On this day, August 22, 2002, President George W. Bush proposed to end the government's "hands-off" policy in national forests and ease logging restrictions in fire-prone areas.
Also on this day, August 22, 2014, the State of Oregon filed a $200 million suit against Oracle Corp. and several executives over the company's role in creating the troubled website for the state's online health insurance exchange.
Also on this day, August 22, 2020, demonstrators faced off in Portland with the two sides -- one aligned with a "Back the Blue" rally and the other a Black Lives Matter counter-demonstration -- reportedly largely ignoring police warnings. Ultimately, Department of Homeland Security officers deemed the gatherings unlawful and moved through the plaza, forcing the crowd to disperse.
The myth of “peaceful protesters†is exposed
In the wake of continuing violent attacks against federal facilities in Portland, the Department of Homeland Security is
documenting the result of these attacks against federal property. An
update was also posted on Sunday.
As the media reports things like
“people in camouflage were driving around the area in unmarked minivans grabbing individuals off the street†as if innocent people are being impounded, some pundits have speculated that coverage of the violence is declining, because support in the polls for the violence is on the decline.
Of course, federal law enforcement has no place initiating any law enforcement activity, unless federal laws are broken, federal personnel are assaulted, or federal property is attacked. One would suspect that the feds have reason to arrest those who have been detained. It's not like there's any shortage of federal crime in Portland lately.
While elected officials in Portland and the local media claim that federal involvement causes an escalation of the violence, it remains to be seen if federal facilities continue to be targets, as federal law enforcement arrests continue.
In a
statement, DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf said, “The city of Portland has been under siege for 47 straight days by a violent mob while local political leaders refuse to restore order to protect their city. Each night, lawless anarchists destroy and desecrate property, including the federal courthouse, and attack the brave law enforcement officers protecting it.
“A federal courthouse is a symbol of justice - to attack it is to attack America. Instead of addressing violent criminals in their communities, local and state leaders are instead focusing on placing blame on law enforcement and requesting fewer officers in their community. This failed response has only emboldened the violent mob as it escalates violence day after day.
“This siege can end if state and local officials decide to take appropriate action instead of refusing to enforce the law. DHS will not abdicate its solemn duty to protect federal facilities and those within them. Again, I reiterate the Department’s offer to assist local and state leaders to bring an end to the violence perpetuated by anarchists.â€
--Staff Reports| Post Date: 2020-07-20 19:45:16 | Last Update: 2020-07-20 19:45:54 |
