GRESHAM AT A CROSSROADS
Though numerous, ceaseless calamities have already deeply scarred this year, the next election to decide our country’s president approaches, steadfastly, nonetheless. With the leftist young-adult demographic practically entirely cynical about the ballot lineup, a deep, passionate pessimism about said election is therefore to be expected.
On the other end of the political aisle, momentum for the sitting head of state seems not very hard to find at all. How could it be? Despite four years of endless scandal, Donald Trump’s appeal to those on the right has not at all wavered significantly, and the policies that have been enacted on his behalf are no doubt appealing to those most vulnerable to his cult of personality.
Unsurprisingly, like the horns of opposing bulls, these ideological rivals have begun to fiercely clash all across our city – and we’re talking Gresham, here, not Portland – in the form of several demonstrations, protests, and counterprotests.
Beginning most prominently in mid-summer, the two sides’ crowds, reportedly in numbers as high as several hundred, have come out to demonstrate to Gresham’s city officials their deep disagreement for each other.
It is an understatement to say tension is high between local Black Lives Matter advocates/allies and the institutional discrimination that plagues Gresham (as well as most every other city in the United States) following the nationwide explosion of protests following the murder of George Floyd in late May. It would also be an understatement to say that the Trump-backers of the area have become far more bold and vocal about their political stance, as of late. With repeated instances of fierce (verbal and physical) clashes between both sides, particularly outside City Hall, it is clear that Gresham is presently divided, perhaps more than ever.
It is evident also that it is time for Gresham to decide quickly and firmly the path it will decide to take. The relentless battle between progressivism and conservatism is one that, contrary to popular belief, cannot be quelled with centrist appeasement and tip-toeing. As the narrative of the past will describe to one who examines it, this only proves to drag out the eventual victory of one side, or the other.
As is nearly every other population center in the United States, Gresham is watching with front row seats as traditionalism holds up a federal administration that is, like an incredible poison, rotting away the population it is meant to be serving. To embrace the perspective of such an administration is as though to commit a slow, painful suicide.
If one understands positive change as the furthering of a just happiness in the world for all organisms, then there is a more-or-less definitive political viewpoint from which to shape our existence with each other.
Should Gresham truly desire the prosperity of its citizens, it will embrace the path that will lead to a true collective between us all, no matter our identities as individuals. And allow ideologies that only serve to divide and dominate to decay completely.
https://katu.com/news/local/fight-breaks-out-during-gresham-flag-protest
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