are and what they mean for you and what you are concerned about and then make sure to the best pf your ability that its been tested by an NIJ certified lab.

Also, if plates, dont let em hang low, they are there to protect vitals, not stomach

seamuspetrie.bsky.social•5 days ago

PDX also has the highest per-capita ACLU memberships.

sevodreams.bsky.social•5 days ago

Which gas mask and plates to buy... So many options

phtevenphoto.bsky.social•5 days ago

For masks look into the Czech made models that companies like Mira mark up and re-sell (OM-2020 and similar). Plates you want to be certified by NIJ accredited testing labs.

asturie.bsky.social•5 days ago

Any you recommend that work with glasses?

phtevenphoto.bsky.social•5 days ago

That I am less informed on tbh. If you find a model you like you might be able to find others commenting on its glasses compatibility. I imagine a powered system (often abbreviated PAPR) might prevent fogging to some degree?

chipbeckett.bsky.social•5 days ago

We had a time didn’t we. No trauma here

allegedlyjoel.bsky.social•5 days ago

Which is especially funny because while "Portlandia" was an exaggeration, it wasn't THAT MUCH of an exaggeration. And THOSE PEOPLE have all the PPE.

I don't have plates, but I do have chem/gas masks stuffed in a closet for me and the wife!

abmgw.bsky.social•5 days ago

What about the Vatican?

viedaboss.bsky.social•5 days ago

Accurate

johnmisdemeanor.bsky.social•5 days ago

Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Third largest pop in the state, no ranches or river, chud-tac and brodozers everywhere.

eltongalore.bsky.social•5 days ago

I agree with you completely, but...What about the current US, makes you think you're not at war?

pb-and-joint.bsky.social•5 days ago

isn't oregon historically a refuge for white supremacy clubs? i heard portland was extra racist by design.

swingjunkie.bsky.social•5 days ago

Hey @iwriteok.bsky.social. With all the shit you see and deal with and read about in your activism and on your casts, can I ask... why are you still with us? What keeps you going? Why is the struggle of life worth it to you? You don't seem like a religious person and I never hear about an SO or kids

iwriteok.bsky.social•4 days ago

I got people in my life and i have spent most of it doing what I want. A lot of people depend on me which usually stops me from spiralling too much.

swingjunkie.bsky.social•4 days ago

So mostly duty over joy? Or is the duty just for when you're in the pits and need pulling out?

Sorry. I'm just in a low place and want someone to tell me something to help and I respect you from what little (admittedly parasocial) I "know"

e6n.lol•5 days ago

Well it's good that you're there if you're supposed to be the real world spider Jerusalem which I think you might be (positively)

iwriteok.bsky.social•5 days ago

oh god no i just run a podcast network now I'm very boring and hardly ever shoot anyone with a bowel disruptor

mossonrocks68.bsky.social•5 days ago

"What, never?"
"No, never!"
"What, neverrrrr??"
"Hardly everrrr!!"

- hms pinafore or s/t idk

e6n.lol•5 days ago

Yeah but that's what you'd say right now innit bruv

iwriteok.bsky.social•5 days ago

I spend all my time entertaining people to fund a journalistic enterprise that pays reporters. been a while since I've done much independent reporting of note. sad truth is I'm more Royce than anyone these days.

itspenguin.ca•5 days ago

Royce stood on business though, with both feet.

e6n.lol•5 days ago

I still love you very much. You have painted a part of my heart in beautiful colours that will last eternal

kittysmooch.bsky.social•5 days ago

average portland closet

Comment image

nomadswandering.bsky.social•5 days ago

It would be really great if people could stop reading cautionary tales as road maps.

mx-peacekeeper.bsky.social•5 days ago

Wait, was this supposed to be issued to me when I moved here? The city didn't notify me of this!

chuckennui.bsky.social•5 days ago

So... When are you going to do gear reviews for us?

pissinginthewind.bsky.social•5 days ago

Yeah! Should I go ceramic or steel on the plates?

gayopossumkvlt.bsky.social•5 days ago

CERAMIC

DONT BUY STEEL PLATES

DO NOT BE TRICKED BY THE CHEAP PRICE

captaindesi.bsky.social•5 days ago

Stupid question…but is that ceramic like uh, pottery or dishes?

I’m not in the plate game (yet) just curious.

gayopossumkvlt.bsky.social•5 days ago

Ceramics are a class of material that include a lot of very high hardness materials that are typically used in everything from personal plate armor to the composite armor in modern tanks

captaindesi.bsky.social•5 days ago

Wow! Ok thanks 😊

pissinginthewind.bsky.social•5 days ago

I’m poor tho

gayopossumkvlt.bsky.social•5 days ago

if you can’t save up a bit more to afford ceramic plates you probably shouldn’t be blowing money on steel plates either

pissinginthewind.bsky.social•5 days ago

What a hurtful (but accurate) thing to say

picatinnyrailed.bsky.social•5 days ago

I was gonna say this is just standard radical left attire. (Minus the gaters)

sovereignbeast.bsky.social•5 days ago

I mean, gaiters are fine I guess, but people should ideally be using n95 respirators of one kind or other

picatinnyrailed.bsky.social•5 days ago

Nah I hate gaters it's chud looking shit. N95 masks fuck tho 🖤

kaitensatsuma.bsky.social•5 days ago

As long as it isn't a Punisher Skull, a Thin Blue line or American Flag.

I like my grey and black neck gaiters: they're quite nice when jogging in the winter.

tonynoone.bsky.social•5 days ago

To be fair, gaters are really effective when hunting turkey. I mean, jus' sayin'....

gayopossumkvlt.bsky.social•5 days ago

I ain’t never took no gator with me when turkey hunting

captaindesi.bsky.social•5 days ago

For real. God. In April of 2020 I could NOT get my dumbass dad to wear a mask. But suddenly I came over & he was wearing a thin blue line gaiter. Didn’t remotely stay up (cheap Walmart BS) because of his big old man nose.
I got him one with ear holes to keep it upright & “Oh it hurts mah ears😖”

eye-tyeant.bsky.social•5 days ago

What're they recommending?

I may need to stock up before next school year

bluewitchcassandra.bsky.social•5 days ago

It really gives caesars legion. Buncha football gear legionaries.

weekendnrg.bsky.social•5 days ago

Side note, plates don't do you any good without a method of returning fire. Arm thy right hand, and train it.

trufflepigg.bsky.social•5 days ago

I don’t wanna send my beloved Fistina to battle

weekendnrg.bsky.social•5 days ago

What about yer beloved ar-tina.

thorngames.bsky.social•5 days ago

The bystanders are more likely to need it than them fuckers

dangrously.bsky.social•5 days ago

I am an Australian who worked in security.

I have NEVER even seen a plate carrier in real life.

gayopossumkvlt.bsky.social•5 days ago

country of origin issue

aciddotexe.bsky.social•5 days ago

More like, not actually necessary here for multiple reasons. Seems like the US has the issue here

gayopossumkvlt.bsky.social•5 days ago

ACAB included Australian police

aciddotexe.bsky.social•5 days ago

I didn't say it didn't, we're talking about the need for the armor itself. I hate cops and recognise that I could be at risk of being shot by them but we don't currently have our prime minister at war with individual states or citizens.

gayopossumkvlt.bsky.social•5 days ago

I never said anything about need. You don’t need to need something immediately to want it and to have it.

Most people who own plate carriers in the US don’t own them because of current events lol

aciddotexe.bsky.social•5 days ago

I've seen them with some weightlifters, in that you can get some that actually hold weight plates for workouts. I'd guess that it's due to our much more rigorous regulations that we don't see it. However, you would likely be able to legally obtain and wear some as part of your security licensing.

dangrously.bsky.social•5 days ago

Yeah but...

there's no need.

caravaggibro.bsky.social•5 days ago

So don't get one o_o

aciddotexe.bsky.social•5 days ago

Assuming this is a response to me, I 100% agree with you, I was just saying that theoretically you would be able to obtain some for work purposes if the job and your licensing calls for it

jdavidh1.bsky.social•5 days ago

My aunt and uncle died. My brother, who works in a state capital that has been invaded by armed chuds, and I, who work in schools had to figure out who was getting our uncle's helmet and plate carrier.

darthbinky.bsky.social•5 days ago

I don’t get it. If they want to be in the army… there’s a way they can just do that, and won’t be hated by almost everyone either.

spider95818.bsky.social•5 days ago

Because the military goes up against people that can shoot back, and these ICE losers are far too cowardly to risk that.

cynnerzero.bsky.social•5 days ago

yup, class IVs, gas mask, and a ballistic helmet just so I can exercise my right to protest. Fucking dope times we're living in.

smalltowncop.bsky.social•5 days ago

Wait, can teachers get military/LE discounts on plates? I haven’t received the new MIRA catalogue in my box yet - just stupid fucking lunch calendars.