Yeah I was about to say the same thing. I am going to start using the word “controversial” in front of things I don’t like, just like the MSM always does. For example, the controversial Joe Biden victory.
The antifa (the protesters) said that they were going to send in 200 people to push and drag the “fascists” (marchers with the Multnomah County Republican Party) out of the parade.
The Portland Police Bureau is an awesome group of guys and gals. They kept everyone safe today and intervened when the antifa people tried to start trouble.
I will post some pics. I am not at the march myself - had a problem with my ankle and didn’t think I could walk for a mile or more.
The Police have separated the antifa from the free speech march so they are on opposite sides of the street. Their PA announcements are very impressive.
Portland Police are driving along with the march now. They have a truck towing a trailer, with what looks like about 20 SWAT officers. Not like we saw in Berkeley - these guys are excellent!
Some guy wearing a US flag as a cape and pretending to be a Trump supporter is outside the fence trying to start an argument with the antifa folks. No one inside the fence knows who he is. Typical disinformation tactic.
The rally is happening now. They’re inside a fenced basketball court at the park. A few protesters (not sure if they are antifa) are outside the fence with noisemakers. One person has a bull horn that makes a continuous siren sound, and several have little plastic horns that make a squeaky noise when they pump a little hand pump handle. They put glitter inside their little horns and blow glitter through the fence. That’s all the dialog they are able to have, is to make noise.
I haven’t either. I’m not sure they know who did it. The threat came from an anonymous email. The Oregon Republican Party has asked for an investigation and arrests.
Here's a better article about the cancellation. Portland police told KGW they were aware of the threats and were prepared to handle any disruptions.
"We were aware of threats to disrupt the Avenue of Roses Parade on Saturday and were prepared to provide a police response appropriate to the needs of the event, which has traditionally been a family-friendly affair," said Sgt. Pete Simpson with Portland police.
Then why the cancellation of the parade if the Portland police are so proactive?
You will have to ask the organizers about that. My theory is that they wimped out in the face of threats. Portland Police said that they were well able to handle any protesters, and they are. Here's what happened in January when some protesters blocked a street and a bus. And (my favorite) here's what happened in February when they blocked another street (skip to about the 5 minute mark if you want to avoid all the warnings that the protesters were given). I love how the clueless guy with the megaphone didn't even see the officers pulling up behind him. I don't know why the Portland Police aren't getting more publicity for what they're doing. Stuff like this is why I back the badge.
The parade may be canceled, but patriots instantly scheduled a replacement for it. The March for Free Speech 82nd ave will be happening this Saturday morning. We will assemble at the park and then walk down the sidewalk with flags and signs. If anyone tries to stop us, the Portland Police will be there to clear the sidewalk of any blockage. And if some misguided individuals try to start some violence with us (and it sounds like those plans are in the works), I feel sorry for them. Join us - we're turning our state red!