Dead Wild Roses

Reading long threads on X sucks, so I asked Grok to combine a great threat into an “essential read” essay on what is happening in California.

The recent riots in Los Angeles, as depicted in a post by Wokal Distance on X (dated June 9, 2025), reveal a level of organization that challenges the notion of spontaneous public unrest. The accompanying images show protesters strategically using barricades made from traffic cones and benches, suggesting premeditated planning rather than an impromptu reaction to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Wokal Distance argues that these riots are “designed to look chaotic to cover up the fact that they’re well funded, exceptionally organized, and carried out by well-trained activists using intelligent, highly developed tactics.” This perspective is supported by the visible preparation, including the distribution of shields and the use of coordinated tactics, which indicate a structured effort rather than a random outburst of anger.

The tactical use of shields, as highlighted in the post, further underscores the organized nature of these protests. The images reveal protesters equipped with plywood shields disguised as cardboard signs, a method previously employed during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and the 2024 pro-Hamas riots. Wokal Distance notes that crafting each shield requires approximately three hours, a process that involves activists dedicating entire days to preparation. This level of commitment and resource allocation points to a well-funded operation, possibly linked to broader activist networks. The presence of a Home Depot bucket in the imagery suggests a centralized supply chain, reinforcing the idea that these materials are systematically distributed to participants, a tactic also observed in past organized protests.

Beyond physical preparation, the riots employ sophisticated strategies aimed at manipulating public perception and pressuring authorities. Wokal Distance outlines a “decision dilemma” tactic, where protesters create situations—such as blocking roads with barricades—that force authorities into no-win scenarios, regardless of their response. This is complemented by the “real action is your target’s reaction” approach, where any overreaction by police is leveraged to portray protesters as sympathetic underdogs. The inclusion of a baby in the protest, as mentioned, serves as a calculated move to heighten this sympathy, placing law enforcement in an impossible position where any use of force could be spun as an attack on the vulnerable. These tactics are designed to play to an external audience, shaping the narrative through media coverage and social platforms.

The theoretical foundation for these strategies, as explained by Wokal Distance, draws from radical academic works and activist training manuals, such as “Beautiful Trouble.” This book, co-authored by individuals with whom Wokal Distance has personal experience, provides a blueprint for using violence and disruption to gain political leverage. The post references historical examples, like the 2000 Summit of the Americas protests with their color-coded zones (Green, Yellow, Red) for varying levels of action, illustrating a long-standing tradition of planned escalation. This intellectual backing, combined with the practical execution seen in Los Angeles, suggests a movement informed by decades of activist theory and real-world application.

In conclusion, the Los Angeles riots, as analyzed by Wokal Distance, are far from spontaneous; they are a meticulously orchestrated campaign with roots in both funding and ideology. The involvement of well-trained activists, the use of pre-fabricated tools, and the application of strategic theories highlight a concerted effort to influence political outcomes. While the immediate trigger may be the ICE raids, the deeper structure points to broader networks, potentially involving figures like Neville Singham, as suggested in related threads by @DataRepublican. As the situation unfolds, understanding these dynamics is crucial for crafting an effective response that avoids the traps set by these calculated tactics.

**Reference:** Wokal Distance. (2025, June 9). [Post on X]. https://x.com/wokal_distance/status/1931953269775188449

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