As a third-generation Oregonian who has called Multnomah County home for more than 40 years, I am deeply troubled by the direction our city and state have taken. Portland was once a place defined by community, safety, and civic pride. Today, it feels unrecognizable — and our elected leaders seem unwilling or unable to confront the problems that have been festering for years.
Let’s be clear: Portland is not a war zone, as some politicians and media outlets like to claim. But it’s also not the thriving, welcoming city it used to be. The issue isn’t exaggeration — it’s neglect. For the past five years, antifa and other radical groups have been allowed to wreak havoc on our streets, vandalize property, and intimidate law-abiding residents while city and state leaders stand idly by.
The result? A downtown in decline, a business community struggling to survive, and a police force that has been abandoned politically and financially. Combined with rising homelessness, open drug use, and punishing tax rates, Portland has been pushed into what feels like a death spiral — one we may not recover from without decisive action.
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Now, these same activists have turned their focus toward the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in South Portland. The nightly protests and clashes there have become yet another symbol of government paralysis. Despite repeated incidents of violence, vandalism, and public disruption, our governor, mayor, senators, and even the police chief have failed to take meaningful steps to restore order.
Our city leaders keep talking about “dialogue” and “de-escalation,” but what we need is leadership. It’s time to stop catering to radical fringe movements and start standing up for residents who want peace, safety, and accountability.
The Oregon National Guard and ICE officers are on the front lines, trying to do their jobs under impossible conditions. They deserve our full support, not political finger-pointing or hesitation from those in charge. We cannot keep allowing mobs to dictate the terms of public safety in our city.
Portland has always been a place of strong values and open expression — but freedom does not mean anarchy. Protesting is a right; destroying property, harassing officers, and attacking institutions are not.
To our elected officials: Grow a spine. Support the men and women risking their lives to protect this city. Take back our streets from extremists and send a clear message that lawlessness will not be tolerated.
It’s time to clear out antifa and all other radicals who have turned Portland into a cautionary tale. Let’s reclaim our neighborhoods, restore confidence in law enforcement, and bring back the Portland that once stood for community, respect, and pride.
Only then can we have a safe, livable city again.
