Portland, New York and Seattle are classified as anarchists

It all has its roots in the huge, violent, and more peaceful protests against police violence that have rocked America for months. In early September, President Trump asked: Investigate which cities or areas of the United States “allow lawlessness, violence and destruction.”

The criteria for the harsh judgment of “anarchist territory” – or icon of anarchist jurisdiction – were set out in a memorandum. Four cities in particular were identified, and the criteria seemed personalized.

One point: the refusal to accept assistance from the federal police. Portland Mayor Wheeler refused to help and openly criticized the decision to send federal agents to the city.

Another point: Withdrawal of the police forces from certain geographical areas. For a long time, Seattle chose to allow a “self-contained zone” rather than confront protesters.

Investigations continue

So now the message has come from the Minister of Justice, Bill Barr. Three of the four designated cities – Washington DC still administers – are classified as anarchists. The Ministry also announces that it is further investigating whether other locations should also be sealed. The investigation now also continues if possible, and if so, how, withdraw federal money from designated cities.

For New York, that could be $ 7 billion next year. New York State Attorney Letitia James says she is already preparing a lawsuit against the decision.

“He is trying to distract the American people from his failed leadership and is using his final months to sow more chaos, more hatred and more fear,” he said in a statement, according to CNBC.

https://twitter.com/NewYorkStateAG/status/1308090255472500739

The mayors of the three cities have also made a joint statement.

– This is politically motivated and unconstitutional. The president is playing cheap political games with money that Congress has decided on.

In a post on Twitter, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan writes that the measure is not only illegal and is an abuse of power that is rarely seen. She also thinks that Trump and Barr’s obsession with Seattle, and with herself, is irrational and a major distraction from the major crises that need to be addressed.

https://twitter.com/MayorJenny/status/1308105390303752194