A.C.A.B. Another Portland Protest

“A.C.A.B.,” shouted a protest leader on a bullhorn in front of Portland city hall on Election Day. “All cops are bastards!” responded the crowd of about 60 demonstrators. A coalition of far-left activist groups were demanding the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but they also used the occasion to rail against Oregon’s Measure 105, on the ballot that day, which would repeal the state’s “sanctuary state” measure prohibiting local authorities from enforcing immigration laws. Other targets included law enforcement in general, Donald Trump, and “fascism.”

The crowd was made up of members from Occupy ICE PDX, the Queer Liberation Front, Antifa, and other leftist movements. Occupy ICE was previously involved in leading a five-week siege outside the local ICE office. Police disbanded the gathering after 38 days, but the cleanup cost the city nearly $25,000. Portland mayor Ted Wheeler, attracted national attention for his refusal to order police to help the federal officers trapped inside by the protesters’ barricades.

After about an hour outside city hall, the protesters began a march through the streets of downtown. The groups involved in organizing the event did not have a permit, and they rebuffed police attempts for dialogue. For the most part, though, demonstrators remained on sidewalks, in contrast with past episodes, when they have occupied the streets and blocked traffic. Holding signs such as “Smash fascism,” “Cops beat their wives,” and “Deport the racists."

Some businesses rushed to lock their front doors; protesters have targeted commercial entities for vandalism and destruction in recent incidents. After the 2016 election, Antifa rioting in Portland caused damage estimated at more than $1 million. No protest groups were held accountable. (City Journal (November 12, 2018))
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OK, so you don't like government policy? You want to make your voice heard, to stand up for your beliefs and support efforts for change in your community? Excellent, you have an absolute right to do that, and I support your efforts to exercise your 1st Amendment Rights - BUT, what you can't do is block streets, threaten other residents of the community, and cause a million dollars in property damage while advocating for a better community and a more responsible government.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

You can't declare war on the police and advocate for the death of police officers who protect our communities. The police officer on the street is seldom your enemy. If you don't like police policy, advocate for change, pass an initiative and change the law. But, do so peaceably and legally.

You have rights, and you can and should exercise everyone of them. But when exercising your rights, remember that you cannot infringe on the rights of another.

Operating in Hostile and Non-Permissive Environments:
A Survival and Resource Guide for Those Who Go in Harm’s Way

 

Military personnel deployed to a combat area, their supporting contractors overseas, government civilian employees overseas, non-government organizations (NGOs), journalists working on international stories, businesses attempting to establish a foothold in developing countries, and individual travelers to remote areas of the world can all find themselves in hostile and non-permissive environments. This guide covers a broad range of subjects that are intended to aid individuals, living and working in dangerous areas, in being safer in their daily lives and in being better able to protect themselves and survive in case of an emergency, disaster, or hostile action.