The Rising Tide of Lawlessness
In the heart of Portland, Oregon, a palpable tension hangs thick in the air as activists rally against the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The surrounding scenes of defiance—protestors encircling ICE facilities—serve as a stark reminder of America's tumultuous history with civil law enforcement. This isn't merely a skirmish against deportations; it reflects a deeper ideological war, one that verges on treasonous defiance against federal authority.
Portland as a Flashpoint
In recent weeks, the city has transformed into a battleground. Protesters, predominantly aligned with Antifa and other radical left-wing factions, are clashing with federal agents who are simply carrying out their federally mandated duties. These protests, marked by violence and obstruction, have led to increased law enforcement responses, yet the narrative spun by many in the media has glorified the militant actions of these protesters rather than condemning them.
“America fought a Civil War over Confederate states' efforts to ignore federal law.”
This historical parallel is unavoidable. Just as states in the 1860s declared their intent to secede from laws they deemed oppressive, so too are Portland's local leaders—elected officials steadfast in their support for these confrontations against federal agents. Such discourse raises urgent questions about the future of governance in America: are we witnessing a rebirth of the Confederacy under a different guise?
A Futile Quest for Open Borders
The crux of the matter lies within a fundamental contradiction. The protesters decry federal immigration law while having previously remained silent as millions entered the U.S. illegally during the lax regulations of recent years. It's as if they have turned a blind eye to the systematic inflation of welfare cases and rising crime rates directly resulting from unfettered immigration.
- In the past two years, an estimated 10 million illegal immigrants have entered the U.S. unchecked.
- Federal agents reported that a substantial portion of current deportations relate to criminals with prior records.
Yet the leftward tilt of Portland's leadership favors the anarchic approach, believing that a blend of civil disobedience and outright lawlessness can reshape national policy in favor of open borders. It is a dangerous gamble.
The Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions
Media narratives have largely sided with the protestors, painting them as freedom fighters rather than the assailants they are. This selective journalism breeds division and undermines the authority of law enforcement. Withal, local and state leaders, afflicted by their condescending moral superiority, have aligned themselves with these factions, abandoning their responsibilities to uphold the very laws they were elected to enforce.
The Reality of Federal Law
Americans must grasp a painful truth: laws governing immigration are designed to protect the rights of citizens. Federal agents should not be vilified for performing their duties. Portland's leaders seem to gamble on an illusion — that public sentiment can be twisted to support continual lawlessness a la carte. But history has shown that when federal laws are selectively enforced or ignored, chaos ensues.
Confronting the Threat of Anarchy
The implications of ongoing defiance against federal law are staggering. When a city such as Portland openly collaborates with protestors determined to undermine federal authority, it invites anarchy. Local officials, in their quest to placate constituents, allow Antifa and their ilk to operate above the law. This isn't merely a city governance issue but a critical national concern — one that threatens the core principles of American democracy.
“Such thinking entails utter indifference to any Portlanders who live near the siege and are nightly subjected to constant disruptions.”
The law-abiding citizens of Portland deserve better. They deserve protections that have been granted to them as citizens, not merely as spectators in a city warped by extremist ideologies. It's a betrayal when local governments shield lawbreakers while ignoring the legal rights of their citizens.
Looking Forward: A Call to Action
Restoring order in Portland—and cities like it—demands a combative approach against those who favor chaos over lawfulness. With federal laws designed to maintain societal balance, the enforcement must be unyielding. The neo-Confederate tactics we observe today, mirrored in the violent protests against ICE, reflect a disturbing fracture in our societal fabric that cannot and must not be tolerated. Federal forces may need to intervene to re-establish the primacy of law and protect American citizens from the aggression of those who would see it undermined.
As we forge ahead, we must hold accountable those responsible for this unrest. Leadership figures in Portland must reconsider their policies; public safety cannot be a pawn in the political game. Only by upholding the rule of law can we prevent the escalation of such conflicts and ensure that the rights of all citizens—those enforcing the law and those living peacefully—are protected.
Source reference: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/victor-davis-hanson-when-liberals-play-confederates-portlands-revolt-against-america
