Even back then, once the public support died down a bit they just had the NYPD bulldoze the whole thing. Since then the police have only gotten more brazenly violent against protests that are not in the establishment's interests.

Shit will get "wild" when instead of picket signs and bullhorns, people start bringing rifles and pipe bombs. Otherwise the outcome of any meaningful protest will be the same no matter how many people show up: an unforgiving police crackdown.

The saying in organizer circles is "the boss is the best organizer".

This is a societal expansion of that idea. They continue to tighten the nuts on us, so we're squeezed with shitty jobs that don't pay a living wage, and facing general unaffordable prices for essential goods. As the working class progressively has less and less to lose, they will become more and more bold while organizing. The next widespread economic issue will see major worker and community organizing. You can bet the police gangs will be ready to beat on real union members, like the "good old days".

What about my cat? She's not the social revolutionary type.

Don't forget aunt EXPANSION BOLTS