If we know how the movie ends, then compromising ourselves is a detriment to the community. So what if they tell the masses there is no support? It changes nothing. So what if they think we're retreating? It changes nothing. So what if they get their made up victory? It changes nothing.
If nothing can stop what is coming, then we need to focus our efforts and energy elsewhere. Of you want to make a difference then start getting involved in local politics. Start making noise at school boards. Start figuring out what reps you are going to support in 2022. Start getting an audit in motion.
Protesting really does not make any real difference. Except in defiance of lockdowns, it really isn't that impactful as getting involved in local government. That is where it counts and that is where we need to be focusing our efforts. Let the babies think they have won. Let them lower their guard. It changes nothing.
Protesting is effective if done correctly. You have your protest meeting with your speakers, maybe a march of a few laps around an area, then go home. The dumb protests are the ones that go all day into the night. Or evening into night marches. All I see is trouble from those, as under the cover of dark, that’s when the idiots/agitators cause havoc, destroying the point of a peaceful protest. Keep your event to 1-3 hours in the earlier part of the day, keep its flow on track, then disperse calmly and go home. When things flow good and stay calm/happy, the benefit the public sees is always positive.