The standoff in Oregon continues with most of the cable news networks still not applying full coverage and many trying to make sense of what is happening. The Oregonian is providing the most up to date reports on events, with authorities on the scene and urging people to stay away:
“After the peaceful rally was completed today, a group of outside militants drove to the Malheur Wildlife Refuge, where they seized and occupied the refuge headquarters. A collective effort from multiple agencies is currently working on a solution. For the time being please stay away from that area. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Please maintain a peaceful and united front and allow us to work through this situation.”
https://twitter.com/jiadarola/status/683529920509652992
https://twitter.com/jason_a_w/status/683482421778452480
https://twitter.com/IanKullgren/status/683524884484390912
Online, many are attempting to make sense and debate what they perceive to be a “double standard” in both media coverage and legal response, with most comparing it with the recent situations in Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore.
Not a single cable network is covering this Oregon militia situation
— jeremy scahill (@jeremyscahill) January 3, 2016
Did I miss the call for the national guard in Oregon? I recall them in Ferguson and Baltimore. #OregonUnderAttack
— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) January 3, 2016
With this debate, the hashtag #OregonUnderAttack was born and many have used it to vent frustrations and question the response to the armed “militia” that seems to have forcefully taken over a government site:
https://twitter.com/Rumy_L/status/683653825547366402
One thing I don't understand and no one can actually give me a legitimate reason – if it's peaceful protest why the guns? #OregonUnderAttack
— Raffa Rants (@RaffaRants) January 3, 2016
All these armed white dudes will probably leave unharmed, unless they accidentally shoot themselves. #OregonUnderAttack
— Hari Kondabolu (@harikondabolu) January 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/JillFilipovic/status/683641510450053120
https://twitter.com/seemslegit18/status/683627122410131456
https://twitter.com/seemslegit18/status/683626310367744000
#OregonUnderAttack
If it'd been muslims or blacks they'd have sent in National Guard.
As it's white fascists, they're sending in Domino's.— John Bull (@larrymeath) January 3, 2016
150 white men take over a Federal Building & it isnt on CNN. Imagine if it was Blacks & Muslims. That's privilege for you #OregonUnderAttack
— ππβπ«ππΎππΈπ π (@Moprince_15) January 3, 2016
Bundy better not be waving around a toy gun, thatβs all I can say. #OregonUnderAttack
— Harold Itzkowitz (@HaroldItz) January 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/yagbebi/status/683572776771403776
I don't know how anyone who experienced #Ferguson protests can watch #OregonUnderAttack and not be angry or sad at how you were treated
— Yukio Strachan (@boldandworthy) January 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/NatureGuy101/status/683552749246521344
Just got offstage saw #OregonUnderAttack trending. Thugs took over Oregon? What happened?
— ?st (@questlove) January 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/jchaltiwanger/status/683546257902702592
I guess it really isn't that shocking that a group of white people took over an area and planned to stay indefinitely…. #OregonUnderAttack
— Deanna Ψ―ΩΨ§ΩΨ§ (@deannaothman) January 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/Lexialex/status/683534135332179968
https://twitter.com/emayfarris/status/683529745078685696
https://twitter.com/RobertJSomynne/status/683519941379780608
https://twitter.com/wyethwire/status/683511218867449857
If Left Wingers Had Attempted Armed insurrection Like #OregonUnderAttack pic.twitter.com/YWy0m6gEA6
— π R Saddler (@Politics_PR) January 3, 2016
(Matt Bors getting some play)
How were they radicalized? It must be their culture or their religion. Or is that only for black people and Muslims #OregonUnderAttack
— Ali A Olomi (@aaolomi) January 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/jordan_budd/status/683509621387046913
https://twitter.com/elonjames/status/683508591962095616
If you compare this situation to the coverage of what happened in San Bernardino, it’s essentially night and day. No one has been murdered, but media coverage was 24/7 following the attacks and speculation was rampant. CNN at the moment is laughing about New Year’s resolutions for the political candidates. Brian Stelter did reference the lack of coverage and noted that CNN will have it as their lead story at 11.
The occupation is our lead story on @CNNReliable at 11am ET https://t.co/QCf2E5qJcc
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) January 3, 2016
Others have noted that the hastag itself is no more helpful than the men occupying in Oregon, while others are attempting to clarify confusion with the events:
If you see BLM referenced re: #OregonUnderAttack, remember that it references the Bureau of Land Management.
— deray (@deray) January 3, 2016
hyperbolic hashtags like #OregonUnderAttack are not helping and i say that as someone who w/ no love for the militia movement.
— HKπ΅πΈ (@HenryKrinkIe) January 3, 2016
Hard to say where it will end up, but the reaction to the events is pretty clear. People want to know why this isn’t being handled the same as other events.
(Via The Oregonian / AlJazeera)