The UPRISE Collective operating and living in the “war zone”…cue, eye roll track. Just to be clear there is no war zone in Portland and we don’t take that language lightly.  There are people, communities and countries currently living in the realities of actual war zones.  We have the privilege in this country to not know what that is like. The rhetoric that is flying though is exhausting, shocking and dangerous.

We just saw hundreds of thousands of people marching in the “No Kings” protests across the country.  People are fed up! Fed up with the lack of accountability, fed up with the fascist regime of Donald Trump who thinks they can override or ignore the constitution, law and policies they don’t like or agree with. Fed up with his shit, literally!

Over the weekend the white house had the audacity to release an AI video of Trump and Vance with crowns and the President flying in a jet over the American people literally releasing feces on them. In an effort to mock and discount the “No Kings” March Trump solidified the reason the “No Kings” march exists and had such a tremendous turn out.

And now, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has granted President Donald Trump’s appeal, meaning he can deploy National Guard troops to the City of Portland.  What was a small protest with a dozen or so regulars is now a global spectacle and a way for Trump to incite violence.  He wants a Nobel Peace prize for being the “President of Peace” while lying about the state and needs of American cities.

We can stand up to these lies by continuing to share the reality of your cities on your socials. Get involved in mutual aid support in your community. Volunteer at organizations providing direct aid and assistance to marginalized or targeted community.  Write letters to your elected officials. Be in community and take time to rest.  There is a role in community for each of us and not one of us has to do it all.  We take care of each other and we keep us safe!

In Solidarity,

The UPRISE Collective

Photo Credit: Jacque Dixon