Matt Gadbois (The Beacon)
By Matt Gadbois, Guest Commentary
On Saturday Nov. 3, over 500 people gathered in the Lloyd District to talk about something big. A group of citizens found connection to each other on the brink of a controversial political election. There were people with drums, bikes, signs, saxophones, bandanas, and masks. They were not just college-aged students, but elderly folks and young men and women all united by an idea.
I attended the Protest Against Austerity because I don't think it's fair for corporations to be able to bribe their way out of taking responsibility for their environmental and social impact in this country. I also wanted to gain more perspective on what Portlanders have to say about how the medium-to-low income families are treated in this country. I invited lots of my friends to get off campus and see what activism is all about, but most of them unfortunately had video games to attend to. There were musicians, rappers, and organization leaders gathered in Holladay Park to share their personal stories before taking to the streets in protest. At least 20 people got pepper sprayed for non-violent protest by an army of police during the march. The news reporters like to focus on the fact that the protesters took to the streets without a permit, but not the fact that the 150 cops on horses, bikes and motorcycles were the ones dressed and ready to incite violence. Being at a protest is nothing like the media paints it: from the outside, you will see only yelling, drums and signs, but from the inside, there is community, connection and heart-wrenching stories that make you want to yell and beat drums and make signs.
I don't care what you believe in or where you come from; you should share your ideas, you must, because the only thing that is certain is this: YOU WILL DIE. And unless you join a group or build community on an idea, what you stand for will be meaningless. The police may or may not value your voice, but I do. It doesn't matter who you love or what you want to see in the world, what you have seen is your perspective and when you share it, it will bring us all closer to the truth. I believe that if all those students at UP that shared my concerns had come to Holladay Park on Nov. 3, they would have found only support, love and free coffee. Next time, don't be afraid. Don't give in to apathy.
Matt Gadbois is a sophomore nursing major. He can be reached at gadbois15@up.edu
