Tag: Domestic Military Intervention
DEA’s latest salvo in failed US war on drugs
“Project Safeguard” “It is astonishing that in the midst of a pandemic and calls for police reform, the DEA is using the same old heavy-handed tactics to address a public health issue.” by Andrea Germanos, staff…
National Guard spy plane monitored racial justice protest in sleepy Sacramento suburb where Commander lives
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office has acknowledged that the surveillance “should not have happened.” by Brett Wilkins, staff writer Tuesday, October 20 Residents of a Sacramento suburb were left scratching their heads and asking questions on Sunday…
Secretary of Defense won’t rule out deploying troops during election
Democratic Lawmakers Raise Alarm “We have not received a direct commitment from Secretary Esper that he will refuse commands from an illegitimate president,” lamented Rep. Mikie Sherrill. by Brett Wilkins, staff writer Democratic lawmakers on Tuesday…
Americans aren’t worried about white nationalism in the military – because they don’t know it’s there
There is a long history of links between white nationalist movements and the U.S. military. Bo Zaunders/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images by Jennifer Spindel, University of New Hampshire; Matt Motta, Oklahoma State University, and Robert Ralston,…
Sanders warns nation: Trump is laying groundwork for election result mayhem
“Trump is now using his lies and misinformation to sow confusion and chaos in the election process and undermine American democracy,” says the Vermont senator. by Jon Queally, staff writer Sunday, September 6 Warning of the…
Trump twists warning of election night results delay to suit his narrative, advocacy groups vow to make sure every vote counts
“Donald Trump is not running a re-election campaign. He’s running a power grab.” by Julia Conley, staff writer Wednesday, September 2 President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning openly embraced a theory put forth by analysts earlier…
President Defends Right-Wing Vigilante Charged With Murder
‘Trump Doesn’t Condemn It Because He Incites It’ “It puts the lie to Trump’s talk of ‘law and order’—his rhetoric incites violence and murder.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Tuesday, September 1 President Donald Trump late…
Federal agents sent to Kenosha, but history shows militarized policing in cities can escalate violence and trigger conflict
Sending in the feds to quell unrest often increases conflict on the ground, as it did this summer in Portland, Ore. Nathan Howard/Getty Images by Angélica Durán-Martínez, University of Massachusetts Lowell August 31 The U.S. Justice…
Trump plans Kenosha visit despite calls to stay away
‘Photo-Op for white nationalist president isn’t helpful,’ says Wisconsin Dem In a letter to Trump on Sunday, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers warned the president’s visit “will only delay our work to overcome division and move forward…
Amid violence in Portland, Biden and progressive critics emphasize that continued chaos is result of ‘Trump’s America’
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has consistently called for peaceful protests and condemned violence, but still faces accusations that he’s allowed Trump to claim the “law and order” mantle. by Julia Conley, staff writer Sunday, August…
I was tear gassed in Portland — and not just by Feds
Police departments are over-militarized at the local level, too. Here’s one way to change that. By Robert P. Alvarez July 30, 2020 The smell of tear gas is hard to describe, but it’s horrifying. It pinched…
Oregon Governor says Federal Agents are leaving Portland on Thursday; BUT: DHS, White House says not yet ‘The withdraw is conditional’
“The federal occupation of our community has brought a new kind of fear to our streets.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Wednesday, July 29 An immediate withdrawal of federal forces in Portland, Oregon appeared unlikely…
Militias’ warning of excessive federal power comes true – but where are they?
There are still militia members who support police, often called “back the blue” groups. Commentators have observed that silence from them and other Second Amendment supporters certainly seems to be hypocritical, at best, and possibly supportive…
Amid fears of a defeated Trump who won’t go willingly, Warren calls on Cabinet officials to end deployment of federal agents against protests
“This is an urgent matter for American democracy and for the safety of Americans peacefully protesting in their communities.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Wednesday, July 29 Specifically citing President Donald Trump’s refusal to commit to…
‘This Is…Kidnapping’: Video shows plainclothes NYPD officers throwing protester Into unmarked van
“Our civil liberties are on the brink,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “This is not a drill. There is no excuse for snatching women off the street and throwing them into unmarked vans.” by Jake Johnson, staff…
Real answers demanded after Barr dodges on government authority to aim ‘intrusive surveillance tools’ at protesters
“The public needs to know whether Attorney General Barr thinks President Trump can conduct mass surveillance of protesters without congressional authorization.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Tuesday, July 28 An exchange about government spying powers between…
Jayapal tears into William Barr at Oversight hearing
“Mr. Barr… I’m starting to lose my temper.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Tuesday, July 28 A fiery exchange during Tuesday’s House Judiciary Committee hearing between Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Attorney General William Barr over the…
How to hide from a drone – the subtle art of ‘ghosting’ in the age of surveillance
When DHS redirects large, fixed-wing drones from the U.S.-Mexico border to monitor protests, and when towns experiment with using drones to test people for fevers, it’s time to think about how many eyes are in the…
Six mayors demand congress block federal agents from US cities
‘Unacceptable, Un-American, and Unconstitutional’ “This provocation is resulting in direct physical harm to our communities and must end.” by Eoin Higgins, staff writer Tuesday, July 28 Six mayors from around the country sent a letter to…
4 lawsuits that challenge Trump’s federal agents in Portland test issues other cities will likely face
Federal officers using large amounts of tear gas against protesters in Portland, Oregon on July 21. John Rudoff/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images by Sarah J. Adams-Schoen, University of Oregon President Donald Trump has announced that the…
New Investigation Reveals How Fossil Fuel Giants Are Amplifying Militarized Police Forces
“This report sheds a harsh and needed light on the ways police violence and systemic racism intersect with the climate crisis.” by Andrea Germanos, staff writer Monday, July 27 The same industries fueling the climate crisis…
Federal crackdown in Portland provokes solidarity protests across the country
“This is my first protest,” said a 45-year-old woman who joined the “Wall of Moms” at a Saturday demonstration in Seattle. by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Saturday, July 26 People took to the streets in communities…
Massive protests in Portland continue, this time with “Wall of Vets” backing up protesters
“If the state of Oregon does not have standing to prevent this unconstitutional conduct by unidentified federal agents running roughshod over her citizens, who does?” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Saturday, July 25 After a…
‘We’re Ready’: Trump to deploy 75,000 Federal Agents into US cities
“Watching moms, reporters, medics, and peaceful protesters get tear gassed and beaten by federal agents on a regular basis,” said one critic, “isn’t the imagery I’d choose as a cornerstone of my campaign.” by Jon Queally,…
