In the bizarre world of protests, one has to wonder if the newest generation has decided to make a mockery of serious political advocacy or if they genuinely believe donning neon spandex and doing jazzercise can actually bring about change. In Portland, where folks never fail to surprise, protesters have switched their usual grim faces and provocative signs for ’80s exercise garb. They march to their own beat, which seems more out of rhythm with reality than with any legitimate public concern. Among the choreographed chaos, they obscure the real issue at hand: the enforcement of federal immigration law.
Anyone watching these antics might think they were stumbling across a poorly-scripted reality TV show instead of a protest. There’s a strange hilarity to watching a neon-clad crowd, reminiscent of an outdated aerobics video, trying to influence public policy. Meanwhile, in a more serious setting, authorities are tirelessly ensuring that those who have entered the country illegally and committed heinous crimes like murder and assault are apprehended and processed. This is not some made-up issue; it’s a hard fact that criminals need to be removed from our communities for everyone’s safety.
The paradox here is quite stark. The protesters, in their stumbling, aerobic routines, claim to stand against the removal of individuals who, after due legal process, have been deemed a threat. When they obstruct the facilities designed for processing these illegal aliens, they not only disregard the law but also trample upon the rights of victims. Being “out of step” is an understatement for those who would rather see criminals stay than uphold the law.
It is disconcerting how these protesters, while exercising their right to free speech, miss the logic entirely. The focus on deporting criminal elements is not just about maintaining law and order; it’s also about protecting the interests of the working class who often see their wages and job opportunities undercut by illegal, unregulated labor. The previous administration’s lenient policies created a backlog that compromised immigration processes, which this administration is now painstakingly working to clear.
There is an irony in the protesters’ faux fitness craze. Maybe if they spent less time emulating Olivia Newton-John’s workout styles and more time understanding the gravity of the immigration issues, they would realize that protecting American jobs and keeping communities safe should be a priority for everyone. The scene in Portland might make for amusing footage, but it fails to offer any constructive contribution to the real-world problems facing America today.
