I (21M) live in an Ohio household of hardcore Trumpers who, unfortunately, found out that I voted for Kamala Harris.
My father and brother are fascists. They believe in killing anyone who disagrees with Trumpism. My mother is not violent, but drank basically all the QAnon Kool-Aid and is batshit insane.
I am disabled. My cognitive ability suffers severely if I sit up or stand up for more than a few minutes. I also have another condition that requires me to avoid bending my neck, so I have to keep it straight. I also can’t safely lift anything that’s heavier than a few pounds, so anything more than that is very risky. I can push and pull fine.
I am also financially-dependent on my mother at the moment.
We moved to a new house recently, and the walls are very thin. That allowed me to overhear a private conversation between my father and brother.
My brother said that he hates Harris supporters so much that he wants a day of retribution where he goes on a violent rampage to kill everyone he knows who supports her, especially gay and transgender people. When my dad asked if that included me, he did not hesitate to say “Sure.”
My brother is in peak physical condition. He owns guns and has military training. I had long suspected that he is the biggest potential threat to my life, but gaslighted myself into thinking I was overreacting. Today, he confirmed it.
My brother isn’t the type to throw out threats of violence willy-nilly. He has also physically abused me in the past when we were younger and has major anger issues. I believe that I have to take this threat seriously, and that means that I need to evacuate ASAP. I think the most likely day for him to act is on election night or shortly after, which would give me just over a week. But then again, I can’t be sure. Maybe he is planning a surprise.
My mother is too unreasonable to take any of this seriously.
I have a few thousand dollars and Democratic relatives from the South who might potentially take me in, though I don’t know for sure if they will, since we’re not close emotionally. I also don’t know if my brother will go out of his way to target them once he notices my absence. He is going to an out-of-state Trump rally this week, so I know that he doesn’t have much trouble crossing state lines.
I don’t know where my birth certificate and social security card are, other than that my mother has them somewhere. My father is home the entire time and stays in one spot where he can see everything. Even if I knew where they were, there is no way for me to retrieve them without him noticing.
Fuck fascism. I was born to a family of vile abusive sociopaths. It was hell the whole time. I won’t miss any of them. Fuck them. They are a disappointment to the rest of my family line. I spent my entire life learning how to become a decent human being in spite of it all and now the fuckers want me dead. FUCK. THEM.
The thing that separates me from the rest of my family is empathy. I refused to hate the people they wanted me to hate. Instead, I listened to their stories and befriended them. I care about everyone, not just straight white Christians. I voted for Harris because I wanted the best for everyone, which means preventing the installation of an authoritarian regime. And for that, I must pay the ultimate price.
I may never get to experience love or deep friendship, but no matter how this all ends, I vow to spend the rest of my days pouring out as much love and joy as I can out to every last ally I meet.
Any advice would be helpful. I don’t want to wait, but I also can’t do this without some kind of plan. I have no idea what the fuck I’m doing, so any input is appreciated.
Thank you.
This reads as a shitpost, but I’ll advise on the chance it isn’t and you’re in a crazy deadly situation.
Make a show of applying for remote Jobs ASAP, do it tomorrow. Dress up nice for the “E-meetings”, and then hop in discord or something with a friend and have an “Interview” that goes well.
Then, explain to your family that you need to submit documents to HR to complete onboarding. Get ALL your personal documents in hand, and then ride off into the sunset away from them.
At the very least it’s a copy paste from a popular reddit post, and it indeed reads like a shitpost that combines every single trope…
Contact the police and FBI once you are safe. You may very well save lives.
Doubtful either will do anything but maybe make a report that might be ready if they are murdered. Cops will say there is nothing they can do because nobody is hurt. I’d bet a field agent would never call you back or show up.
Honestly I would report the threat to the FBI. He is planning terroristic murders across an entire population of the general public and across state lines.
These people became full blown cult now?
Always have been.
You were joking - obviously!
Even if there is no attempt to kill you, the physical abuse and attempts to force you into vulnerable and risky situations will, and you are already vulnerable. Maybe you can contact some form of social service or disability services and report the circumstances. Some guides suggest contacting the police, but it wouldn’t be my first option - maybe try to contact probono lawyers who could help you like this https://www.ohiojusticefoundation.org/tom-and-gerry-cincinnati-attorneys-contribute-hundreds-of-hours-of-pro-bono-service/ in case things get serious. Leave a trail that indicates that the threat has been made. You can also try to get in contact with organizations like Ohio Democrats, but do so quietly. I’d try to lay low if I were you until you can move out, maybe even just throw them a bone by trying to virtue signal their cult thinking until you can get away safely. Definitely clear or hide your browsing and account history so they can’t trace it back to posts like this, and maybe just leave a less threatening persona account that if they do find they would have less of an issue with.
You don’t need your birth certificate or social security card. They are easy to replace. A birth certificate is a public record: you can order it from whatever government agency handles vital records in the county of your birth.
Social security card is marginally more difficult, but if you know the number, it is surprisingly easy. Just go down to the nearest social security office with your story, and they’ll get it sent to you.
You can only do it like 6 times in your life, but you rarely need the card itself anymore.
Wait what happens at the 7th time?
Denial of service I guess? Either that or having to submit a very specific set of documents or forms to let someone somewhere know why you need just one more after already having seven at that point (First one being the one your parents are given at the time of your birth, followed by the 6 reprints they allow)
it’s like failing a catchpa.
They determine you are no longer you and you have to just start a new identity from scratch.
Don’t tell the SovCits.
You can’t tell the SovCits anything. Maybe we’re supposed to have a sheriff inform the human being while we simultaneously address the straw man and thusly create joinder… then I think they have to listen to us based on Admirality Law or something… right?
I just don’t like giving them new ideas… although it is always good fodder for c/InsanePeopleFacebook.
Get off the grid with this one weird trick
You need to call your relatives. If one of my second cousins whom I never met gives me a call saying that they are in your position and don’t know where to turn I am driving out 4 hours to pick them up at the drop of a hat.
It is going to be be hard but there are means to get free. Explore your options once you are safe but right now job one is get safe.
With conditions that severe, do you have access to a medical transport service or an understanding friend? One way or another, have them get you to a bus depot, buy a ticket to the nearest sane state and tap their social services to help you get established with basic care - Ohio is likely beyond broken intentionally, and it might not feel like it, but you will find social systems that function (not perfectly, but function for those truly in need) in other states.
If you’re in active danger, focus on moving (or being moved) away, as fast and far as you can afford.
Do you have any disability income?
I have a hard time taking some of the advice here seriously, especially around there being some kind of conspiracy where the police are right-wing and full of fascists - but let’s take it at face value
Instead of law enforcement, go to a lawyer and ask them to help, stating that you feel that you cannot go to the police. Any law firm worth their salt would ensure that you are represented, or that you’re represented by someone from your district that will protect you. They will also keep an eye on adequate law enforcement to ensure they actually protect you, and don’t just farm you back to relatives. At the very least, they can give you enough protection to ensure that your relatives in the south can contact you and take you in if needed.
A “conspiracy” in the way you used the word here would usually imply that it isn’t true, so a different word would be better.
Dude… there’s no conspiracy that the police is full of right wing facists. It’s openly the truth.
Right? Lol a Democrat cop. Unheard of these days.
My wife tried to tell me that the military would stop Trump. I laughed in her face. The only brainwashing stronger than the USMC is on OAN and Fox.
I’m telling her we need to get armed, I don’t feel okay even having a Harris sign in our yard in this climate, and I’m in a historically liberal area.
First, obviously ensure that you stay safe.
But if possible, gather as much evidence as you can. Make voice or video recordings, write down things you here, take photos of things that might be important, whatever. As soon as you’re in safety, send all the evidence of your father/brother making death threats and planning violent riots to the police/FBI.
I’d say skip local PD and go above them, if they’re crossing state lines that means it goes into federal jurisdiction. Also more likely for it to be taken seriously.
Right, that’s probably a good idea
I hope doesn’t live in Portage County, Ohio
The absolute state of these lunatics, november is gonna be messy for us with either candidate ugh. Call the cops, leave, start over, etc im so sorry.
It’s terrifying. If you’re in a position to, and don’t already have one, I’m encouraging everyone on the left to get a decent gun. Cheapest option is an assault 12 gauge. These people are full on, insane fascists. Their “day of retribution” will be a lot harder to impossible if we’re armed.
Im not bothering to register and buy a gun for the first time this late in the game so ill take my chances. I live in california so im not that worried but its been unpleasant being around strangers the last couple of months that I feel like this charade of rat race late stage capitalism is making everyone a little more psychotic every day.
Yeah, that’s fair. Especially in somewhere like California.
But yes, it’s absolutely wild. Just yesterday, in a very blue state, there was an army of Trumpers blocking like 3 intersections in their lifted trucks with Trump flags. They were screaming at everyone stuck watching the charade. It’s gotten, like you said, psychotic.
I’d been trying to promote gun ownership and training among left leaning folks since early 2016. Took various friends and Facebook randoms to the range and taught them to shoot. Have had motivation issues with that project for a while though.
Cheapest option is an assault 12 gauge.
I don’t think I’ve come across any “assault shotguns”, but maybe you’re referring to the “tactical” variants? They’ll typically come in black rather than wooden or camo pattern, have shorter barrels, and hold more ammo when compared with hunting shotguns.
It’s important to note that shotguns aren’t super beginner friendly, though they’re probably the most financially accessible option for home defense. One piece of advice I would give is to look up what “cheek weld” is when using a shotgun (in additional to general safety and usage info). We’re also pretty late in the game here for those that are worried about election-related violence, since developing marksmanship skills takes time. Better late than never though, just try to get at least one range trip in so that you can familiarize yourself with the basics.
Not looking to turn this into a guns thread, since that wouldn’t be very useful for the OP. If anyone has any questions on the subject, you could make a post in one of these communities, and I (and probably others) can give advice:
Thanks for promoting responsible gun ownership. While I don’t believe in killing in any fashion, I do enjoy shooting. I’ve never been hunting and don’t even eat meat, but there’s something really fun about shooting all types of guns and improving your skills. It also made me a much better wildlife photographer. :-p
You’re right. Tactical is the more common name. I see them listed both ways. But yeah, you can get those cheap as hell. While not beginner friendly, they’ll do the job if the biggest concern is cost.
And that’s true, but I think it’s important to note that Trump is a symptom, not the disease itself. The disease is his base, and the corruption of their belief in democracy. I hope I’m wrong, but I feel like we’ll see this level of politics for a while more.
But good on you for doing the footwork! And thanks for linking those instances!
And that’s true, but I think it’s important to note that Trump is a symptom, not the disease itself. The disease is his base, and the corruption of their belief in democracy. I hope I’m wrong, but I feel like we’ll see this level of politics for a while more.
It goes both ways, really. You’re right in that Trump couldn’t have gotten elected without the existence of that reactionary base. That’s always existed in American politics, though its strength has varied over time. However, his presence in politics energizes them, and inspires them to organize and spread their propaganda, while also serving as a powerful propaganda mouthpiece himself.
You’re also right that Trump’s exit from politics won’t calm things down right away. Hopefully his movement won’t find a new Fuhrer figure, though that’s always a possibility.
Democracy dumbs down civilization.
If you’re in acute danger, call the cops. A credible threat has been made. Even if they can’t remove you or your brother, everything being on file might serve at the very least as a deterrent to execute his plan.
The cops in Ohio will probably just shoot him for not voting Trump.
You’re not helping
It’s the truth, though. Without any evidence there’s a decent chance no arrest will be made, especially if the cops are Trumpers themselves. And even if they are arrested, there’s no doubt mom will post bond so they’ll be out before very long.
If that happens, OP will very likely be grievously injured or killed.
OP needs to GTFO first and foremost.
That’s not what space noodle said. Space noodle said the cops would shoot him for not voting for Trump.
Is he wrong, though?
I’m not wrong.
This is a serious thread. No jokes and off-topic comments.
It’s not a joke, and it’s entirely topical.
Well then, Ohio’s fucked. I should have believed the memes.
Thanks for the quick reply. I have a few concerns here:
- I have no recorded evidence of the threats, so I’m not sure if the cops will take this seriously. I heard that shit loud and clear, but I didn’t get an audio recording.
- I have no idea how corrupt the cops in the local area are; this is a red county, although it’s on the outskirts of a big city. I don’t know if the cops could severely fuck me over in ways I don’t know about.
- I am likely to end up escalating tensions. My brother would probably see it as an attack on him (Harris supporter trying to get his guns confiscated) and make it a priority to get rid of me quicker. He isn’t very smart (hence why he joined the cult) so he might think that Trump will pardon all violence he commits.
I’d love to be wrong, but my current impression of cops is that they are unreliable and involving them could really backfire. But if anyone has a thoughtful rebuttal, I’d appreciate it. I’m not going to pretend to be an expert here.
Please read Apytele’s comment, you are absolutely correct that calling the police will be interpreted as a threat and make your situation even worse.
You have to get out, first.
The police have literally 0 legal obligation to protect any citizen from a crime or potential crime, what they do is investigate after the fact.
And that’s assuming they’re not fellow MAGA cultists.
Right but their comment is suggesting APS which will not help them. They are 21, Ohio’s APS program is only for people over 60.
Ah, I did not know that, thats a good point.
I know that some states actually have a broader reach for things like APS, usually including the disabled.
Rural Ohio native here. OP if you don’t mind sharing what county you live in, I might be able to give you better info. If you don’t want to share that (and that’s perfectly understandable), what part of the state? Northeast, Southwest, Cleveland area, Columbus area, etc?
Outskirts of Columbus, within reasonably short driving distance of the city
So first things first, all the advice you got about adult protective services is basically moot. Ohio law stipulates adult protective services only apply to age 60 and above. Some counties may extend that to adults under 60 with disabilities, but the law does not require, and they’ll only help if they have the funds to help.
You said you’re in a red county but you’re on the outskirts of Columbus. I think you’re being a little generous on what the outskirts of Columbus are. All the same, if you’re in one of the red ones that circle Franklin county, the only one that will maybe take disability into consideration is Madison.
Other than that, I think you can forget about the APS. As a matter of fact, I would bet if you tried to contact them, they would hand it off to the cops anyway.
If you’re close enough to Columbus and you can get there on your own, you’ll want to look for any support you can find there. They’ll have the most available resources, the most groups willing to help, and the most spaces to potentially house you.
Like, genuinely? If you can find a way to anonymously reach out to some local activist groups, they will be much more likely to give good, actionable advice to you than anyone here.
Discord is good, just be careful who you share your name with.
Someone else said it, contact Adult Protective Services. APS is meant for people like you.
This is OHIO. The Ohio DOJFS’s APS services are explicitly only for adults over 60, and moreover, they don’t just come pick you up. They send someone to investigate first and then make a determination on your need. This does not happen quickly and you CAN be be denied.
