Oregon looks at ban on using tear gas against crowds

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


ANDREW SELSKY,
Associated Press
Feb. 4, 2021
Updated: Feb. 4, 2021 4:47 p.m.

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Tear gas, pepper spray and impact munitions have been deployed by police for months against protesters in Portland, Oregon, enveloping neighborhoods and even a school yard in clouds of stinging, choking chemical agents.

Now, Oregon state Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Portland-area Democrat, is seeking to ban their use against crowds in one of the most sweeping measures in the country restricting tear gas and other riot-control munitions.
Bynum's legislative subcommittee on equitable policing heard a parade of witnesses this week via video link describe the harm caused by the substances. One woman said she almost died when tear gas was used on a crowd.

Such munitions have been regularly deployed as Portland police and federal agents have struggled to deal with some of the most persistent protesters in the country as they seek racial justice, an end to police brutality and immigration reform. Most demonstrators have been peaceful, but some have thrown objects at police and committed vandalism.

Under Bynum’s bill, local and state law enforcement could only use the munitions against an individual if physical force is justified.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/article/Oregon-looks-at-ban-on-using-tear-gas-against-15925578.php

[My Pet Orangutan]

1. The Portland 'protestors' are violent anarchists.

"We are ungovernable?" They deserve what they get.

[SmartJellyfish]

3. Exactly

Breaking store windows is not a valid form of protest. This situation has gone way beyond the BLM demonstrations last summer. Now it is just outright vandalism. Get tougher on these guys Ted!

[McKim]

2. I am So Glad!!!!

I am so glad!!!! I often avoid participating in demonstrations because of my asthma. If I knew that tear gas wouldn't be used, I could be there!!! This expands my civil rights. Not every demonstrations is by uncivil "anarchists" here. They are persistent and annoying, however, and this is hurting the downtown economy in our wonderful city. People are coming back downtown to shop with their families and this is a good sign. PORTLAND IS BACK!!!

[SmartJellyfish]

4. Direct your energy in a more useful way?

I can't think of a less effective method of change than yelling in the street with a sign. If you really want to make a difference, how about writing your representatives, organizing community discussions, fund raise for politicians that represent your views. Direct your energy into things that really matter. Mass demonstrations just attract the anarchists that we have seen in Portland for the last 8 months!