From Happy New Year to Domestic Terrorism #ThisIsAmerica

No one in America should be surprised by the actions that have taken place in the last twenty four hours. It’s indicative of what activists, organizers and Black leaders have said for generations. America is solidly founded on the principals of white supremacy and the processes that allow it have brought us to this time.

Now it is time to demand accountability and listen to those who have been systematically marginalized and most affected by the violence of American policy.

Donald J. Trump has been afforded a platform that we should all recognize provides anyone, not just him, the leverage and proximity to fuel the type of insurrection and violence we continue to witness in America. This summer when we filed several lawsuits against the city of Portland and the Trump administration it was our intention to show the irreparable harm that many witnesses of police violence have already known.

On January 20th, a new president will be inaugurated. But on January 18th, we should all be taking a moment to honor and look at the work done by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

This year Don’t Shoot Portland is on the fence about having our annual march.  We don’t want to re-introduce trauma to our community.  The actions witnessed on January 6th 2021 triggered many of us and is causing severe PTSD for thousands of Portlanders directly affected by police violence. 

There is no evidence in Portland that would lead us to believe we will not be targeted and those peacefully protesting won’t be harmed.  It is life that is essential as we fight for non violence.  It is not a whisper, it has been a roar resounding for generations.  We honor those voices and the ones that will guide us in the future.  Regardless of what we decide we will continue to promote and engage in mutual aid and our ongoing work to build sustainable community action.

We encourage everyone reflecting on the leadership  and words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr to do as he has so many times, write a letter to your state leaders, not just signing it to a petition but a letter from your heart.  Help elected leaders and representatives in Washington D.C. know how you feel about America and what you believe we need to do together to make social change possible. 

We host rallies and events because we believe in People power and we know that the power of your voice is important and that the best action that we can take on that day would be to Honor King by making your heart known.  Use art, use words, movement or sounds to reflect, express and do something that helps to bring you peace.

Calls to action: 

Provide a testimony of what you have witnessed at protests against injustice in Portland and how this differs from the domestic terrorism that was witnessed at the Capitol. Explain how you feel and what you believe should be done.

We must also call our Senators and Representatives (202-224-3121) to demand the following: 

-Call for the immediate impeachment of Donald J. Trump;

-Hold the Senate accountable to convict and remove him; and 

-Censure every member of Congress who participated in the unconstitutional effort to stop the certification of the electoral college presidential results. 

We Are The Change! 
Thank you for continuing to support our ongoing work.