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Rapping Back #93
Don't Do as We Do The Portland Police are not alone in bringing violence to the streets of their city. It's the American way. In addition to breaking up protests, roughing up suspects and shooting/killing often unarmed people, the police also do a lot of property damage when they search homes, "box in" cars, and engage in chases (see article). After students took over the PSU Library and yes, engaged in vandalism of that building, Schmautz ran a long post on April 30 titled "Drawing a Clear Line Against Violence." Letting it sink in that the cops who have led to over $2.5 million in payouts for the violence they inflicted on racial justice protestors in 2020 (see article) would be so sanctimonious, let's see what he means. From Schmautz. "Free speech. Violence. One is permitted. One isn't." He speaks out against "agitators who coopt free speech events in the name of violence, vandalism and chaos." To be fair, that sentence separates the idea of vandalism from violence but he doesn't make a distinction, really. He bemoans that the President of PSU "acquiesced" to the protestors by negotiating with them. "Give an inch and a mile is taken." Spoken like a true diplomat... from the United States. The PPB was called in and "thrust into a political maelstrom." He expresses support for free speech but, as the essay's title suggests, he "draws a line against violence, vandalism and destruction." He appreciates that Chief Bob Day, District Attorney Mike Schmidt, and the PSU President all spoke out. In a pop-up, Schmautz adds: "The question repeatedly confronting our community is whether the city or the Bureau are ready to navigate the expected challenges this election season. Given this week's events, it is clear that we must stand united in supporting free speech, draw a clear line against political violence... and our leaders must speak directly and lead with common sense and courage." He followed up a few days later on May 2, after the PPB had cleared the library and shown video of people running with vertically cut rubber trash cans and calling them "hardened shields," with another rant. He said the media had asked him about "another violent, criminal direct action event." Says Schmautz, "we've been here before." He says people want to destroy our city with political violence... yes, the elected leadership and its goon squad in blue! He was offended about a question that the police didn't show restraint. "Those who never hide the ball have demonstrated for the world who they are" -- maybe people are meant to understand this comment from the rest of his rant, it is not 100% clear what he means. He blames the PSU leadership for being fearful and naive and allowing the occupation to "place the entire city indanger." For those who don't live here, the PSU library takes up about one square block of an over 400 square block downtown area. He said the PPB showed "patience, temperance and restraint" while the "domestic terrorists became anxious, demonstrating their desire for destruction and conflict." He says that police were "attacked" as they cleared the library. Maybe he was referring to something other than the garbage cans, which video clearly shows were rammed into deliberately by the police, not the other way around. He mentions that police vehicles were burned, which happened miles away at the PPB training facility, though to be fair those who took responsibility tied their action to what happened at PSU. Schmautz ends by noting there were then 180 days until the election, and the police need to enlist the "citizen's [sic] help" to call out violence. OK, stop using violence, PPA! There, we helped. Other Topics Not as Impassioned
The five pieces about violence against cops include a recap of a 10 year anniversary event for Mick the K-9 dog (April 16), who was killed by a suspect in 2014 (PPR #62), and three about police memorial week (April 30 and two on May 13).
The Portland Police Association does not set policy. However, some PPA leadership, officers, and guest authors express negative attitudes toward citizens and civilian oversight in their newsletter. We worry these ideas may spread through the rank-and-file. |
September, 2024
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Portland Copwatch Portland Copwatch is a grassroots, volunteer organization promoting police accountability through citizen action.
People's Police Report
#93 Table of Contents
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