By Mark Walters
Editors Note: AmmoLand News welcomes Mark Walters to our growing list of the best and brightest gun rights commentators, who are watching out for your RKBA.
USA – -(Ammoland.com)- Mike Strickland. Do you recognize the name?
You should, but you’ll get a pass if you don’t. Like every other “major” story that isn’t, the “mainstream” media is failing to cover this man’s plight.
There’s an old saying, (it’s old to me only because I’ve been saying it for years) but it goes like this, “you’re only famous if someone knows who you are.”
Makes sense, right? Something or someone needs attention on a broad scale to gain notoriety, and if left unattended, it ain’t gonna happen. Poof, the nation remains ignorant to the deserved story because it doesn’t fit a political agenda. Or does it?
Unfortunately, on our side of the fence over here as gun rights supporters, advocates, activists, writers, talk show hosts, podcasters, etc., we see this all too often.
A story of self-defense, so compelling that the nation needs to see and hear it, yet it is blatantly and intentionally neglected by the “dominant” and failing “mainstream” media.
Another saying I’ll take credit for is this, “It isn’t the stories they cover or how they cover them that make the media so biased against us, more importantly, it’s the stories they don’t cover that make them so dangerous.” This is one of those stories.
Keep in mind that I’m aware that many of us here on these pages might very well know about Mike Strickland but understand that it isn’t you I’m talking about. It’s the hundreds of millions of American’s who do NOT read these pages. Look, we’re plugged in over here, I get that and so do you, so do the advertisers, and anyone else who cares to read the great information presented here at AmmoLand News, but let’s be real for a moment, shall we?
There are hundreds of millions of Americans who never see this stuff, and have never heard of Mike Strickland and, well dammit, they should. Mike Strickland should be in every living room, computer screen, tablet, phone, internet site and evening cable and broadcast news program in America. But he won’t be unless we do something about it.
In a nutshell for those of you may not be aware of Mike and his plight, here’s the “crib notes” version. Mike is an independent journalist/videographer who was covering a progressive anarchist “demonstration” in Portland, Oregon when he became surrounded by a mob of radical, anarchists. You know the types, the one in masks that throw bottles and break things, otherwise known as peaceful Democrat “protestors” supported by the former president “What’s His Face.”
As the mob continued to surround and outflank him, they chanted “get him” and other nasty garbage. Mike did what any expert would teach any student to do; he retreated as best he could before being surrounded and overwhelmed by the ever growing mob. Realizing he was now nearly surrounded and in fear for his life, Mike drew his lawfully concealed firearm and used it to keep the crowd at bay. He never fired a shot, and in fact, his finger never touched the trigger.
Law enforcement finally arrived, and after some investigation, Mike was charged (wrongly in my opinion) with misdemeanor menacing. Here’s some information from talk radio host, Victoria Taft:
“A witness in court testified there had been a conspiracy by anarchists to assault him and toss him out of the rally. Strickland was questioned and released the night of his attack and he was ordered to court on a misdemeanor count of menacing. When it was discovered who prosecutors had–the hated Laughing at Liberals guy–the 1 (sic) charge turned into 21 (sic) and the 1 (sic) misdemeanor turned into multiple felonies.”
The leftist political machine in Portland had their guy and they weren’t going to let go. When jury selection began, it was found that the jury pool was tainted as a few members of the pool had actually been part of the anarchist protest that day. Mike opted for a bench trial. As Victoria tells it:
“Strickland’s bail blew up to $250,000. The charges included 10 counts of unlawful use of a weapon, 10 counts of menacing and one count of disorderly conduct.
Court watchers told me that after fewer than five minutes of reflection, on Friday, February 10, 2017, Judge Thomas Ryan announced his verdict: guilty on all 21 counts.
By now you may have read the various posts about this case. Maybe you’ve seen the video of the mob going after Strickland.
Here’s what you don’t know.
Ever since Strickland was formally charged, his own video of what happened that day has been under seal. It saw daylight only to be shown in court the day the judge convicted him. The judge said the attack by the mob should have NO bearing on Strickland’s actions that day.
But there’s more.
Strickland has been ordered not to do what he did for a living. He can’t work.
- He can’t blog or write.
- He can’t go near any protest.
- He can’t video any protest.
The institutional left in Portland has silenced a contrary political voice. Moreover, the institutional left in Portland has done so to a journalist.
Mike Strickland now faces fifty years in an Oregon penitentiary for drawing his lawfully concealed weapons to defend himself from an advancing mob of progressive, anarchist, Obama/Clinton Democrats while trying to retreat to safety.
Think this can’t happen to you because Trump got elected? Think again. Now we need to act like winners and part of winning is letting the other side know that this ain’t over until we say it’s over. You can help by visiting www.oregonfirearms.org to donate and help this man.
Remember, he could have been you.
About Mark Walters
Mark Walters is the host of two nationally syndicated radio broadcasts, Armed American Radio and Armed American Radio’s Daily Defense with Mark Walters. He is the Second Amendment Foundations 2015 Gun Rights Defender of the Year award recipient and co-author of two books, Lessons from Armed America with Kathy Jackson (Whitefeather Press) and Lessons from UnArmed America with Rob Pincus (Whitefeather Press)
Ok, There is an updated Article here. https://www.ammoland.com/2017/09/update-portland-crime-self-defense/
Please post any further commentary there, preferably after Reading the Article. Mark Walters did a good job here, and Jeff Knox brings us some updated information on the new article. With luck we can leave the lies that were disproven here where they belong, at rest…
I have, up to now, contributed almost nothing to this ongoing discussion. Departing from that status, and having paid at least some attention to comment posted here, it seems to me that much of it could be described as Mine Is Bigger Than Yours. That said, it seems like the antics of the trial judge and prosecution, of and in themselves, would constitute substantial grounds for question and appeal. Of course, appeals can cost lots of money, lots of money possibly being something not readily available. That said, it strikes me that no charges should have been brought in the… Read more »
By the way, my references to Ken’s comments are not his exact words, rather they are based on my recollections of conversations.
Alan, Well said.. I would only add to your comment that readiness to fire does not equate to ultimately pulling the trigger, not that your statement was lacking. While producing a firearm is often all that is needed as was the case described above, if you are not in a mental state of readiness to follow through it is as you and your friend have pointed out. And yes, I am aware some of my comments may be what you are referring to. When it comes to “Who’s is bigger” or someone proving they are right, I will simply say… Read more »
well.
once he drew his weapon he should walked off, and left the scene.
i HOPE HE WINS ON APPEAL.
BUT ALL THESE DAMN LEFTIST COMMUNIST CITIES ARE GOING TO HAVE TO BE TAKEN OVER BY REAL AMERICANS BEFORE TO MUCH LONGER, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER.
He won’t. It has nothing to do with political climate. It’s the fact that he pulled a gun when he had the opportunity to LEAVE. He should have simply walked away. Found an officer, and had them deal with the crowd.
He had the right to be unmolested. The crowd had the obligation to leave him alone.
I DID NOT POST THIS!!! My name is Samuel….. I am sorry if anyone may have been offended by any posts submitted under the name of “Anthony” or any derivative. I have had to deactivate my FB about a month ago. Please let me know if there are any problems that came from posting.
I will say this, after reading what happened, it seems that this young man got a bad deal. Is there some donation for his defense set up? WOW!
Thanks!
No Worries Samuel, we try to make sure not to hold anyone else accountable for the actions of another. Don’t feel like you need to apologize for someone else.
@ James
Sorry, you sound suspiciously like an agitator plant. There is no “one way or another” if you are a conservative or a constitutionalist. We don’t engage in that kind of ANTIFA/Red Guard crap. If you wish to continue along those lines, the Wacko Basket is three doors down and to the left.
Ok, this is for the people who don’t know better, and have not read up on the entire case. This is a 6 month old article. The victim in question was initially charged with a misdemeanor, until the Judge and Prosecutor found out he is the journalist behind the “Laughing at liberals” blog. Upon hearing this, the judge threw the book at him, and silenced any use of his video evidence both in court, and from public viewing. Funny, idiot judges seem to enjoy over use of gag orders like that. Read up on the case, stop making uninformed comments… Read more »
Over the last few days you have called others trolls and plants as you claim to be defending free speech. That others are seeing the event differently than you is part of American tenets. YOU are doing EXACTLY what you claim the left is doing to you. And you’re doing it to people who are mostly likely gun right supporters. I have not called you anything, I just expressed I see the event differently. And I’m betting I’ve had more experience with gun rights, civil rights and gun control opposition than you. As far as actual training with firearms, I’m… Read more »
@Eric Here is the difference, and Notice, I already stated that I do not believe you to be one of the socialist progressives who come to this site in another comment. What I did label you as is a low information voter, or in otherwords the kind of person progressives target to get them to come onto sites like this and “Troll” Comments meant to muddy the waters. Opinion Vs Fact. You have openly chosen to reject factual evidence to repeatedly state your own personal opinion, or “Choosing to see the event Differently.” as you put it. I’m sorry, but… Read more »
While my other comments await Moderation, this is to other readers. Notice, Eric has yet to account for the question of Video Evidence contrary to his claims. It is the series of Posts he has continually made on this article propagating the lie that “Mike Strickland did not attempt to retreat” that have earned him the title of Troll. I’ll be honest, I did not give him any other option other than run away, acknowledge the lie, or as he has done here, attempted to discredit me while ignoring the evidence laid out against him. In my post to Bill… Read more »
@Rev, You need not feel as though you need to defend your choice of nom de plume. It is far more clever than “Eric”. Who in the world of operational security would use their own real name.
@Wild Bill Trust me, I could honestly care less about whether or not I have his respect. He lied, got called on it, and now he is upset his argument has no weight. At this point, I’m not worried about Eric. The person I am working on is the unread individual who chances upon the comments section here. My goal is to prevent them from falling into the same mistake Eric has so thoroughly patented. I just thought I would put it out there why I chose the name, and why I am attempting to make my actions match my… Read more »
@Oldvet
If you are referring to moderation, it’s fine. I know the guys running this site have their hands full, and sometimes it takes time. I was just stating that some other comments which had been written prior to others were on their way. I try to encourage others to be patient when they see that little notice, and I for sure sympathize with the guys doing the moderation as my comments can be rather…. Voluminous…
On the plus side, looks like they are up now.
THE government and the cop. is get one at time the that got the ball to stand up for out right in U. S. A.
The gov, and cop is get us men one at time that got ball to stand up for our right and the right we got live in U. S. A.
His lawyer(s) need to get identities of these witness who claim he was the aggressor,
then file civil lawsuits against each of them.
Appeal should prevail but it will be expensive.
He should have used pepper spray as primary self defense weapon.
He might, even after displaying pepper spray, have been convicted by what might well be described as a Kangaroo Court.
that would be witness intimidation and would be illegal.
George…. I don’t know if you know this, but in America you have the right to face your accusers. That means knowing their names. Also, perjury happens to be a crime, and Slander or Libel are statutes which can be brought in civil suits. Now, when “Witnesses” lie in a police report or to a court, yes they are breaking the law. It is in no way “Witness intimidation” as you would claim to file lawsuits against them. Witness intimidation involves threat of harm to coerce a certain testimony or non participation in a trial. Perjury is not covered under… Read more »
Born and raised in Oregon, schooled and working in Portland, I no longer recognize my City of Roses, now better named City of Thorns. I am sickened at the brutal example of what can happen to a vibrant and intelligent city by allowing it, through the wrong kind of politicians and the growth of socialist influences, to be taken over by thugs, propagandists, and haters maquarading as some form of civil behavior, until the feeding frenzy erupts, as in this case. These are anarchists, race-baiters, and largely free-loaders, like a rat colony feeding off a society that either welcomes them,… Read more »
Simple solution, he shouldn’t have been there. Journalist or not. When the cheese began to bind he should have evaporated, I’d never have been there in the first place. Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention I’m also legally armed but my stuff doesn’t hold a hundred rounds.
Bill…… Were you born stupid, or do you just come by it naturally? It appears as though you support the idea of prohibiting certain citizens from being allowed in certain places in our country because they are “Safe Spaces”, where people of a certain political mind set do not want any criminal act they commit to be filmed by honest citizens. He had every right to be there, and in case you have not read up on the whole case, he was attempting to leave when he was outnumbered and surrounded. He drew his firearm only to clear a path… Read more »
I love it when a comment is posted here that brings out the cock roaches. My point is and was he shouldn’t have been there in the first place. His own judgement was to blame for his situation.100 rounds reference is only to illustrate the number of people around him at the time and he can’t take all of them out with what he had. Revelator, go back into your hole, nothing was mentioned about gun free zones. You show your ignorance of the situation by your comments, but to each his own interpretation of each situation. With your mental… Read more »
Funny Bill, And yet you still follow the Three D’s of the socialist agitator. 1. Deny 2. Dismiss 3. Destroy So far, you have done the first two, by denying your own implication of justifying what you carry which had no correlation to the above article. You have attempted to dismiss me as someone unworthy of your time in the hopes anyone else might agree. Want to try for the third as well? I can’t help but sit here and laugh. The idea that someone is not allowed to work as a reporter, or it shows bad judgement on his… Read more »
To Everyone else. Notice Bill had to return to the number 100. While many protestors were in the area on that day, the group which was pursuing him as he was attempting to leave consisted of around 10 to 25 individuals at any one time in close proximity. Of course, this does not stop him from trying to self justify himself as being “holier than thou” in terms of sensibility. Having been called on this, since his own “sensibility” is what he is using to allow him to blame the victim, his story has now changed to “If he can’t… Read more »
Hey Bill … quick question for ya. Do you think that five to ten people could beat one other individual to death with their fists, feet or whatever they might be able to lay their hands on? Do you think he has a right to defend his own life? Do you think he MIGHT… JUST MIGHT have felt in fear for his life so he lawfully pulled the only thing which would even the odds against him and save his life? You might want to lay down and have the crap stomped out of you (most normal folks don’t), but… Read more »
VE Vet, I’m surprised by your comment. I think you’ve taken what I posted the wrong way. I’m also a vet, not a spring chicken by any means, my age also places me in that era, the old man’s club. I take offence to all the name calling here as it simply shows the mental attitude of some who just like to agitate then try to keep the flames burning with more name calling. I’ll not participate in more of this juvenile behavior. And the post by Eric hits the nail right on the head.
@BN, It is hard to take your post wrong, when you agree with Eric. Eric ignores the law (the right to remain unmolested), and the facts (disparity of force and the crowd was attempting to flank him). You, as a vet, should know the seriousness of getting flanked by Opfors.
@Bill N. Here is the difference between you and VE Veteran Bill. VE Vet posted what is factually true. He started from a point of Factual evidence and chose to agree or align his opinion to that after consideration of those facts. What you did was the opposite, choosing to begin from a position of opinion first and then trying to create evidence to justify that opinion. I will explain, politely. Here are the facts backing up VE Vet’s statement. 1. Every person is armed whether they are holding a weapon in their hands or not. 2. When outnumbered, the… Read more »
Bill, why shouldn’t he have been there? The right to not only assemble, but to have freedom to speak is given to us all, as a journalist he was speaking through what he recorded. As for the cheese that binds us together, may want to look at the groups that he was recording, they are the ones that are yelling for a overthrow of our government, they scream about racism, but they are the first to cast blame on people because of their skin color with their “White Privilege” nonsense. As for being armed and how many rounds your weapon… Read more »
Whoa Whoa Whoa!!!! Hold up on that Carwash Timothy… You are using common sense. Bill Doesn’t like that. It means tough questions. It means he can’t look morally superior when you begin quoting the constitution. He might decide you are not worthy of his time, Perish the thought!!! That’s why he’s been called out as a troll. We know why that comment was placed here. The truly sad part is he was dumb enough to think by saying “He carries too!” that it would absolve him from any critical analysis of his comment. Good post brother, excellent job at sticking… Read more »
I like your style Revelator! Well spoken with facts behind it. Libs don’t like facts.
Progressive Liberals yes. Their mantra is “Never let facts get in the way of a good lie.” Classical Liberals on the other hand are what we today refer to as true intellectuals. They value facts, but often have not been presented with evidence contrary to what they are routinely fed through Mass Media. When shown multiple options, they generally choose the one based on factual evidence. Then you have people like Bill N. Low information voters who believe their opinion carries weight, and must be heard by the world or it won’t survive! This is the type of individual Progressive… Read more »
Tim, when I, like all who are former military or active military including reservists, took an oath to defend our constitution from all enemies, both foreign and domestic when I was inducted. When I separated I do not remember any one telling me my oath was rescinded, so don’t quote rights to me.You don’t understand the expression “when the cheese becomes binding” it doesn’t have anything to do with binding us together. The reference to the amount of ammo has been taken out of context. Maybe I can phrase it so the younger generation can understand, would you go elephant… Read more »
For anyone Interested, See the above post in response to Bill N questioning VE vet. For this one, Sorry, there is still the little matter of Video Evidence showing Mike Strickland trying to remove himself from the situation, and the protestors pursuing him. Eric, is spreading an outright lie. Pure and simple. There is no debate about it, it’s right there captured on video. Bill N agreeing with Eric does not change this fact. They do have the right to choose to ignore factual evidence. Sure.. That is called delusion, the rejection of reality in opposition to fact to favor… Read more »
@ Revelator. Thanks for backing me on my post to Bill N. Common Sense dictates that certain situations are inherently dangerous and if one should have the misfortune to be caught in said situation – do what you must to preserve your life – or else don’t give it away cheaply. All people on here who have thought that the Reporter should not have been there are like ostriches trying to bury their heads in the sand. I am a realist and the reality is that when faced with mobs – you need to do whatever you can to protect… Read more »
@BN, your Eric was spot wrong! He can neither interpret the facts, nor apply the law of self defense. He confuses elements and facts (e.g. drawing is not deadly force. Pointing in a safe direction is not deadly force. Shooting is deadly force.)
he was very stupid and reckless
Excuse me, but please provide evidence to back up what you are saying George. Or perhaps answer this question. Was it as stupid and reckless as posting a comment about a court case online without knowing the Case in detail or all evidence pertaining to it? Or maybe as stupid and reckless as thinking your opinion constitutes fact when it does not?
@moomoo, George, He had a right to be left alone. The crowd had an obligation to leave him alone.
I heard your narrative but not one video was playing. What’s going on?
6 Month old article?
Google Owns YouTube, and does not like conservatives or viewpoints that challenge their political Agenda?
Google owns YouTube and………..
You are trying to watch on a phone or tablet..
Your Computer needs updating..
Take your pick. I just checked each and they are still up, but for how long, who knows.
Can we get President Trump’s to pardon him?
Interesting question.
@JD, In theory, yes, but he has not exhausted his appeals, yet. So, it is a little early.
What is this noise about Strickland pointing the gun at people? When I first saw this video, I was struck by how Strickland kept pointing his pistol toward the ground, as if to keep the mob back, rather than at any people. There was no way Strickland could have pulled this weapon in Portlandia, and not get arrested, unless, of course, the mob killed him. In other words: Michael Strickland was arrested on a SWC (Surviving While Caucasian) charge, by Portlandia’s Jackbooted Thug Club..
What video are you looking at?? The last one clearly shows the gun pointed at people…it was a few seconds later he lowered it.
Hey Eric,
Before you go asking other people about whether or not they paid attention to a video, Perhaps you should address the comments directed at you?
For Example.
In the 12 minute video, Mike Strickland can clearly be seen trying to extricate himself from the situation while being pursued by a group of protestors with very aggressive body language.
In spite of this, you have spent the last few days claiming that Strickland never did attempt to leave the area in direct contradiction to video evidence.
Care to explain that one?
The government and the law only consider you a victim if you are killed especially if you are a gun proponent.
If you feel threatened enough to pull your gun you must pull the trigger and take out the threat If not you will be convicted for pulling out your weapon and be sentenced. Either way the left wins and you loose. Take out the threat with you and make the world a safer place.
The entire Left Coast is communoid. Don’t be surprised if the three states secede and form a people’s republic (sarc)
I wish the hell they would secede. Let’em get a taste of the “Union Forces” like us Southerners did.
Crazyfornia wouldn’t last 10 minutes in a real war, let alone 5 years like the South did.
Better if it just drops off intothe ocean and floats away IMHO
His mistake was being in Portland to begin with……it’s all down hill from there.
Oregon is as fouled up as New Jersey. You could’nt even pump ypurvown gas in your car last time I was in Oregon.
Haha, I’m the only one left to hear you. Thanks for keeping this comment section alive.
It is ILLEGAL to defend yourself against “BLM Thugs” – Whites are required to be “thankful to have survived” victims . . . (if you survive) – The point of BLM, as supported by radical progressive democrats is to INTIMIDATE AND INSTILL FEAR in police and white America. If it was legal to shoot them in self defense, it would ruin “the plan”. Usually, when communist takeovers of a country rile up violent mobs in the streets to FORCE THEIR AGENDA – citizens are UNARMED – in America, they have not succeeded in disarming us YET (Though they work RELENTLESSLY… Read more »
BLM = Blue Lives Matter
OV and Corky, Billionaire Laidout Money
Ok I think Wild Bill won this one. Oldvet’s is a close second though.
From now on, when we have protests covered on TV it can be a Billionaire Laidout Money protest. Say…. Monday was Labor Day and they had a big one in Chicago. =D
@old vet, that’s funny.
in other words…he was convicted of defending himself from a mob…government is outa control
Government sure is out of control. This man had a whole pack of wolves aiming for him. Did notice one did get behind him and pushed him. Bunch of cowards with the rags around their heads and cover up. If they are so proud of what they are doing, there would be no MASKS, RAGS, or WHATEVER you want to call it. They do not want to be identified. What gives them the right to tell him to leave when they are ambushing him. That is all wrong. He had every right to defend himself should they lunge at him,… Read more »
No, he was convicted of defending himself against the government. BLM members are the lefts useful idiots.
I have no reason and zero interest in ever going to Portland or that state. If I was an armed citizen in Portland and a terrorist began to randomly kill innocent people I would just walk away. In any sensible state I would do my best to try and stop an active shooter. Let all those people who favor the socialist agaenda move to Portland and be happily isolated there. They can march and protest all they want. Just keep them there so their diseased political agenda doesn’t spread more sickness throughout America. Nothing personal. Generally, their depraved condition becomes… Read more »
I used to live in Vancouver, WA next door to Portland. Over the past several decades, as people from Kalifornia moved to Portland, Portlanders began moving to Vancouver, polluting both sides of the Columbia River with liberalism. Portland copied the slogan “Keep Portland weird”. I printed my own bumper sticker that said “Keep the Weird in Portland”.
Good for you!!! Ridiculous how these hoodlums will intimidate one man when they all are ganging up against him. Yet he is being prosecuted for trying to protect himself. I would have done the same if I was in his situation.
Portland is gross, but Oregon outside of it is absolutely beautiful. Don’t be dissuaded because of Portland, check out Oregon anyway, the hiking is incredible.
His mistake was pointing at people. What he should have done was pulled and held it at his side ready to use.
Pointing a gun, a BB guns, or a bar of soap shaped like a gun will get you convicted. However as long as you dont point it at someone you have the right to have it in your hand.
Think again…here’s a section of an article titled “6 Times an Armed Homeowner Answered the Door & Paid the Price” by Massad Ayoob “However, let’s look at the crime of aggravated assault. According to findlaw.com, “Use of a deadly weapon during an assault constitutes aggravated assault. This applies whether or not the weapon causes physical injury to anyone. Basic assault does not require physical harm, but rather that the perpetrator behaves in a way intended to put someone in reasonable fear for their safety. Someone who does this by threatening the person with a deadly weapon commits aggravated assault because… Read more »
What does a lawyer and a sperm have in common? Each has 1 in 500 million chances of becoming a human being.
It is because of lawyers that our rights have been eaten away at and now we have this poor excuse for a society.
So I guess all you fruits on the left expect that he should of done nothing at all and allowed all of you radical violent fools to attack him and beat him within an inch of his life? Well, “F” that you waste of life bunch. You on the Left are really going to regret continuing to push and push and push and think those of us on the Right are not going to do anything, sadly mistaken.
I strongly concur with you Eric!!!. When is enough, enough ?!!!. I am so sick of the communist liberal Party punks it’s unbelievable who in the hell do these people think they are just because I/we don’t believe in there way of life style they have to force it on to us. I sorry I am not going to take it any longer. I am a conservative and a strong one at that . I won’t force my views on to them and they won’t force there view on to me and we will get along just fine.
Right on, Wild Bill. Years ago, I thought I would help people by being a social worker. However, that became a NIGHTMARE. In my five years with a county government, 99% of the “clients” were black. Most were anti-white, lazy, expecting, demanding, lying leeches, robbing the “assistance” (handout) programs – paid for by working taxpayers. At that time, the AFDC (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) program was still operating. Black women would have more babies – by different fathers – to get more money. It was one of many horrible abuses to the programs. Blacks should be very grateful… Read more »
Send your comment to the National Association of Social Workers. It won’t get printed but at least you’ll continue to pick at the PC defensive shield with which they insulate themselves. If reality continues to pick away at them perhaps the shield will crack. BTW I am a social worker and I quit the NASW years ago. It’s good not to generalize though. Even though I saw what you saw, even with some of the Anglophiles, many of my therapy clients were actually glad that I challenged and helped them out of their victim consciousness and learned helplessness and into… Read more »
Some of LBJ’s thoughts about negating black people as an effective economic and political group by addicting them to federal government handouts have leaked out. He cleverly called it his war on poverty.
There are many reasons why blacks changed from being largely friendly and harmonious in the 1950’s and 1960’s to their anti-white, pompous, expecting, demanding, violent, crime-committing ways today. You can study history and learn them all. It’s angering that our “leaders” (not) just LET ALL THIS HELL HAPPEN. Mike Strickland knew that this would be a dangerous event, and he took his legal gun. When he was threatened, he had the right to defend himself with his gun. Amazingly, he had the maturity and patience not to fire. People should be very grateful for that. As blacks became increasingly pompous,… Read more »
Saddletramp, Where did you get that truism? There is lots more you can do (call DivArty, call your close air support, hide in place and pick of officers, NCOs, anybody waiving their arms around like they are giving orders, execute your break contact drill). It all depends upon your: plan, to include: mission, friendly and enemy, time, and terrain). Unless your comment contemplates only the civilian world. If your comment is about the civilian word, then the law of self defense governs. No need to temporarily evade if the statute in your state does not require it. I think that… Read more »
It is a given that one should not engage a far superior force under two conditions:
1 ) Temporary evasion or retreat is possible
2 ) Your additional forces are under way or close by
This reporter violated both conditions. He had a clear route of retreat. His life was not in danger. It is not any wonder that he was found guilty of brandishing a weapon. He could have been charged with more than brandishing
As the mob continued to surround and outflank him, they chanted “get him” and other nasty garbage. What part of that was he able to Retreat of leave the Area?
No. He had the means to avoid further confrontation and instead continued to engage. This was stupid. When there is no way to win and a way out…get out.
My suggestion to anyone ever in a difficult position such as this with no way out and they keep coming closer and closer. Open fire and don’t hold back. Remember that it is much better to be judged by twelve than to be carried by six.
You’re a lawyer eh? That is just stupid advice. First, if you find yourself surrounded by a hostile crowd…you’re an idiot who failed the first two steps in self-defense. Situational awareness and avoidance. Int he case we are discussing that moron had a chance to make a different choice. But no, instead he went further into the situation. Duh. Next, he STILL had egress before he pulled a gun. And STILL he failed to use that option. Duh. Whether you or others like it or not, the reality is that had he fired he’d be in prison. As it turned… Read more »
@Eric, Yes, but remember, situational awareness and avoidance, even though good tactics, are not legal elements of the law of self defense. Even a moron has a civil right to be left alone, and the crowd has a legal obligation to keep their hands off of the moron.
The disparity of force in this instance speaks for itself. A crowd moves to surround a seeming defenseless victim.
@ Wild Bill I think you are attempting to argue reality with someone who is entirely devoid of said substance. Eric apparently knows nothing or next to it about the case, how Strickland was trying to extricate himself from the situation and drew only as a final option… Right now, every alarm I have is saying for some reason multiple Trolls have decided to swarm this 6 month old article. Eric stated “And STILL he failed to use that option(Egressing)” That makes Mr. Eric an outright liar as well as a troll, unless he wants to admit to making a… Read more »
@ The Rev. I am afraid that you are correct. I don’t think that he knows much about Rights, either.
@Wild Bill Remember, to your standard socialist progressive, rights only exist in their minds as tools to overthrow those they view as oppressors(As long as you acknowledge that as a minority you need to place the most privileged, wisest, and benevolent in positions of power to guide you through life). At least, that is the way they speak of rights extant. Their real belief is that rights exist as a fallacy, simply as a means of controlling a populace through complacency until they have cemented power as such to become unopposable. Just below that rung, is the useful boob, to… Read more »
I agree with Eric. He should have walked away and called police, gave his general location while LEAVING THE AREA. His no immediate deadly threat ever existed. I agree with the judge’s decision. The sentence may be a bit harsh… but the totality of this young man’s record is taken into account. It’s not about what is fair. It is about the law. He clearly did not adhere to the law. CCW carriers ( unless you live in a state that IS Constitutional Carry ), know that there are strict conditions to carry a concealed firearm. I am surprised with… Read more »
Totality of his record of this young man’s record. What’s this record you speak of, the record of free speech, laughing at libtards, you sir are a troll.
@Unior, I for one am so grateful to have someone that was not even at the scene decide for all of us what we should do. Mind you that the journalist had a right to be there. Mind you the guy was trying to walk away. Mind you that the crowd was trying to flank him. Mind you that he did not shoot anyone. Some how he was wrong. That case is the most pathetic legal analysis, that I have ever read about. Other errors: the law is not void of emotion. Much of our “law” to day is the… Read more »
Troll
@kristensdad
Yes, Anthony is a known Troll.
“A troll or troller in internet slang is someone that starts arguments or upsets people by posting off-topic or extraneous messages in some type of online community. Their goal is to cause people to get emotional and to harass people online”…… this I definitely am NOT! So…..why don’t you Good People just listen to reason. If you want others to be spared the same fate as Mr. Strickland, call the State Assembly Members that currently occupy Oregon’s government and see if you can get the laws changed. Until then, the law is clear…. unless there is an imminent threat, keep… Read more »
@Unior When someone is a troll here, it is because they are voicing a progressive idea on a conservative/pro second amendment site with a direct attempt to muddy the water or provoke argument between people normally in agreement with those values. So it doesn’t matter if you say “I’m not a troll.” If that is what you are doing, then yes, you are a troll. We have plenty here, some who do so professionally for political reasons. Lets cover the definition of “Reason”, or more specifically Rationality, the act of reasoning. A rational person evaluates a situation absent of emotion… Read more »
@Unior, You, too, are quite amazing. You write, “…unless there is an imminent threat, keep the firearm holstered. He was in the open, he could have left the area.” In the open has nothing to do with imminence or any other element of self defense. He could have left the area has nothing to do with imminence. Nor are you required to give up your right to be left alone by leaving the area. The law of self defense is about the justified use of deadly force. Taking your firearm out of your holster is not deadly force. Shooting is… Read more »
No, he had the right to be there. But , in my opinion, he went about it wrong. And I’m wondering, what caused the crowd to turn on him? As a journalist or just a spectator the crowd wouldn’t be aggressive without something they took as provocative. Did he attempt to debate with them? Did he become argumentative with them? Not that they are right to cause him to feel threatened in any way but reasonable sensibilities dictate to scram when danger is present. Just like one does not walk down a Southside street flashing cash, one should not purposely… Read more »
@Wild Bill I agree, in part, to your view. We all have a right to be unmolested while we express our right to assemble and speak. But the reality is that we are confronted with danger because of where we go or what we say. The reporter did not egress when he should have. You and I would not disparage Jesse or Al while counting cash in North Philly. Avoidance. Right or wrong, there are times when discretion is the correct line of action. He placed himself in danger, danger did not seek him out. Any idea as to how… Read more »
So, Race baiting now Eric? Do yourself a favor and stop posting. Mike Strickland did try to disengage. Since you have questioned others on the idea of legality, I’m going to tell you this once, and one time only. Are you aware of the legal definition of pursuit? At first glance, it does not appear to be the case, since you also do not acknowledge that the group was following Mr Strickland as he attempted to remove himself. The minute Mr Strickland begins to retreat there is no longer a circumstance where he is the aggressor legally. Self defense, even… Read more »
@Eric, You write, ” We all have a right to be unmolested while we express our right to assemble and speak. But the reality is …” So you don’t really believe that we have a right to be unmolested, assemble or even speak our piece, do you?
You have revealed what you are and what you believe all on the word “But”. That is a pity, Eric because when you give away my rights, yours go with ’em. Either you believe in God given, natural, civil, enumerated in the Constitution Rights or you don’t.
ALCON,
Unfortunately, this story confirms several things for me:
1. Don’t go NEAR any crowds voluntarily.
2. Do NOT pull your weapon unless you plan to use it and use it upon draw.
3. The cops ARE NOT to be respected or obeyed.
4. Hang every bastard who wears a .gov black robe.
5. Hang every DA and ADA.
I could write more. But, the “journalist” violated 1 and 2 above.
Prepare for bloodshed coming to a town near you. POTUS Trump is being attacked as are all of us. Prepare to defend yourself.
@Dan III, Yes, crowds or any crowded place is also known as the kill zone. And now that the Soros machine has lost the election, it plans to frame president Trump for impeachment. I think that we will have to work harder to keep him president, than we did to elect him president.
Unfortunately, you are so right!
You’re kidding…. Right?
@Unior, Since, I wrote that on 6 March 2017, the left has admitted it.
This is a clear cut case of selective enforcement of the laws, and it keeps getting proven over and over again with video like this that the law enforcement and courts are selectively enforcing the laws against only those who are in the same category and class as Strickland. Here is some case law that prohibits selective enforcement of the laws: “The unlawful administration by state officers of a state statute fair on its face, resulting in its unequal application to those who are entitled to be treated alike, is not a denial of equal protection unless there is shown… Read more »
Guys, this should scare you half to death. If the SCOTUS doesn’t come around and the upper courts as well, the animals win. Your ability to defend yourself is gone.
Unbelievable!!!. All the man was doing was protecting himself!!!. Unbelievable if I was in his shoes I would have drawn my weapon but I would have not holstered it until I was in the presence of law enforcement. Then I would have told the cops what just happened. Look the truth is in the video he was definitely in the mindset that his life was in danger. And there was no reason what so ever why those individuals should be following him if he was trying to leave the area. Unbelievable what our justice system has come to this man… Read more »
Um…while I disagree with the man’s action that day, the cops would not have been on his side. You do know the cops were the ones who arrested him right? Obviously they weren’t taking his side.
@JoeThePimpernel – When Jesse Jackson said “Increase The Peace” a lot of his ‘fans’ thought that meant buy a bigger gun.
CCW SAFE!
All the defense fund a law abiding man needs, look into it!
No matter if he was a newsman, he was legally carrying and his life was threatened. Drawing his firearm was his right for fear of his like under the law. He needs to take this to higher courts and all the way to the supreme court if he has to, as his rights were violated and the riff raft rights upheld. He also needs to sue the state of Oregon, which is just an extension of socialist CA. His rights were violated and standing laws ignored.
Chuck, People like you have NO freakin’ clue what it means to sue or take it to a higher court. You love spending other people’s money. Where is this man to get the money he needs to do as you advocate ? Certainly, you haven’t and will not give the accused a dime of your money. But, you’ll gladly advocate for him to fight on his few dimes, correct ? I’ve been the plaintiff in fedgov court. It cost me 4 years of my life and tens of thousands of dollars to win a jury verdict only to have the… Read more »
Dude, Your assessment of this incident is totally wrong. First of all there were no black panthers. Second of all your friend panicked for what ever reason. He was wrong pulling his gun, he was not in danger. If you listen to the black man that was following him he was trying to get him to put the gun away. He states I got you man. This means that he will ensure that no danger comes of him. He is actually attempting to diffuse the situation. The African American man is wrong to tell the crowd to pull a gun… Read more »
@BMW, The law of self defense is, generally, based upon the perception of the one who engages in self defense, not the perception of the mob, not the media, not cell phone by standards. Everything that you write after “Your assessment…” is uneducated, presumptuous, and incorrect.
Should be “bystanders” not “by standards” Acursed spell check.
Did your parents have any children that lived? you’re obviously brain dead… here’s a scenario for you, you and your significant other come out of a restaurant and somehow get pulled into a rather heated protest outside, you begin to be surrounded because they see you as a threat, or whatever the reason, are you going to wait for shit to go wrong, or are you going to maintain a safe distance from the perceived threat? there in lies the problem, he couldn’t maintain a safe distance because he was being pursued, and threatened, the world isn’t all rainbows and… Read more »
“BLM is a peaceful movement that contsists of all nationalities.” Hahahaha! You obviously haven’t been following the news. BLM is mostly made up of white boys, allegedly paid by Soros.
BMW, is the sky blue in the world you live in? Let me guess, you are a member of BLM.
BLM is NOT nor has ever been a peaceful movement. They openly endorsed the assassination of police officers and condoned it in the press when it took place. They openly encouraged looting, stealing, vandalism. arson and the blocking of roads and violating others civil rights. If that is peaceful than you are really a dangerous person.
What this verdict says to me is that, if the penalty for defending yourself from grievous bodily harm by your enemy is essentially no different than mass murdering that enemy, you MIGHT AS WELL take a fully automatic machine gun (hell, take a minigun mounted atop a suburban like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-uaFNGY_ug ) down to the protest and wipe out every one of those anti-white communist scumbags. Might as well. Your life cannot be ruined any worse, can it? Go for it. Your life is forfeit either way.
Need a DRIVER?
This will be overturned on Appeal. Oregon use of Force Law: 161.200 Choice of evils. (1) Unless inconsistent with other provisions of chapter 743, Oregon Laws 1971, defining justifiable use of physical force, or with some other provision of law, conduct which would otherwise constitute an offense is justifiable and not criminal when: (a) That conduct is necessary as an emergency measure to avoid an imminent public or private injury; and (b) The threatened injury is of such gravity that, according to ordinary standards of intelligence and morality, the desirability and urgency of avoiding the injury clearly outweigh the desirability… Read more »
None of the videos in this article show what led up to his drawing his pistol except one. If they did you would see him surrounded and being verbally assaulted by the protesters. In the one that begins a few moments earlier than the others you can see a black male working himself up to fight (easy to tell if you’ve ever experienced it) and shrugging off his backpack to free his arms for that fight. That is just the nearly-last threatening move and verbal attack of many that caused him to finally draw his pistol. And the reason he… Read more »
Editorial Note: This was “Don’t Shoot PDX” not BLM. It is a very broad coalition of anti-police (unnecessary and/or excessive) violence. BLM is part of this coalition, but as you can see plainly in the video it is a very broad coalition. Also, one thing to keep in mind about Portland (and increasingly other major metros as well) are these groups of anarchist punks that take advantage of rallies. These Black Bloc style punks are never part of the actual protest and will literally show up to any gathering large enough to mask them sufficiently.
For me, Stickland pretty much blew up his own imminent danger defense when he stayed around and gave interviews. I’m sorry, but anybody in fear of harm is going to hightail away from the danger ASAP. I think Stickland blew it and is indeed guilty under the law. However, I would be in favor of a light sentence with no jail. I am sure the court will allow whatever sentence he gets to run concurrently effectively making it the same as getting one charge.
Please hear this (everyone) … until you read the court transcripts and view the evidence that was entered/omitted, any comments/postings about the actual occurrence, arrest and convictions are pretty-much unfounded. As far as being able to legally ccw, or whatever it is called there, once your legal to carry, you carry everywhere, all the time; or do not carry at all. There is no half-stepping.with this.
This situation should be forwarded to Jeff Sessions.
I think he should sue the city of Portland an the police dept
Fraize,
And I think you should finance Strickland’s lawsuit that you suggest he undertake. How much are you going to give Strickland ? $10k to start would help.
Your mother’s people didn’t even have the decency to bury their dead?
@The Old Coach, Native peoples did not dig graves, and the Trail of Tears death march weather conditions and lack of food precluded such efforts. The soldiers could have buried the dead, I supposed, but they did not. I guess that our people did not have the decency, either.
This is the most insane thing i ever heard – how do we start a petition to get this man free – the judge and everyone on the jury that voted against him should be in jail – the crazies have taken over the asylum
He’s not in jail and I doubt he will get any jail time. It will be minimal if he does
Sorry OldVet, we have a heavy filter running due to all the liberal left lowlifes that like to trash up our site with their paid protests and fake news, unfortunately good folks like yourself get caught up in it. We appreciate your patience.
Thank you Ammoland for filtering out lots of the liberal misinformation campaigns. I just do not have the energy, patience, or diplomatic skills to deal with them all.
When I first glanced this article I thought it was about power abuse from the Bureau Of Land Management. Also a dangerous, radical organization. I hope this somewhat zealous, but well within his rights, indie newsboy gets clear of the politically motivated, legal system of Oregonia.
He used his firearm to protect himself. He never meant to harm anyone. You can tell this because if you pause the video when he first draws the firearm from the holster, you can see his finger is not on the trigger. He is also backing up, which we have a legal right to maintain our ground. He just wants to leave peacefully and did not feel safe to do so. Everyone remembers not long before, the groups of protesters were kicking the snot out of random people. He was obviously targeted for some reason and he certain was fearful… Read more »
He has a recod of being crazy to generate sensational attention seeking behavior for himself. He is not a good representative of gun owners or CCW holders. Shame on you for painting this loser as a victim.
Well bonmots; too bad your name is a lie ; You spew nothing but lies and idiocy and YOU indeed are the one that gun owners; WHY do I doubt you even own a squirt gun? You have not a clue and are a danger to free Americans and the 2nd Amendment.
SHAME on YOU for trying to declare him a “loser”; the ONLY “loser” is you and other morons of your ignorant stripe.
This is amazing. A man, surrounded by a mob of overwhelming size and animosity displays a lawful tool to protect himself and some judge and prosecutor does this? Vote em out. The only difference between a rock and a gun is one of efficiency. The intent to do bodily harm is exactly the same. ANY person threatening bodily harm MUST be believed. He was perfectly right to display his deterrent to their aggression. This has nothing to do with race and race is always the label that the violent throw out as their protection blanket. Idiots.
While I agree with the overall message of the article, Mark, you need to look up the definition of ‘Anarchist’ and stop wrongfully labeling these racist mobs as such.