In Oregon, democracy matters. We have long worked to expand voting rights, becoming the first state to offer vote-by-mail. The anarchists that broke out windows and doors at the Multnomah County Election Division are not concerned with democracy. We cannot allow these anti-democratic activists any quarter. You cannot build up the Beloved Community with mostly white Portland anarchists assaulting our city in the name of “justice.”

I start with the assumption that these anarchists have deep concerns about how Portland and the rest of the United States function. I have concerns myself. But anarchy is the opposite of justice. I hope the new Portland mayor and City Council can find ways to engage this community. Their concerns are an opening for dialogue and even partnership.

That said, if the anarchist community, which in 2020 broke out windows from immigrant-owned businesses in Portland, continues to embrace violence (including setting fires at the residence of the former mayor and other public spaces), there need to be legal consequences. Anarchy must be opposed and democracy strengthened. We cannot allow anarchy to govern Portland.