The theme for the August 2 protests coordinated by the 50501 group shows a disturbing shift from the earlier ones. “Hands Off” and “No Kings” were excellent themes, addressing governmental overreach and the centralization of power. The theme for tomorrow, though, is “Rage Against the Regime.” The name is an obvious reference to the group “Rage Against the Machine,” whose songs are characterized by protest and mind-numbing repetition.

Rage is never a productive emotion. By definition, it’s out of control. It’s often a precursor to violence. In this case, the protests are to “come together to transform anger into action, harnessing the energy of collective resistance.” That suggests something very different from holding signs and chanting. No doubt the organizers are frustrated by the ineffectiveness of the previous protests. Nearly all the Republicans in Congress follow Trump, not the American people. Nearly all the Democrats are desperately pretending nothing unusual is happening.

But what sort of “action” is going to happen? Does anyone know? I’d like to see a mass march on Washington, peacefully besieging the White House, closing it off till Trump backs off from his power grab or turns to open violence. That’s not in sight. The actions will be local. The organizers say “our movement is rooted in non-violence, but it is far from passive.” Non-violent rage is possible, but it’s also far from useful. Repeating “Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me” over and over, as in one of the RATM songs, is a tantrum, not a protest.

We need reason and rationally directed outrage, not rage. Keep pointing out the Trump gang’s lies and illegal actions. Keep showing the effects of ICE’s abductions to anyone who will listen. Keep the pressure up on the cowards in Congress. Keep supporting organizations like LUCE that help the victims of a lawless government.

But stay clear of anyone who’s urging rage.