Guns Have More Rights Than Women in the US

 

Imagine this:

A 10-year-old rape victim has to cross state lines, terrified and bleeding, just to access basic medical care. 

Her doctor is punished. Her privacy is gone. Her trauma is national news.

Now imagine an AR-15, bought legally, no questions asked, crossing those same state lines without a hitch.

That’s not a dystopian novel. That’s America in 2025.

In this country, guns have more rights than women. And if you’re calling that “pro-life,” then the word has lost all meaning.

Thanks to Project 2025 and the far-right Supreme Court, abortion rights have been decimated nationwide. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, more than 20 states have banned or severely restricted abortion access. Some states, like Idaho, Texas, and Missouri, have gone even further, passing so-called “abortion trafficking” laws, criminalizing people who help women or girls travel across state lines for care.

These laws after:

• Healthcare providers
• Parents who drive their daughters
• Friends who buy a bus ticket
• Clergy
• Counselors
• Even Uber drivers
  
  

Meanwhile, gun owners can transport semi-automatic rifles across all 50 states, protected by federal law, even when crossing into states with strict gun control laws.

No parental consent.

No waiting period.

No trauma.

No prison time.

Just freedom for the weapon.

Where’s the “Pro-Life” in That?

In 2023 alone, over 46,000 people died from gun-related injuries in the U.S. That includes more than 2,500 children and teens. In fact, guns are now the leading cause of death for young people in America.

Compare that to the number of people who have died from safe, legal abortions in the last two decades: virtually zero. But abortion bans are killing women now.

• Nevaeh Crain, 18 years old, died after being turned away from multiple emergency rooms while miscarrying in Texas.
  
  
• Amber Nicole Thurman died of an infection in Georgia because abortion restrictions delayed her care.
  
  
• Josseli Barnica died of sepsis after being denied treatment for an unviable pregnancy.
  
  

These aren’t horror stories from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. These are real women, in real American states, dying under laws written by men who claim to be “pro-life.”

Doctors Are Being Punished for Compassion.

Dr. Caitlin Bernard performed an abortion on a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio, a procedure that was legal, necessary, and reported in full compliance with the law. Her reward?

She was fined. Threatened. Investigated. Harassed.

All for providing care to a child who was already the victim of a violent crime.

This is what it looks like when politics overrides medicine. When ideology tramples compassion. When power silences professionals who dare to help the vulnerable.

If It Were Your Daughter…

Forget politics. Just ask yourself:

“What if it were my daughter?”

What if your daughter were 10 years old and raped?

What if she started to hemorrhage during a miscarriage and couldn’t get care because the ER was afraid to violate state law?

What if she was forced to give birth, and five years later sent her child to kindergarten in a country that protects assault rifles more than it protects children? 

That’s the future we’re living in. One where a girl’s uterus is state property, but a gun is sacred… even when it’s used to murder kindergarteners during circle time.

This Isn’t About Life. It’s About Control.

You cannot call yourself “pro-life” while refusing to act on gun violence.

You cannot claim moral high ground while criminalizing healthcare and watching children die in classrooms.

This movement was never about protecting life.

It was always about punishing women, controlling bodies, and weaponizing religion into law.

When a gun has more rights than your sister, your wife, or your daughter, it’s not freedom.

It’s a fascist theocracy with better PR.

You Don’t Get to Stay Silent Anymore.

This is your test.

Do you believe in freedom for everyone? Or just for bullets?

Call your representatives.

Support abortion funds.

Demand federal protection for reproductive rights.

Fight for gun reform that actually protects children instead of arming their killers.

Because if you wait until it’s your daughter on the table, it will already be too late.

Under Arrest: Upholding the Constitution

 

When defending the highest law of the land becomes a punishable offense, silence is not an option.

A sitting judge in Milwaukee, Hannah Dugan, was arrested by federal agents for refusing to let ICE carry out an unconstitutional arrest in her courtroom.

This isn’t some legal gray area. This is a constitutional crisis, clear, present, and accelerating.

But before we get to how dangerous this is for the future of the country, let’s break it down:

WHAT ICE DID:

ICE attempted to detain a man inside a state courtroom using a civil administrative warrant, not a criminal warrant signed by a judge.

That matters. Here’s why:

• Fourth Amendment violation: Administrative warrants don’t authorize entry into protected spaces or arrests without probable cause. Arresting someone inside a courtroom without judicial approval could be an illegal seizure.
  
  
• Violation of due process (5th & 14th Amendments): The individual was appearing voluntarily, with legal counsel. Detaining someone in the middle of legal proceedings interferes with access to justice and undermines due process rights.
  
  
• Violation of ICE policy: ICE’s own internal guidelines label courthouses as “sensitive locations,” where enforcement actions are discouraged and require supervisory approval. Conducting an arrest without following that protocol is a breach of policy.
  
  
• Interference with judicial proceedings: Showing up unannounced, attempting to seize someone under the authority of a non-judicial warrant, disrupts courtroom function and potentially violates court security and decorum standards.
  
  

So basically, ICE was operating outside the law, outside the Constitution, and outside their own rules.

WHAT JUDGE DUGAN DID: 

Faced with federal agents trying to take someone from her courtroom without a valid judicial warrant, Judge Dugan:

• Questioned their authority
  
  
• Referred them to the chief judge
  
  
• Allowed the individual to leave after court concluded, through a staff hallway, accompanied by their lawyer
  
  

She didn’t hide anyone. She didn’t destroy evidence. She didn’t obstruct justice.

THE JUDGE UPHELD JUSTICE. 

Judge Dugan acted to:

• Protect the constitutional rights of the individual before her
  
  
• Preserve courtroom integrity
  
  
• Uphold the separation of powers by preventing federal overreach into a state judicial proceeding
  
  

This is what judges are supposed to do: safeguard due process, not rubber-stamp executive power.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT: 

This is where things get chilling.

On April 25, 2025, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested by the FBI inside her own courthouse. The arrest was carried out under a federal warrant signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen C. Dries of the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

The charges? Two federal felonies:

1. Obstructing a federal proceeding

2. Concealing an individual to prevent arrest

By signing the arrest warrant of a sitting state judge acting in her official capacity, Magistrate Judge Stephen Dries just opened the door to a full-blown separation-of-powers crisis.

• Violation of judicial independence: Arresting a judge for their courtroom conduct threatens the foundational separation of powers. Judges must be free to make legal decisions without fear of political or retaliatory arrest.
  
  
• Color of law abuse (18 U.S.C. § 242): If federal agents arrested her for exercising her legal authority or in retaliation for a lawful ruling, they may be depriving her of her rights under the color of law.
  
  
• Absence of probable cause: If the charges rest on mischaracterizing her actions, like suggesting “harboring” when she merely upheld legal standards, then the arrest may constitute an unlawful seizure.
  
  
• Violation of internal DOJ safeguards: Arresting public officials, especially judges, requires heightened oversight to prevent abuse. If that wasn’t followed, the arrest may be procedurally and ethically invalid.
  
  

Arresting a judge over courtroom discretion isn’t law enforcement.

It’s intimidation. It’s retaliation. It’s authoritarian.

WELCOME TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS.

This isn’t about one judge.

It’s not just about immigration.

It’s about the highest law of the land: the Constitution of the United States of America.

And it’s being violated brazenly, repeatedly, and publicly.

The executive branch just sent a message to every judge in America:

You are not independent. You are not protected. You are not safe.

Make a ruling we don’t like, and we’ll put you in handcuffs.

This isn’t law. This is a warning shot.

They are making an example of Judge Dugan, not because she broke the law, but because she upheld it.

If you think separation of powers will shield you from this administration’s wrath, you’re not paying attention.

If you ever claimed to love America,

If you ever swore to defend the Constitution,

If you ever placed your hand over your heart during the pledge or sang the anthem with pride,

This is your moment to prove it.

Because silence now isn’t neutrality.

It’s surrender. It’s complicity. 

Call your representatives. Demand an investigation. Speak out. Organize. Protest. Show up.

Because if we let them jail a judge for doing her job,

They will come for the rest of us next.

An Open Letter To Officials Serving North Portland, Oregon

UPDATE: Please join the community for a press conference Monday 1/13/25 at 10am at Columbia Pool

An Open Letter To Officials Serving North Portland, Oregon,

I am writing to you in outrage and with profound disappointment over the permanent closure of Columbia Pool in 2023. This decision is not just a matter of budgetary convenience—it is a blatant example of racism, ableism, and socio-economic discrimination. The closure of this vital community facility disproportionately harms the most vulnerable populations in St. Johns and North Portland. It perpetuates systemic inequities and sends a clear message: marginalized communities are not a priority.

Racism in Public Service Allocation

St. Johns, one of Portland’s most racially diverse neighborhoods, has consistently been underserved. As of 2019, ZIP code 97203, which encompasses St. Johns, was 63% white—lower than Portland’s overall 71%. Black, Indigenous, Latino, and immigrant residents make up a significant portion of the population here. Columbia Pool provided an accessible space for families of color to enjoy recreation, participate in swim lessons, and build community connections. Closing it denies these families a safe and affordable resource, further isolating them from opportunities readily available in wealthier, whiter neighborhoods like Laurelhurst or the West Hills.

Why is it that facilities in predominantly white neighborhoods, with higher property values and political clout, are rarely, if ever, threatened with closure? Why must communities of color consistently bear the brunt of “tough budget decisions”?

Inconsistencies and Dishonesty About Costs

Elected officials have repeatedly gone on record providing conflicting and dishonest estimates about the costs of both reopening Columbia Pool and constructing a new aquatic facility. Statements from the city have ranged from $12 million to $50 million for reopening Columbia Pool and $30 million to $100 million for a new aquatic center. This inconsistency reflects either a lack of clear planning or an intentional effort to manipulate the narrative, obscuring the city’s failure to prioritize equitable access to essential facilities.

Why was there no independent assessment of Columbia Pool’s true repair costs before its closure? Why has the city failed to secure grant funding, public-private partnerships, or other alternative sources of funding to preserve this critical resource? Instead, the city abandoned the pool under the guise of unaffordability while funneling resources into wealthier parts of the city.

The Life-Saving Value of Learning to Swim

The closure of Columbia Pool robs North Portland residents of a resource that saves lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children aged 1-4, and the second-leading cause for children aged 5-14. Black children are particularly at risk, drowning at rates 5.5 times higher than their white peers.

Studies show that 64% of Black children and 45% of Latino children have little to no swimming ability, compared to 40% of white children. This disparity stems from decades of systemic racism, including segregation of swimming facilities and the resulting generational lack of access. Columbia Pool was one of the few accessible facilities where North Portland’s diverse population could affordably learn this essential life skill.

Additionally, Columbia Pool served as a training ground for young lifeguards, many of whom were North Portland residents. Lifeguarding is not just a job; it is a gateway to leadership, responsibility, and lifesaving skills. By closing Columbia Pool, the city has stripped away opportunities for teens from one of Portland’s most racially and economically diverse areas to participate in this career pipeline.

The Impact on Roosevelt High School Students

Roosevelt High School, located just blocks from Columbia Pool, is one of the most racially diverse high schools in Oregon. Approximately 75% of students identify as non-white, and many come from low-income households. Without Columbia Pool, Roosevelt’s swim team and PE classes are forced to take a bus for over an hour to reach the nearest pool, Matt Dishman. This logistical challenge discourages participation and limits access to a sport that is already underrepresented among racial minorities.

Swimming is more than just a sport—it builds discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence. Roosevelt students deserve the same opportunities as their peers in wealthier neighborhoods with readily available facilities. Closing Columbia Pool deprives them of these opportunities, further entrenching inequities in educational and extracurricular access.

Ableism and Exclusion of Disabled Residents

Columbia Pool was a lifeline for many disabled residents in North Portland. Aquatic therapy is one of the few accessible forms of exercise for individuals with physical disabilities, chronic pain, or mobility issues. The closure of Columbia Pool forces these residents to travel significantly farther—if they can afford transportation at all—to access similar resources.

The city’s decision disregards the needs of disabled people, effectively excluding them from an essential facility that promoted health, rehabilitation, and social inclusion. This is a direct violation of their rights and dignity as members of our community.

Socio-Economic Discrimination

St. Johns is home to some of Portland’s poorest residents. In the 97203 ZIP code, 23.5% of individuals live at or below the poverty line, compared to a citywide rate of 15%. For these families, Columbia Pool was not just a recreational amenity; it was an affordable refuge. Swim lessons, family swims, and low-cost activities helped level the playing field for children who might otherwise be excluded from such experiences.

The closure also disproportionately impacts working-class families who cannot afford private club memberships or long commutes to other public pools. Meanwhile, wealthier neighborhoods, with their well-funded amenities, remain untouched by such decisions.

The Path Forward

Columbia Pool must be reopened, and the city must prioritize a new North Portland aquatic facility without delay. Securing the necessary funding for repairs or replacements is not just a financial obligation—it is a moral one. Anything less perpetuates a legacy of neglect and exclusion.

We demand:

1. Immediate transparency regarding the decision-making process that led to Columbia Pool’s closure, including clear, evidence-backed cost estimates for reopening.

2. Accountability for the disproportionate harm caused to marginalized communities.

3. Concrete plans to reopen Columbia Pool or construct a replacement facility in North Portland within the next two years, with community oversight to prevent delays and mismanagement.

You were elected to serve all your constituents, not just the affluent or politically connected. The closure of Columbia Pool is a glaring failure of leadership. It is time to reverse this wrong and demonstrate your commitment to equity, inclusion, and the well-being of North Portland’s residents.

Sincerely,

Genevieve West, Fifth generation resident of North Portland

Why Columbia Pool Matters to North Portland Families

UPDATE: There will be a press conference at Columbia Pool at 10am at Monday January 13, 2025. Neighbors and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. 

 For generations, Columbia Pool has been more than just a place to swim—it has been a cornerstone of community health, safety, and connection for North Portland. As a lifelong resident and parent, I have experienced firsthand the devastating impact of its closure.

My oldest daughter Evie swam for Roosevelt High School’s team, then worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Columbia Pool. Her younger sister Kaylie joined a swim team when she was just seven. But my youngest children, Ellie and Blake, have never had the opportunity to learn to swim. The closure of Columbia Pool and the limited access to other public pools—combined with overcrowding and hour-long bus rides to reach them—make it almost impossible for families like mine to teach children this essential life skill.

During the summer, we’ve made the trek to Matt Dishman Pool, only to find it at capacity, with families turned away at the door. Public pools are stretched to their limits, especially in neighborhoods like ours, where community resources have always been scarce.

The closure of Columbia Pool isn’t just an inconvenience; it is a betrayal of North Portland’s families. In the 1970s, my grandmother fought to have the pool covered, providing North Portland with its first year-round swimming facility. Her advocacy helped create a space where kids learned lifesaving skills, teens became community leaders as lifeguards, and neighbors came together to build bonds.

Access to swimming pools isn’t just about recreation; it’s about equity and safety. Black and Latino children are far less likely to learn how to swim than their white peers, a disparity rooted in systemic exclusion. According to the CDC, Black children are 5.5 times more likely to drown than white children. Closing Columbia Pool makes addressing these disparities even harder.

Roosevelt High School, one of Oregon’s most diverse schools, now lacks a nearby training pool for its swim team. Students must ride a bus for an hour to practice—a barrier that would never be tolerated in wealthier, whiter neighborhoods.

It’s time for city leaders to honor their commitments to equity and community. If reopening Columbia Pool isn’t possible, then the city must expedite plans to break ground on a new aquatic center in North Portland. Anything less continues the pattern of systemic neglect that has plagued this community for decades.

This fight isn’t just about a pool—it’s about ensuring that every child in Portland, regardless of ZIP code, has access to the same opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Let’s honor the generations who fought for Columbia Pool and ensure that its legacy continues for the generations to come.

By Genevieve West, fifth generation North Portland resident 

LEARN MORE: 3 Pools, 3 Neighborhoods, 2 Outcomes

 https://friendsofpierpark.org/3-pools-3-neighborhoods-2-outcomes/