Oregon U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden held his 1150th town hall for the Multnomah County community at Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School on Feb. 28.
In a room of about 80 people, Wyden discussed recent issues on which his constituents shared concerns, including the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, ICE, the Epstein Files and more.
For IBW students and Wyden’s young constituents alike, he wants them to “blow the whistle” when they see injustices in their communities. “Let people like me know,” he said.
Wyden did not miss the significance of saying this while speaking at a podium with the face of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, an investigative journalist and civil rights activist.
“Let’s turn the lights on,” he said after referencing Wells-Barnett’s famous quote, “‘The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.’”
Wells-Barnett is an important figure to him as well. “My dad was a journalist,” the senator told The Headlight. “So Ida B. Wells and my dad come from a very similar background.”
As Oregon’s primaries approach this May, Wyden hopes young people find issues they care about to organize around. “I want them to help with the biggest issues, particularly voting,” he told The Headlight.
Some constituents also voiced concerns about fair midterm elections this November, and the Trump administration acting under the rule of law. Wyden gave his word to protect the vote-by-mail system.
Wyden also denounced the U.S. going to war against Iran with Israel without congressional approval, echoing his opposition to the 2003 Iraq war during the event. He equated ICE to “a neighborhood Gestapo” and vowed his commitment to getting the entirety of the Epstein Files released.
Following the town hall, Sen. Wyden hosted a community fair in the auditorium foyer. The Oregon Food Bank, the Portland Immigration Rights Coalition, Meals on Wheels, Protect Oregon, Clear Clinic and Neighborhood House tabled, sharing ways attendees can get involved with their organizations.
