My hometown has become the subject of some scrutiny lately. Not about beer. Nevertheless, I have thoughts. [Short thread]

Donald Trump has sent in federal agents with no identifying information, in camo, to “protect federal facilities.” They are, by DHS’s own account, untrained in crowd control. They have been filmed snatching peaceful Polei testers and loading them into unmarked vans. 2/

They attacked a Navy vet who was just standing on the street, beating him until they crushed his hand. 3/

Oregon passed a law outlawing the use of tear gas except in the case of “riots.” Even the PPD has had a hard time using this loophole against the overwhelmingly peaceful protesters. The feds obey no such law and have been tear-gassing neighborhoods, harming civilians. 4/

This is all justified by claiming that the city is “under siege” by “anarchists” and (eeek!) anti-fascists. (Members of my family, fighting wars, were as well.) 5/ https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1285245997229264902

This is refuted easily by facts on the ground, including a group of white mothers who have come to offer support. 6/

Portland has a long history of rising to the challenge by taking to the streets. Already the number of protesters has spiked. If the federal goons don’t leave soon, they’ll grow and grow. There are WAY more citizens than goons. 7/

Basically every elected official in the state has called for the feds to leave. There is no controversy here, no support to “protect” citizens from the “riots.” 8/

We’re pissed off. This is gestapo stuff—attacking citizens so a scared little man can cling to power.

If you hear other narratives, don’t buy them. There is very little damage, no violence from the crowds. This is not America.

9/9

(Okay, not so short, this thread.)