Portland City Councilor Calls Military to Action Against National Guard Deployment
Background on the Controversy
In a bold stance against what he describes as an "illegal and unprecedented assault on our civil rights," Councilor Mitch Green, an Army veteran and member of the Portland City Council, is urging both current and former members of the U.S. military to publicly oppose President Donald Trump’s planned deployment of the National Guard in Portland. Green made this call in a recent video statement, emphasizing the importance of standing up for constitutional rights.
Councilor Mitch Green at a Portland City Council meeting on Feb. 5, 2025, Portland, Ore.
Image by Anna Lueck for OPB
The Call to Arms
Standing in full Army fatigues at Terry Schrunk Plaza, located near Portland City Hall, Green appealed directly to military personnel, reminding them of their oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” In his statement, he highlighted a critical distinction:
“That oath does not grant the president a right to your absolute obedience. You have not only the right, but the duty to disobey an unlawful order.”
With tension mounting over civil liberties during these challenging times, Green’s appeal encourages active participation among military members in voicing concerns about the deployment.
A Progressive Voice
As a progressive member of the city council and an affiliate of the Democratic Socialists of America, Mitch Green has consistently vocalized opposition to various policies enacted by the Trump administration. His aggressive approach underscores a broader effort to protect the community’s rights amid federal intervention.
Earlier this year, he expressed his willingness to face arrest in the defense of the city against federal actions, stating:
“I feel an obligation to this city to be someone who, when this moment comes, takes that risk instead of rolling over for an authoritarian.”
Shared Military Experience
Mitch Green is not the only city council member with military background. District 4 colleague Eric Zimmerman, also an Army veteran and member of the Oregon National Guard, has chosen not to publicly comment on the matter. The presence of multiple veterans on the council adds a nuanced layer to the ongoing debate, bridging military experience with civic responsibility.
Community Response
Green is asking both service members and veterans to wear their uniforms as a form of peaceful protest against the deployment in Portland. He believes this action will foster solidarity and a sense of duty that many in the military have cultivated throughout their service.
“I’m asking you to engage in that sense of duty cultivated while in service and use your voice to speak out,” Green stated, appealing to the moral courage inherent in military service.
Conclusion
As the situation evolves, Mitch Green’s call to action underscores a pivotal moment for veterans and active military personnel in Portland. His commitment to defending civil rights and challenging federal overreach resonates within a larger context, reflecting ongoing national conversations about the balance between security and liberty.
Engagement among current and former members of the military will be crucial in shaping the narrative around this deployment. For those interested in the legal arguments regarding such federal actions, more information can be found in articles discussing the implications of military deployments on civil rights.
Additional Resources
- Department of Defense: Oath of Enlistment
- American Civil Liberties Union: Military and Civil Rights
- CNN: National Guard Deployments
This ongoing situation serves as a reminder of the importance of civic engagement, particularly during times of heightened tension.
