Well, I’m showing peeps how easy it is to move to tor browser, for more surfing. And if that’s too much, I show and help people install a decent browser plug-in collection.
Also, trying, again, to build a community owned mesh network.
And, getting more people to use signal and proton mail.
And, teaching stop the bleed classes, and organizing range days.
And, until recently, seeding community gardens and tool libraries.
So yes, you don’t need to sacrifice liberty for safety.
No, they did not. This has been a rumor since the Tor project was created by the DoD. Same rumors about selinux.