I live in the Portland area. This crap (so called protests) has been going on for over 50 straight days. Businesses have been looted and buildings vandalized. I don't and won't go downtown Portland. Businesses are closing and I doubt most come back. Why would they?
Portland has a long history of allowing protests to get out of hand. I have no confidence in the city government, and for that matter the governor of the state.
As for the federal forces, there would have been no need for them to come to Portland if the city had gotten things under control. And, as for the federal forces arresting people, etc., here's an example of what has been happening.
The federal forces came to protect federal property (primarily the federal courthouse) which has been vandalized, graffiti, broken windows, fires. A few days ago the federal forces put up fencing around the courthouse. The federal troops stayed inside the fencing. But, what transpired? The so called protesters tore down the fences, threw fireworks and other projectiles at the federal forces, rushed the building, causing chaos. Only then did the federal forces react -- and in my opinion, rightfully so.
As others have said, many people in the Portland OR area are feed up. This rioting needs to stop. If it takes federal forces for that to occur, so be it.
So, there you have my perspective.
thanks for your perspective. That was really eye-opening. I hope that the people of Portland will keep this in mind when it comes time to vote for mayor again next time. That guy seems like a real piece of work.
Indeed!