Calling the National Guard fascist is like calling your seatbelt a straightjacket. It sounds edgy but ignores reality. Let’s dissect the logic, legality, and theology behind the ICE protest drama — and what it really says about our view of authority.
⚖️ Stop Calling Everything “Fascism”
When federal troops were sent to Portland to guard ICE buildings, social media lit up with one word: fascism. As if any show of force equals dictatorship.
Let’s slow the hyperbole roll.
The use of federal authority isn’t some dystopian leap — it’s been legal since 1807 under the Insurrection Act, which lets presidents deploy troops domestically when states won’t or can’t enforce federal law. That’s exactly what happened here: arson, assaults on officers, and refusal by Oregon’s leadership to step in.
This wasn’t about crushing peaceful protests — those continued daily. It was about putting out fires, literally.
🧠 Fascism ≠ Law Enforcement
Words matter. And “fascism” has a definition. Real fascism is:
- Autocratic rule
- State-controlled ideology
- Crushing all opposition
- Nationalist militancy
Protecting buildings from Molotov cocktails doesn’t meet the criteria.
Labeling every inconvenient law as fascist is lazy activism. If anything, it weakens our ability to call out actual authoritarian regimes when they show up.
🏛 Legal ≠ Oppression
Critics point to the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military use in domestic law enforcement. True — but that’s where the Insurrection Act comes in as the exception. Eisenhower used it. So did JFK. Neither was accused of goose-stepping into Little Rock or Mississippi.
In Portland, 26 people were federally charged with crimes like arson and assault. This wasn’t cosplay LARPing — it was targeted, violent action against federal agents and property.
Refusing to act isn’t moral high ground. It’s abdication.
✝️ Christians, Read Romans 13 Again
Let’s talk theology.
Progressive Christians who cry “fascism” might want to re-read Romans 13:1–7. Civil authorities are described as God’s servants — they “bear the sword” to punish evil and preserve order.
Law enforcement isn’t a pagan oppression machine. It’s a divinely appointed structure to restrain chaos.
The Bible doesn’t say “submit… unless you think the governor’s a Republican.”
The call is clear: respect authority, pay your taxes, and don’t confuse criminals with martyrs.
🧨 Why This Actually Matters
If every enforcement action is branded “fascist,” what happens when real fascism comes knocking?
We’re cheapening a serious term into political slander.
- You can oppose ICE policies without rewriting the dictionary.
- You can demand reform without defending rioters.
- You can be Christian without baptizing anarchy.
🔚 Mic Drop
Here’s a wild idea: maybe the solution isn’t to abolish authority… but to apply it consistently. If January 6 was an insurrection, then so were the nightly ICE sieges.
Order isn’t fascism. Chaos isn’t virtue. And Christianity isn’t a free pass to bless whichever rebellion fits your party line.