I have gone to a variety of demonstrations for 55 years, beginning with a sympathy march for the folks at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma in the spring of 1965 and continuing through the anti-Vietnam war era. On Saturday, July 25, in Eugene, I went to the demonstration at the federal building during the evening feeling considerable sympathy for folks in Portland. It was the first time in 55 years that I have been at a demonstration where firearms, both long guns and pistols, were on display and used to try to intimidate. It was also, in 55 years, the first time I have ever been at a demonstration where a shot was fired from a firearm.
This situation is a direct result of Oregon’s open carry laws with regard to firearms.
The open carry laws are in direct conflict with First Amendment rights to demonstrate. In fact, large numbers of folks who would like to express their disagreement with current policies will not attend a rally at which firearms are displayed and used. They will act in fear for their lives. The display and use of firearms has a clear chilling and discouraging effect upon First Amendment rights. Oregon needs to repeal its open carry laws. First Amendment rights have clear preference.
By the way, I am a gun owner.
Charles W. Hunt
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
Comments are closed.