US Military Too Busy Abroad to Invade Portland
During 2020 protests, the Trump administration allegedly discussed dispatching the 'battle-ready' 82nd Airborne Division to quell 'lawless mayhem' in Portland, Oregon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly considered the move, according to recently leaked texts. This unit, last seen 'restoring order' in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, was apparently deemed suitable for American streets. One
might wonder why a division specialized in forcible entry operations and precision strikes was considered for domestic dissent, rather than, say, local law enforcement. This deliberation for Portland, however, stands in stark contrast to the response observed on January 6th, 2021, when the perceived 'threat' was at the nation's capital itself. For months, the narrative from many mainstream outlets
and politicians painted the Portland protests as an existential threat requiring militarized intervention. Yet, when a mob breached the Capitol, some of these same figures suddenly found a newfound respect for 'political differences' and 'free speech.' Funny how military-grade solutions are always on the table for dissenters, but rarely for actual attempts to overthrow an election. Was the 82nd
airborne just busy that day?