Trump has called Portland a warzone; he claims it’s burning to the ground.
Spoiler: it’s not.
A quick fact check shows his “the city is on fire!” routine is nothing but theatrics. Do your own digging, but I’m sure you’ll land where I did—he’s trying to paint the left, and protesters in general, as violent extremists. Some folks think he’s inching toward using the Insurrection Act. Who knows.
What is clear is that we all need to stay sharp—do the homework, question the noise, and keep our critical thinking tuned up.
That kind of political exaggeration inspired my latest Bud, Nick, and Joe comic. In it, Bud’s dressed for war. Nick’s confused—because they’re just going to the bookstore. Bud can’t believe Nick hasn’t heard: according to the president, Portland’s a combat zone!
Then they see three people across the street dressed in inflatable frog costumes, leading to Nick’s (hopefully) funny punchline.
If you’ve caught the footage, you know what I’m talking about. It started with one person and turned into an entire army of inflatable animals at the protests—mocking the “warzone” narrative. And honestly? It’s brilliant. I laughed out loud.
It reminded me of that perfect John Lennon quote:
When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you – pull your beard, flick your face – to make you fight. Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don’t know how to handle is non-violence and humor.
I recently saw a video of inflatable animals—including a unicorn—marching in lockstep behind a MAGA guy. It’s so silly, I have to laugh.
That’s the kind of protest spirit we need more of—non-violence, humor, and a little creative chaos. If Bud, Nick, and Joe can deliver even a sliver of that, I’m doing my job.
Oh, and Joe? He’s not in this comic… or is he? Maybe he’s one of the protesters in costume—or maybe he’s already inside Powell’s Books (a bucket-list stop for me).
My Thrift Store Find
Today’s find: an opium pipe. Yep, at a thrift store. You don’t see that every day.
After a little Googling, I’m not even sure it’s legal to sell—depends on how you label it. Opium pipe? Water pipe? “Decorative conversation piece”? Who knows.
It looks like jade, it’s got some heft, and it definitely doesn’t feel cheap. I’ll get it appraised and report back once I know its age and material.
Stay tuned.
Take it easy,
James