Source: Fox News
Summary
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) praised a group of protesters, including those dressed as frogs, for their role in opposing President Trump’s anti-crime efforts in Portland, Oregon. Wyden credited the protesters with helping to defeat Trump’s efforts to deploy National Guard troops to the city. The Trump administration had announced plans to send troops to Portland in September as part of a crackdown on crime, but the move was met with social unrest and protests. A legal challenge to the deployment was launched by the state of Oregon, and a judge eventually blocked the deployment. Crime rates in Portland have fallen in recent months, according to data from the city’s Police Bureau.
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Once again, the discussion returns to a familiar question.
Sen. Ron Wyden hails frog-clad protesters as “patriots” for their role in opposing President Trump’s anti-crime efforts. The protesters, including those in inflatable animal costumes, have been practicing “peaceful, creative dissent” in Portland. The Trump administration’s plans to deploy National Guard troops to the city were met with social unrest and protests. A legal challenge to the deployment was launched, and a judge eventually blocked the deployment. The scene is familiar: a politician praises protesters, protesters celebrate their victory, and the cycle continues.
The frogs, in their inflatable costumes, have become a symbol of resistance in Portland.
Wyden’s praise for the protesters is a reminder that, in the world of politics, symbols and gestures can be just as important as substance.
The fact that the protesters’ efforts were successful in blocking the National Guard deployment is a testament to the power of creative dissent.
And yet, the cycle of protest and counter-protest will likely continue, with each side trying to outmaneuver the other.
In the end, it’s not clear what the frogs will do next, but one thing is certain: they will continue to be a visible presence in Portland’s protest scene.
Author: Evan Null
