Blumenauer Statement on Planned White Supremacist Rally in Portland

PORTLAND, OR – Today, U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) released the following statement on the planned Proud Boys rally in Portland this Saturday:

 “White nationalists and racists are sure as hell not welcome here. These so-called ‘proud boys’ are not from Portland and don’t understand that our community will not be silent when faced with bigotry and hate.

“As Portlanders, we stand firm in our values and reject white nationalists, neo-Nazis, and other far-right agitators who – after being enabled by Trump for years – feel emboldened to come and threaten our community.

“These are evil people looking for a fight and national media attention. Let’s not give them what they want.

“Rather than engage with them, consider attending other rallies that are sending a message of community and equality. Donate or volunteer with mutual aid organizations and groups working to address racial injustices. Or get involved in helping to defeat Trump and his enablers in Congress who either turn a blind eye or sanction these hate rallies. That’s how we will defeat white supremacism.”