By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following President Trump’s false claim of Portland being “war ravaged,” a Saturday visit revealed a stark contrast between his depiction and reality. Outside the ICE field office, only a few protesters demonstrated peacefully, defying Trump’s assertion of an “under siege” situation. The city’s downtown and farmers’ market exhibited normal weekend activity, far from any indication of a war zone, with residents even mocking the President’s statements on social media. This situation contrasts sharply with the narrative spread by conservative media.
Read the original article here
Portland residents are not exactly quaking in their boots at the prospect of Donald Trump sending in the military. The general sentiment seems to be a mixture of amusement, defiance, and outright disbelief, fueled by the shared understanding that their city, despite its progressive leanings and sometimes lively protests, is far from a war zone. The idea of federal troops descending upon Portland, under the guise of quelling unrest, is met with a collective eye roll and a healthy dose of skepticism.
The common reaction is that Trump is merely playing a political game, aiming to provoke a reaction and further divide the nation. Many believe he’s hoping for a dramatic confrontation to bolster his image among his supporters. It’s viewed as a calculated move to paint a picture of chaos and lawlessness, a narrative designed to solidify his base and potentially suppress votes in the upcoming election. They’re not buying it.
Instead of fear, there’s a sense of playful resistance. Suggestions range from block parties and art festivals to offering the troops snacks and souvenirs, effectively turning the situation into a comedy of errors. The idea is to disarm the military personnel, humanizing the situation and undermining the propaganda they’re likely being fed. The goal is not to engage in violent conflict, but to make a mockery of the very premise of a military intervention.
The residents are well aware that the reality of Portland clashes starkly with the image Trump is trying to portray. They know the city’s beauty, its vibrant culture, and its relatively peaceful environment. They understand that any international media presence will only serve to highlight the absurdity of the situation, exposing Trump’s narrative as a fabrication.
Many understand this move is far less about crime and order, and much more about consolidating power. The concern is that this is just a step toward an authoritarian regime, a pattern of behavior that has been evident throughout his tenure. The rhetoric of “law and order” is recognized as a dog whistle, a thinly veiled attempt to stoke racial tensions and punish political opponents.
There is fear that this is only the beginning. That if successful in Portland, this tactic could be deployed across the country. This is why Portland’s resistance is viewed as a fight for democracy itself. The stakes are perceived as high, and the need to resist Trump’s efforts to undermine democratic institutions is urgent.
There are some who worry that the military itself will become a tool of repression. The fear is that troops will be fed a distorted version of reality, leading them to view the local population as enemies. Therefore, residents are encouraged to engage with the troops, offer them a different perspective, and emphasize the city’s peaceful nature, and the fact that only thugs and trouble makers cause violence. The goal is to show the soldiers the absurdity of what they’ve been told.
There are those who believe that Trump’s actions are based on ignorance. The idea is that because he knows nothing about Portland, he’s operating on misinformation and preconceived notions. This belief further diminishes the threat, turning the whole thing into a clumsy attempt at intimidation.
Ultimately, the prevailing attitude is one of determined resilience. The residents are ready to defend their city, not with weapons and violence, but with humor, community spirit, and a steadfast commitment to their values. The message is clear: This is not a war zone, and they will not be intimidated.