Oregon and Washington state and local politicians are unable to control violence in Portland and Seattle. Or do they encourage criminal behavior or do they ignore it?
As of Wednesday, January 20, 2021, both cities were again rocked with criminal violence in the guise of civil protest.
Portland and Seattle newspapers ignored riots in their respective cities that occurred Wednesday, Inauguration Day and early Thursday morning. Late on Thursday, (1/21/21) the Oregonian paper and its internet outlets reported on inaugural day riots in Portland. Out-of-state newsmedia (The New York Times, Fox News, et al) carried stories of riots and street violence in Portland and Seattle on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.
The Oregon and Washington newspapers and Democratic state and city officials pretend there is no relevant criminal conduct nor riots nor accompanying damages and injuries occurring daily in Portland and Seattle and environs.
President Joe Biden was and is a favorite of the news media, so these events were not reported.
American citizens ask, "Aren't the rioting and looting in Oregon and Washington causing personal injury and property damage, and still violent criminal conduct is not prosecuted?"
Why?
The political denizens of Portland and Seattle appear to believe that rioting and property destruction are accepted forms of protest. They further believe these protests will awaken the nation to the need for, and the acceptance of, a radical socialist government.
The rioters in Portland, Seattle and a few other cities appear to be a mixed bag — antifa, anarchists, communists, socialists, and other far-left groups. The leading faction seems to be the socialists, and they are encouraged by U.S. congressional types and Biden administration personal espousing socialist-leaning views and dogma.
An estimated 150 Portland arrests appear to be made up of males and females, in age from 18 to 38 years old, and from educated backgrounds. Police report the arrestees carried such weapons as Molotov cocktails, chemical sprays, knives and metal bars. Based on previous arrests, a number of rioters and looters gave to law enforcement officials, these people are experienced and well trained provocateurs.
Portland rioters made a point to attack the Democratic Party's headquarters. Some protesters, men and women, uniformly dressed in black clothes, who left the Democratic headquarters carried signs. One banner had, "WE DON'T WANT BIDEN —WE WANT (in black paint) REVENGE (in red paint) For Police Imperialist and Fascist Murders Wars Massacres." (in black paint) The signs appeared to be professionally done.
One Portland group of rioters clashed with police, while another group of the rioters sought to damage the U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) building. Rioters painted a section of the ICE building with "Reunite families now," as a demand. Federal agents defended the premises with tear gas and stun guns. It is reported that six persons were arrested.
Again, the rioters exhibited an educated persona, be they antifa, anarchists, communist, socialists, BLM, or whomever.
However, some Portland rioters were quoted as asking, "What are we marching for?" One demonstrating leader described himself as a member of the Black Unity PDX. PDX is the airport designation of Portland, Oregon.
Both the Portland and Seattle federal courthouse buildings experienced attacks as did the ICE buildings. Over the years these socialist/Democrat attacks began to include federal courthouses.
Seattle, like Portland, is use to riots that include smashing windows, looting and destruction of property, and occasional injury or death.
Seattle officials appear to be more lenient and sympathetic to the rioters. The ultra-left city's elected officials excused the most destructive misconduct. The January 20th rioters even carried signs that clearly contained vile language and messages. One sign neatly printed , "F*** Trump" and "F*** Biden — they don't give a f*** about you."
Seattle officials and citizens accept desecration and burning of America flags, while waving of Communist countries flags, and anarchist flags as part of the riots, cause celebre.
The Seattle federal courthouse, subject of recent attacks, continued to function, albeit, with heightened security.
It does appear that the rioters and looters are criminal, but vehemently anti-social. The state and local governments of Oregon and Washington tolerate and excuse the rioting and destruction, including personal injuries and death. They repeat, "Freedom of speech," ad nauseum. Nationally, the Democrats and the news media purposely ignore the rioting and resulting injuries and damage, until forced to report the criminal actions.
A question to be answered is: Will the Biden administration take appropriate action when federal employees and/or property are harmed? Or will the Biden administration cower and excuse the rioting, looting and assaults with the accompanying property damage and personal injury, as the Oregon and Washington state and local officials do?
The most important questions are: Will federal, state and local officials prosecute those who committed criminal offenses? Or ignore them?
James H. Walsh was associate general counsel with the U.S. Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service from 1983 to 1994. Read James H. Walsh's Reports — More Here.
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