We are in shock in Portland over the murder of two men and the wounding of another man.
These were men who stood up to a man verbally assaulting two young women on public transit. *
I like to think that most people would not look away.
I like to think that I would stand up for these girls.
It is sombering to think that doing so might cost me my life.
Two men did lose their lives coming to the defense of these young women. A third man was wounded.
Fear and Hatred
Sadly, Portland is not exempt from hatred, bigotry and racism.
But, many of us seek a better way because that is who we are…decent, law-abiding, caring people.
We believe in the rule of law.
We are all immigrants.
Our country is enriched and strengthened by the diversity of our people.
The Other Side of Portland
I was encouraged to see these signs in Portland.
Black Lives Matter on a lawn in a NE Portland neighborhood.
“No matter where you are from, we’re glad you’re our neighbor.” Sign on lawn in Portand, Oregon neighborhood.
How awful to know that no matter what you accomplish, no matter what kind of person you are, you are judged and threatened because of the color of your skin, your religion or your ethnicity.
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home. **
Read more: https://www.scoutsongs.com/lyrics/godblessamerica.html#ixzz4j67I9YcX
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**God Bless America by Irving Berlin, an immigrant
Lori Greer in Portland 
Awesome words Lorigreer and I agree totally with your post. Everyone is a human being and this Earth that we all live belongs to each and every one.
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These kind of attacks against people of different skin colour or ethnicity are becoming more frequent here, too, Lori. The attacks are appalling, as most victims are hard-working and friendly people who have done no harm to anyone and many are from families who have lived here for generation. I don’t know how such racial hatred can be stamped out. The perpetrators of such crimes are evil and it’s difficult to understand what made them that way.
A thoughtful and caring post. Thank you.
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It’s so tragic that we are becoming a nation remembered for heinous acts of cowardice when it really is not who we are at all. Most of us remain decent, compassionate people. But violence gets news time. Good for you, Lori, for giving space to those who promote the true standards of democracy. It’s about time we start being more interested in stories of peace. I love the garden signs.
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It’s like an epidemic to see who can do the most atrocious things.
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This is beautiful. Thank you for writing this. I completely agree with this post. It’s sad to think that something like this would happen in a place like Portland. A reminder that hatred to this extent still exists but in many ways it can bring us together.
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