I would like to remind the readers of the recent historical context of things. Trump sent the federal troops to Portland just after he used federal troops to unlawfully shoot tear gas at peaceful protesters in D.C., for what appeared to be a photo op. Even General Milley apologized for being a part of that.
It makes people wonder if Trump sent the troops to Portland to give people something else to talk about, besides his lawlessness. Now we’re talking about the Portland rioters instead of Trump, the president, breaking the law. It has also gone by the wayside that these federal troops were not individually identifiable, which means they are armed to the hilt and unaccountable (a frightening, chilling development). They abducted people off the streets. This increased the protests and rioting. It was the wrong approach.
It is also constitutional to peacefully protest, but not to commit violent crimes. I’m guessing the crimes have been misdemeanors and therefore the people are posting bail. Glad to hear Mayor Wheeler and Gov. Kate Brown have gotten the FBI involved, as with prolonged time and repeated violence it has gone beyond First Amendment rights. I support democracy not authoritarianism.
