NAACP Condemns Federal Troop Deployment In Portland Oregon
NAACP - AOWSACThe NAACP Alaska, Oregon, and Washington State Area Conference (AOWSAC) has issued a powerful condemnation of the recent deployment of federal troops in Portland, Oregon. In a firm statement, the civil rights organization characterized the presence of federal forces as a “military occupation of our cities,” standing in staunch opposition to what it sees as an unconstitutional suppression of civil liberties. The move comes amid ongoing demonstrations in the city, and the NAACP’s response amplifies concerns from local leaders about the escalating federal presence.
President Sheley Secrest of the NAACP AOWSAC emphasized the fundamental rights of citizens, stating, “Our citizens must retain the right to assemble, speak, and protest without fear of armed enforcement.” This sentiment was echoed by Vice President Tony Freeman, who warned that the situation in Portland sets a “dangerous precedent for further militarization of civic life.” The organization is calling for protests to remain peaceful and lawful but underscores that the courage of demonstrators deserves respect, not exploitation by federal overreach.
The NAACP AOWSAC also raised critical questions about the use of the National Guard, whose members are being deployed against Oregon residents. The organization argues that this action is a misuse of their service, a waste of taxpayer funds, and undermines their primary mission to respond to domestic emergencies and natural disasters. “Deploying the Guard in this way is disgraceful, wasteful, and built on a lie,” the press release declared, highlighting the distinction between the Guard’s intended purpose and their current deployment against peaceful protestors.
In its opposition, the NAACP AOWSAC aligns with Oregon’s elected leadership, including Governor Tina Kotek, to defend the community’s constitutional rights and dignity. The organization is issuing a clear and urgent demand for federal leadership to withdraw all troops immediately, restore local civil authority, and respect the constitutional freedoms of assembly and speech. Quoting Thomas Jefferson, the NAACP powerfully concluded, “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty,” reaffirming its commitment to achieving justice “by light, not by the gun.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does the NAACP oppose federal troops in Portland?
The NAACP opposes the deployment because it views it as a “military occupation” that infringes upon citizens’ constitutional rights to assemble and protest peacefully without fear of armed enforcement.
2. What does the NAACP AOWSAC believe is the proper role of the National Guard?
The NAACP AOWSAC states that the National Guard’s role is to defend the nation and respond to domestic emergencies and natural disasters, not to be used as a force against peaceful residents exercising their civil rights.
3. Who is the NAACP AOWSAC aligning with on this issue?
The organization stands with Oregon’s elected leadership, including Governor Tina Kotek, in defending the rights and dignity of the community against federal overreach.
4. What specific action is the NAACP calling for?
The NAACP is calling on federal leadership to immediately withdraw all troops from Portland, restore full civil authority to local leaders, and respect constitutional freedoms.
5. How does the NAACP view the protests in Portland?
The NAACP calls for protests to remain “peaceful, lawful, and resolute,” while affirming that the sacrifice and courage of protestors deserve respect and should not be exploited.
