Reporting to you from our front row seats to history
Well, it’s certainly been an interesting couple weeks here in the Rose City! In June, we were just one city of thousands around the world convulsed by the reaction to George Floyd’s murder, but in July we took on an unpleasant new role. As the riots began to give way to protests an American president sent unmarked, unidentified Federal pseudocops in to ‘dominate’ our streets. Hilarity has ensued for about a month now.
OK, we did find a couple things to say. Check out Tom’s opinion of the Occupation in this month’s Tom’s Tidbits.
History almost exclusively happens elsewhere because no matter where ‘local’ is to you, events that might be interesting to the larger world are rare. It’s amazing to watch pivotal historical events happening in real time, in our front yard. Almost everyone in Portland has either participated or knows someone who has participated in the protests and even the riots. We see the confusion, wonder at the rumors, fear for the future, all first hand. We smell the tear gas. The tension is palpable.
And this is obviously an ongoing, developing story. In just the last couple days, the news has come down that the Feds will be withdrawing. Like every other aspect of this situation, it’s covered by confusion and the fog of war. When? How? Why? Will it last? Is it real? Well, we’ll find out here first.
We have very little to actually add to the amazing reporting that’s come from this. Perhaps our value, if any, is as a witness. In our report from Occupied (and hopefully soon Un-Occupied) Portland we’ll show you much of the reporting we’ve been following, broken into several sections we thought were interesting. The story will evolve, as will our City. When the dust settles, maybe this article will be a type of time capsule for what people were thinking while we waited for the new reality to take shape.
Good luck to us all, in Portland and beyond. Ich bin ein Portlanders!
What’s the latest?
Protests live updates: Federal agents prepare to pull back in Portland as protests continue, Washington Post, Jul 2020
What Have Six Weeks of Portland Protests Wrought? These nightly marches and confrontations with police have upended certainties about what can be accomplished in Oregon politics through protests., Willamette Week, Jul 2020
For Some Arrested At Portland Protests, Release Is Conditional On Not Attending More, NPR, Jul 2020
Federal agents show stronger force at Portland protests despite order to withdraw, The Guardian, Jul 2020
Fact Check: How Violent Are the Portland Protests?, NYTimes, Jul 2020
Federal agents tear-gas Portland protesters again despite plan for the agents to leave town, CBSNews, Jul 2020
The Portland Protests Are a War Zone—but Only on the Internet…What’s happening in the streets isn’t what you’re seeing in the tweets. Wired, Jul 2020
Detained Portland demonstrators are required to stay away from future protests to get out of jail, CNN, Jul 2020
A photojournalist who was shot in the eye says it’s not just violent rioters being targeted in Portland, CNN, Jul 2020
Portland protests: Federal forces ready for phased pullout, BBCNews, Jul 2020
Federal court to decide whether Portland ‘protest bans’ are legal, KATU2, Jul 2020
Tear gas in the air, officers hit the streets on Day 63 of Portland protests, KGW8, Jul 2020
Growth of the protests
Thousands protest in downtown Portland Monday; federal officers again respond with force, Oregonian, Jul 20, 2020
A timeline of the George Floyd and anti-police brutality protests, AlJazeera, Jun 11 2020
President Trump Has Reenergized Portland’s Protests, Willamette Week, Jul 20, 2020
Portland Protests Grow Despite Violent Crackdown from Militarized Federal Agents & Local Police, Democracy NOW!, Jul 21, 2020
Portland Protests Grow Despite Violent Crackdown from Militarized Federal Agents & Local Police Democracy NOW!, Jul 21, 2020
Facing federal agents, Portland protests find new momentum, AP, Jul 21, 2020
Federal Officers Tear Gas Moms and Dads: A Digest of the 54th Night of Portland Protests, Portland Mercury, Jul 21, 2020
Neither side is backing down as federal agents and protesters clash in Portland, CNN, Jul 21, 2020
Portland protests: Fresh violence as demonstrators clash with federal officers, BBCNews, Jul 21, 2020
Chaotic Scenes in Portland as Backlash to Federal Deployment Grows, NYTimes, Jul 21, 2020
Portland protests: Federal officers unleash tear gas on Mayor Ted Wheeler, demonstrators, Oregonian, Jul 22, 2020
Black Lives Matter protests across America continue nearly 2 months after George Floyd’s death, CNN, Jul 23, 2020
US government sending up to 150 more agents to Portland: Reports, AlJazeera, Jul 27, 2020
More federal agents dispatched to Portland as protests rise in other cities, Washington Post, Jul 27, 2020
A weekend of urban anarchy, Wall Street Journal, Jul 27, 2020
Tear Gas Fired On Protesters Again During Overnight Protests In Portland, NPR, Jul 27, 2020
Unmarked, unidentified pseudocops
US attorney requests DHS investigation after video shows masked, camouflaged federal authorities arresting protesters in Portland, CNN, Jul 2020
‘It was like being preyed upon’: Portland protesters say federal officers in unmarked vans are detaining them, Washington Post, Jul 2020
Anonymous security forcing citizens into cars is mark of dictatorship, CNN, Jul 2020
NYPD Disappeared Black Lives Matter Protesters Into Detention For Days At A Time. Lawmakers Want To End The Practice., The Intercept, Jul 2020
U.S. Homeland Security confirms three units sent paramilitary officers to Portland, Reuters, Jul 2020
Federal Officers Appear to Use Rental Cars From Enterprise to Snatch Portland Protesters, Willamette Week, Jul 2020
Violence overboard
Videos Show How Federal Officers Escalated Violence in Portland, NY Times, Jul 2020
Police shoot Portland protester in head with impact weapon, causing severe injuries, OregonLive, Jul 2020
Shocking video reveals yet another instance of violence by federal agents in Portland, DailyKOS, Jul 2020
Navy Vet Beaten by Federal Agents at Portland Protests in Viral Video: ‘They Came Out to Fight’, Time Magazine, Jul 2020
Portland protester seen in viral confrontation with federal officers is Navy veteran, The Hill, Jul 2020
Navy veteran beaten at protest says he was enraged to see federal officers in Portland, KATU2, Jul 2020
WATCH: Navy Vet Stands Up To Trump’s Thugs In Portland, Crooks&Liars, Jul 2020
A Navy vet asked federal officers in Portland to remember their oaths. Then they broke his hand., Washington Post, Jul 2020
Lay back and enjoy it
Trump law enforcement officials brush off pleas to butt out of Portland, Politico, Jul 2020
DHS Chief Looks to ‘Restore Order’ in Portland Whether Mayor Likes It or Not, Newsweek, Jul 2020
Federal officials dismiss Portland leaders’ calls to leave city as clashes with protesters continue, Washington Post, Jul 2020
Acting DHS secretary hits back at Portland mayor’s ‘completely irresponsible’ claim that feds are ‘escalating’ unrest, FOXNews, Jul 2020
Chad Wolf: ‘I Don’t Need An Invitation’ To Force Federal Secret Police On Cities, Crooks&Liars, Jul 2020
Fighting back instead
‘This is not a dictatorship’: Portland protesters push back harder against Trump, federal agents, USA Today, Jul 2020
Resistance for Real: The Moment Has Come, Moyers on Democracy, Jul 2020
In Further Sign of Tension, Portland Fire & Rescue Bans Federal Agents—and Portland Cops—From Using Its Stations, Willamette Week, Jul 2020
Mayor of Portland to Trump: Get your troops out of the city, AP, Jul 2020
5 ways everyday citizens can start holding police departments accountable, ProPublica, Jul 2020
Oregon asks for restraining order against federal agents in Portland, Politico, Jul 2020
More than a dozen mayors join Portland in asking Trump administration to withdraw federal forces, CNN, Jul 2020
Portland protest groups sue U.S. over tear gas, rubber bullets, Politico, Jul 2020
Portland…. wonderful, wonderful Portland
To Battle a Militarized Foe, Portland Protesters Use Umbrellas, Pool Noodles and Fire, NY Times, Jul 2020
In Portland, A ‘Wall Of Moms’ And Leaf Blowers Against Tear Gas, NPR, Jul 2020
Video: ‘Naked Athena’ Faces Down Federal Cops at Portland Protest — and They Back Down, MediaIte, Jul 2020
‘Naked Athena’: The story behind the surreal photos of Portland protester, Oregonian, Jul 2020
Portland Protesters Use Leaf Blowers to Clear Federal Tear Gas From Parks, Willamette Week, Jul 2020
‘Wall of moms’ at Portland protest formed to protect demonstrators, USAToday, Jul 2020
What choice do we have?’: Portland’s ‘Wall of Moms’ faces off with federal officers at tense protests, Washington Post, Jul 2020
Moms, Dads, Vets, Patriots Respond to Trump Gestapo Surge: Right Back Atcha, Common Dreams, Jul 2020
Portland’s Wall of Moms Joined by Dads With Leaf Blowers Against Trump’s Police, Truthout, Jul 2020
Leaf-blower wars: How Portland protesters are fighting back against tear gas and forming ‘walls’ of veterans, lawyers, nurses, Washington Post, Jul 2020
Moms form human shield to protect protesters: ‘Feds stay clear, moms are here!‘, UpWorthy, Jul 2020
‘Wall of Veterans’ Arrives in Portland to Protect Black Lives Matter Protesters from Trump’s DHS Troops, MSN Law&Crime, Jul 2020
It’s illegal. Don’t try to pretend.
Nothing Can Justify the Attack on Portland, The Atlantic, Jul 2020
Portland Federal Agents ‘Proactive’ Arrests Compared to ‘Minority Report’, Newsweek, Jul 2020
Judge rules to protect journalists in Portland, as Barr DOJ makes another ludicrous claim, DailyKOS, Jul 2020
Border Patrol chief receives brutal fact-check on Portland from Oregon Public Broadcasting reporter, Raw Story, Jul 2020
Trump’s Use of Federal Agents in Portland May Go Beyond What Is Lawful. Here’s How We Can Get Answers About What’s Going On, Time Magazine, Jul 2020
Trump admin defends use of federal agents in Portland protest crackdown, ABCNews, Jul 2020
“Camouflaged Goon Squads”: Outrage, Legal Challenges in Portland as Federal Agents Snatch Protesters, Democracy NOW!, Jul 2020
DOJ Inspector General Investigating Federal Agents’ Actions In Portland And D.C., NPR, Jul 2020
Justice Department watchdog to investigate federal use of force in Portland and Washington, CNN, Jul 2020
Trump’s agents are sweeping peaceful citizens off the streets. This is not America., Washington Post, Jul 2020
Trump consults Bush torture lawyer on how to skirt law and rule by decree, The Guardian, Jul 2020
Two DHS Officials Apparently Just Admitted Their Troops Have Been Violating the Constitution, Law&Crime, Jul 2020
The federal crackdown in Portland is ‘legal.’ That’s the problem with it., Washington Post, Jul 2020
Esper concerned over federal agents dressed like military troops in U.S. cities, Politico, Jul 2020
Can the Military Be Used As Law Enforcement, MilitaryBenefits,
What the Law Says About Deploying Troops on U.S. Soil, Washington Post, Jul 2020
For 200 years, the Insurrection Act has given presidents the power to deploy the military to quell unrest, Washington Post, Jul 2020
Even some Righties get it
Trump ‘mismanaged’ America and now we’re being ‘stretched to the breaking point’: Ex-Republican Rick Wilson, RawStory, Jul 2020
Rand Paul denounces use of federal force in Portland, Axios, Jul 2020
Napolitano: Trump’s Portland Thugs Are Unconstitutional, Crooks&Liars, Jul 2020
Former Gov./DHS boss Ridge: ‘It’d be a cold day in hell’ before he’d let ‘uninvited’ federal agents into Pa., Pennsylvania Capital-Star, Jul 2020
Philadelphia’s Top Prosecutor Is Prepared to Arrest Federal Agents, Bloomberg, Jul 2020
Just getting started
The Authoritarian Operation in Portland Is Only a Dress Rehearsal- A major American city is being softly Pinochet’ed in broad daylight., Esquire, Jul 2020
Chicago won’t see ‘Portland-style deployment’ of federal agents, Mayor Lori Lightfoot says, USAToday, Jul 2020
‘Things could get very ugly’: Experts fear post-election crisis as Trump sets the stage to dispute the results in November, CNN, Jul 2020
As Trump’s secret police prepare to move on more cities, DHS engages in spying on domestic targets, Daily KOS, Jul 2020
Trump official says federal troops may be deployed to other Democrat-run cities this week, The Independent, Jul 2020
Trump’s Occupation of American Cities Has Begun, NY Times, Jul 2020
Trump Sends Federal Troops to Cities Run by Democrats, Moyers on Democracy, Jul 2020
Trump May Use DHS Stormtroopers To Stop People from Voting, Washington Monthly, Jul 2020
Facing unrest on American streets, Trump turns Homeland Security powers inward, Washington Post, Jul 2020
The Role of Federal Military Forces in Domestic Disorders, Army Center for Military History, 2012
The President’s Personal Militia, Moyers on Democracy, Jul 2020
Paramilitary-Style Tactics in Portland Mirror Decades of U.S. Violence on the Border & Abroad, Democracy NOW!, Jul 2020
Sturmabteilung, Storm Troopers, Yadvashem.org
Trumpfen Sturmabteilung (Trump’s Stormtroopers), CounterPunch, Jul 2020
Here are 7 disturbing revelations from a National Guard officer about Trump’s Lafayette Square disaster, AlterNet, Jul 2020
Trump propaganda
Violent protest clashes turned Portland into a ‘right-wing boogeyman.’ Here’s how it happened., Washington Post, Jul 2020
Why did Trump pick Portland? He’s following the lead of far-right groups, and the city’s history, Salon, Jul 2020
Conservative media helps Trump perform ‘law and order’ in Portland, with risks for November, Washington Post, Jul 2020
Trump’s ISIL Reelection Scheme: Send Federal Agents to Provoke Protesters in Dem Cities, Scare Suburbs, Juan Cole, Jul 2020
‘Police are afraid to do anything’: Trump threatens to add more federal troops in liberal cities, Daily Kos, Jul 2020
Sen. Ron Wyden Trump sent federal agents to Portland to help with his political agenda — not the protests, NBC Think, Jul 2020
AP Reporter Describes Being Inside Portland’s Besieged Courthouse With US Marshals While 4,000 Rioters Attack, Red State, Jul 2020
Portland Police
Portland Police Union Burns, Officers Assault Crowds During July 18 Protests, Portland Mercury, Jul 2020
Portland Police Union Leader Worries Protests Can Be Overshadowed By Violent Acts, NPR, Jul 2020
Portland Police Association, neighbors speak out about fire set at PPA building, FOX12 Oregon, Jul 2020
Portland Police Union Echoes Feds’ Call to Quell Protests, Portland Mercury, Jul 2020
Poor, poor government
DHS employees worry that Portland will hurt agency’s image. DailyKos, Jul 2020
“Disturbing And Demoralizing”: DHS Employees Are Worried The Portland Protest Response Is Destroying Their Agency’s Reputation, BussFeed News, Jul 2020
What’s it like on the ground
In closing, the following is from a person named Jason Booth. We don’t know him, but he posted it on his Facebook page and this is the best description we’ve read anywhere of what it’s like in Portland right now…
“Soooo, I’ve been seeing a lot of posts lately about my fair city of #Portland and I thought it might be time to help you all out with a bit of a primer.
First off, for those of you who have texted to check on us, you’re very sweet. We’re fine. Honestly. The whole city is quite alright. Portland is not, as it so happens, a war zone ripped from a dystopian YA novel. Rather, it’s full of summer weather in the 90’s, flower blossoms, breweries with big patios open until 10, and lots of social distancing andmask solidarity. Our Anthropologie is open and most of our restaurants are figuring out their strategies. We’re in phase 1 but it looks like phase 2 might be just around the corner.
At night, over a four block downtown radius, our city is also protesting still. A lot of cities have already stopped because, ya know, we saved Black people. Good job everyone! Enjoy your summer! The protests in Portland actually had been dying down some, and then the prez decided that federal troops in unmarked cars might be a good idea. And that is the dumbest thing you can do in a city that is full of people that are so ready to tear apart this joke of a system brick by brick. Protests that had hundreds of people quickly climbed back into the thousands. The feds are vastly outnumbered here again. I’ve heard people describing the violence and the clashes and the fringe craziness. I’ve heard my city described in so many inaccurate ways.
You see, my city is still fighting. Because Breonna Taylor’s killers are still free and because police violence here has a storied history and because our municipal leaders haven’t really done enough yet. The police budget has barely been touched. The mental health complex is still entirely underfunded in a country that is going to desperately need that kind of support over the next few years.
My city is a wall of moms and a Navy veteran unflinching while he’s beaten by batons and pepper sprayed at point blank range. My city is Black community leaders and white allies and state leaders that are trying to figure out what comes next. My city is a mystery yoga Athena, daring border troops to rubber bullet her naked body.
My city is still showing up to fight fascism, even as the Proud Boys from nearby Washington have arrived with their lovely mullets and AR-15’s in tow. And look, this is not a gun post, but we’ve been patiently waiting to see if those wise fb libertarians will show up soon—you know—those true Jeffersonian’s who have been warning us about just such government overreach for years. I’m sure they’re stuck in traffic. Maybe they got stuck behind a truck full of clever memes.
My city is not entirely peaceful. That’s true too. We’re burning with anger the way some mom’s who have buried their sons are still burning with despair. I don’t agree with every result of every rally. Rage spills out in many ways when justice is denied. I’m not supporting my side entirely either. I think there is certainly blame to go around. But while one side fights for systemic change, the other takes orders and uses weapons of war to protect buildings. It’s a false equivalency that pushes everyone further to the edge.
But in a country where many white people have already returned to whatever their semi-normal is, my city is still valiantly standing up as the front lines against a fascist regime that is currently using methods that we’ve seen employed by some of history’s worst.
I’m not great at speaking up as much as I should. I tell dumb internet jokes and spend my days raising a toddler. That’s my vibe. My wife has been far more vocal about these things and I struggle from feeling like I’m preaching to the choir.
But if you think Portland is some sort of lawless badlands…naw…we’re just waiting for the rest of you. We’re also the testing ground for Trump to see how much he can get away with. And when he does a Fox interview and talks about not accepting the election results, everything starts to become a bit more clear.
You see, he looks at how Putin has installed himself permanently (and you know how much he envies that type of power), and he dips a few more toes into the deep end of using military power to remain installed where he is. Because all this civil unrest could very well be the precursor to something much bigger.
This is what a righteous populace looks like. So when you look at us and think…man..stuff there is crazy. It’s not. It’s the bellwether of a movement. And we gladly welcome all of you back to the fray whenever you’d like.
We are not done. There are dragons yet to slay.
I am proud of my adopted city.
Digging Even Deeper…
You’ve just seen hundreds of links to stories about the turmoil in one city that rose, not just from the killing of George Floyd, but from the systematically racist systems than enabled it. It’s quite understandable if it’s a depressing list, but the anger can be turned to action. If facing federal thugs in armor isn’t your thing, maybe supporting one of these Black-Lives-Matter related groups is the first step to turning things around. …
Black Lives Matter PDX- Leading, coordinating, and directing people to local protest actions, increasing awareness of racial injustice, and holding city and state officials accountable.
The Portland NAACP– Ensuring the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and eliminating racial hatred and discrimination.
Urban League of Portland– Empowering Black communities through housing, workforce development, community health, and social reform.
ACLU Oregon– Defending and advancing civil liberties and civil rights through work in the courts, in the legislature, and in communities.
Showing up for Racial Justice– Organizes white people to do anti-racist advocacy
CNBSeen– Change burned-out vehicle lights for free in neighborhoods with a high number of police stops to reduce opportunities for tragic killings.
Don’t Shoot PDX– Specializes in education workshops and outreach programs focused on changing police policy and ending systemic discrimination.
Black United Fund of Oregon– Channeling charitable funds to low-income areas in North and Northeast Portland to combat inequality in our City.
Campaign Zero– A national organization dedicated to police reform at all levels and creating policy changes and legislation aimed at holding police accountable for their violent actions.
The Equal Justice Initiative– Dedicated to ending mass incarceration and economic and racial injustice, and protecting America’s most vulnerable.
We picked these groups because most are Portland and Oregon locals, but many are affiliated with larger national organizations. all these groups, and all the people they serve, can use your help every day.
