(Substack)—It wasn’t too long ago when I was very concerned about federal law enforcement agencies and military troops being sent to Democrat-run hellholes like Memphis, Chicago, and Portland. My concern was that if the citizens didn’t rise up and demand such actions from their local leaders, that the effects of federal moves would be limited and fleeting. I also understand the slippery slope of such actions, especially in a tit-for-tat reversal in which a future Democrat president uses these moves as precedent to crack down on manufactured “right-wing domestic terrorists” or worse yet, “thought criminals.”
I’ve changed my mind. It doesn’t happen often but I have no problem acknowledging it when it does. In certain circumstances and for certain cities, the need to defend the people and property they’ve worked so hard to own supersedes my slippery slope concerns. It’s bad out there and getting worse. And it’s spreading.
Portland, Oregon, has become a symbol of what happens when leftist policies let criminals run wild. Even as city officials pat themselves on the back for a dip in homicides—down 51% in the first half of 2025, from 35 to 17 according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association’s midyear report—the streets tell a different story.
Property crimes remain sky-high, with rates hitting 59.8 per 1,000 residents, including motor vehicle thefts at 13.4 per 1,000, nearly four times the national average. Drug offenses have exploded by 278% in the same period, fueling addiction and disorder that spill over into everyday life. Just last month, the Gateway Fred Meyer store shut its doors for good, citing rampant theft and safety concerns. This isn’t progress; it’s a city still gripped by lawlessness, where residents can’t even shop without fearing for their wallets or their lives.
Local cops and state troopers are the real heroes here, but they’re handcuffed by Democrat-run governments that starve them of resources. Portland Police Bureau officers have been vocal about their frustrations—understaffed, underfunded, and lacking the training and equipment to tackle the surge in organized theft rings and drug-fueled violence.
It’s understandable that frustrated sheriffs, police chiefs, and state troopers see their hands tied—they know where crime is happening, they know what needs to be done, but they lack authorization or backing from legislative leadership to get it done.
Mayor Keith Wilson’s administration has poured money into “community-based violence prevention” programs like youth mentoring and environmental design projects, but that’s no substitute for boots on the ground enforcing the law. State lawmakers have tied law enforcement’s hands with sanctuary policies that block cooperation with federal immigration authorities, even as assaults on ICE officers in Portland have skyrocketed by nearly 700% this year. Officers report being doxxed by anarchist groups like Rose City Counter-Info, with their names, photos, and addresses plastered online, inviting harassment and worse. When local leaders prioritize “compassion” over consequences, it’s no wonder cops feel like they’re fighting with one arm tied behind their back.
Cities like Chicago and Memphis face the same rot—high violent crime rates, overwhelmed police departments, and politicians more interested in virtue signaling than public safety. In Chicago, federal agents have already clashed with protesters outside ICE facilities, firing pepper balls and tear gas to protect buildings under siege. Memphis is bracing for National Guard deployment amid similar chaos. These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re the result of years of soft-on-crime policies that let gangs and radicals dictate the rules.
Federal intervention in these cases isn’t about overreach—it’s about filling the void left by local failures. President Trump’s directive to send troops to safeguard ICE buildings in Portland, where attacks on officers have surged over 1,000% since January 2025, is a direct response to this breakdown. Without federal backup, these cities risk descending further into anarchy, where businesses flee, families suffer, and law-abiding citizens pay the price.
Of course, unleashing federal law enforcement comes with risks—we don’t want a slippery slope where Washington micromanages every street corner, eroding states’ rights and turning America into a police state. Overuse could breed resentment, stifle local innovation, and set precedents that future administrations abuse for political gain. But in isolated hotspots like Portland, where rampant protests turn violent nightly outside federal facilities and local authorities refuse to act, it’s not just justified—it’s essential to restore order and protect lives.
Portland and its sister cities in crisis need help, and they need it now. Federal forces can provide the surge in personnel and authority that local teams lack, cracking down on the worst offenders and giving communities a chance to rebuild. It’s time to prioritize safety over ideology, enforce the laws on the books, and make these streets livable again. If Democrat leaders won’t step up, the feds must.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.