The CEO of Crowds on Demand, a firm that provides services to organize protests, has stated that the recent unrest in Minneapolis is crossing into "illegal chaos". Adam Swart cited blocked roadways, obstruction of federal agents, and threats against authorities following a fatal shooting during an ICE enforcement operation as reasons for his company's decision. According to Swart, such actions undermine protesters' stated goals and strip their message of credibility.
The CEO warned that mixing peaceful protesters with agitators creates serious risks on multiple fronts. He stated that blocking roadways puts ambulances and fire trucks at risk, and emergency services have nothing to do with politics. The street unrest, according to Swart, is actively counterproductive and will only lead to an increase in ICE operations.
Swart blamed the city's continued decline, pointing to reduced police presence, shuttered businesses, and the recent loss of Minneapolis' only commuter rail line. He stated that there's no one in Minneapolis who believes the city is well-run. The CEO said the city can still recover if residents reject intimidation and lawlessness, but only if they find the courage to stand up for their city.
According to Swart, his firm has long offered Minneapolis leaders and stakeholders the opportunity to run lawful campaigns aimed at improving safety and restoring order, but fear and intimidation have stalled those efforts.
The CEO warned that mixing peaceful protesters with agitators creates serious risks on multiple fronts. He stated that blocking roadways puts ambulances and fire trucks at risk, and emergency services have nothing to do with politics. The street unrest, according to Swart, is actively counterproductive and will only lead to an increase in ICE operations.
Swart blamed the city's continued decline, pointing to reduced police presence, shuttered businesses, and the recent loss of Minneapolis' only commuter rail line. He stated that there's no one in Minneapolis who believes the city is well-run. The CEO said the city can still recover if residents reject intimidation and lawlessness, but only if they find the courage to stand up for their city.
According to Swart, his firm has long offered Minneapolis leaders and stakeholders the opportunity to run lawful campaigns aimed at improving safety and restoring order, but fear and intimidation have stalled those efforts.
... I feel like he's not even giving protesters a chance to express themselves without being shut down. Like, what's the point of having peaceful protests if authorities are gonna swoop in and call it "illegal chaos"? It's all about the optics, you know? The city is already struggling with stuff, but instead of addressing the real issues like poverty and homelessness, they're trying to control the narrative with fear and intimidation tactics. And what really gets me is that he's implying protesters are just being manipulated by agitators... like, who gets to decide that?
! I mean, blocking roadways and threatening federal agents? That's just not okay 
. Adam Swart's point about mixing peaceful protesters with agitators is a good one – it can get out of hand quickly. But at the same time, you have to feel for the protesters who are really trying to make a difference 
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. That sounds like a pretty simple solution, but I guess it's easier said than done 
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? It feels like the city is already in a tough spot with its economic decline and all, so it's not like they're exactly thrilled to have protests disrupting their daily lives 
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? It feels like the city is trying to police itself too much, you know? Like, isn't it time for them to listen to the people's voices instead of trying to squash 'em 
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. It's like, we need to have a real conversation about systemic racism and corruption, not just sweep it under the rug 
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. But at the same time, I don't blame protesters for getting frustrated with the city's decline 
. It's hard to just sit back and watch businesses shut down or feel like your voice isn't being heard 
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. Like, what's the harm in blockin' some roads if it's to protest ICE ops? It's not like they're gonna let you drive through the streets while they're tryna deport people, right? 
