(1/12) This morning, The Oregonian included a quote from me in its editorial titled “Leaders must speak up against violence.” The complete statement from which the quote was taken is posted here: https://multco.us/file/91563/download?fbclid=IwAR0rLYd08tnpaI0MW9HW9kzRKlEe_RhiE6MPPvK-6VZ10bC9KqCgSn8Wl9g

(2/12) As I say in the post, I am concerned about escalating property damage and personal violence by some people on the streets. I was particularly dismayed by the fact that Tuesday’s vandalism targeted the Multnomah Building.

(3/12) We at Multnomah County have our own work to do to address systemic racism, but the County is also the place where thousands of employees -- many Black and brown -- work passionately, every day, to serve BIPOC communities and move toward racial and social justice.

(4/12) But when we speak up against violence, we have to also -- and first -- speak up against police violence.

(5/12) My previous posts have made clear that I see police violence as by far the larger systemic problem. That continues to be the case. There is no equivalence between police violence and protester destructiveness. It’s not an “on the one hand/on the other hand” issue.

(6/12) Yes, I’m concerned about destructive behavior by people protesting; but police violence is government sponsored violence, & therefore by far the more destructive to our community & our collective values; & addressing this form of violence has to be our first priority.

(7/12) I have told Mayor Wheeler and Chief Lovell that I believe a clear statement of accountability -- from the police -- is a necessary predicate for a path forward.

(8/12) This includes clear acknowledgement of systemic racism in policing, historic and current; acknowledgement that for too long, the police have resolutely blocked reform; and acknowledgement that the response to the current protests has been disproportionate and violent.

(9/12) I don’t know how anyone can watch videos of protesters being beaten as they lie on the ground, or as they run away, and not acknowledge that this is disproportionate, and it is violence.

(10/12) And it’s not enough to acknowledge that there have been “some” instances of disproportionate response which will be dealt with in due course through regular channels.

(11/12) This isn’t about individual behavior, it’s about systemic behavior; and those regular channels have never before provided accountability.

(12/12) So yes, we must speak up against violence -- all violence -- but we must also be clear about which form of violence is the greatest threat.