Trump using lies as excuse to militarize cities like Portland

My wife, Helene, and I just returned from visiting our son who has lived in Portland for 15 years. We also visited the communities of Seaside, Cannon Beach and Astoria along the scenic Pacific Ocean Coast. We hiked all over Portland, walked through many neighborhoods and never felt threatened or afraid to go anywhere in the city. 

Yet, while we were there President Trump decided to demean the people of Portland by saying that the city was "war-ravaged" and in complete anarchy. This is another of the false diatribes against American cities that continue under this administration. Made-up stories and lies to justify the use of the military in our communities. 

For the record, Portland is a beautiful city. It is known as the Rose City. It has the largest Japanese garden in the Northwest. It has a world-renowned city zoo and the largest urban park in the USA. The city has four basic quadrants that include neighborhoods that have beautiful city parks with ample places for people to hike and enjoy nature. 

The city is also known for its great restaurants, the best pizza in the U.S, bike trails everywhere, an excellent mass transit system and outstanding breweries and wineries for people to enjoy. It is one hour from the Pacific Ocean and is a vibrant and growing city. The Portland airport has been updated and is considered one of the top five in the U.S. 

I am appalled at the characterization of this city by Trump. It is completely wrong and not based on facts. However, stirring up trouble with lies and disparagement is nothing new for this administration. This is fearmongering at its worst. 

The people of Portland are courageous. For years they have stood up to right-wing groups from outside of the city that were there just to stir up trouble. Some of the people that were leading these right-wing groups ended up being in the January 6th riot at the Capitol.

Yes, there were problems in the city following George Floyd’s murder in 2020. Yes, people did cause significant property damage. But like many areas of the country, the people of Portland were frustrated with the lack of progress in policing and attacks on black and brown people. To be clear, this frustration does not at all justify property damage or personal attacks. 

Yes, there are protests today in Portland and at the ICE facility which is about two miles from downtown. These protestors are people who are upset with the grabbing of people off the street simply because they are brown or speak Spanish or whatever other unjustifiable reasons ICE uses to cause people to just "disappear.” 

We should honor those people that are defending due process and the rights of people in this country. There is nothing in our Bill of Rights that says you have to be a citizen to receive due process if accused of a crime. Anyone that is in this country is given this guarantee. 

The people need to know the facts and ignore the fear mongering coming out of the White House. Be aware that someday the federal troops could show up in our backyard in Appleton or Outagamie County. It has happened before in history and we need to remind ourselves that our community is not immune from authoritarians attempting to control the population with fear and lies.