Wilsonville, OR – The Oregon Republican Party released the following statement reacting to media reports regarding the display in the window of a Portland-area art gallery of President Trump being beheaded using a knife. (uncensored version of photo available here)
“Whether this vile graphic is a credible threat against the President of the United States is for the Secret Service and other authorities to decide. But there is no doubt that this is NOT simply artistic expression. Rather, it is the obvious promotion of politically motivated violence, this time against an elected official,” added Currier.
“Imagine if this so-called art were depicting our previous president? Would that have been acceptable?”, stated Oregon Republican Party Chairman Bill Currier. “Wasn’t it just over a year ago that Congressional softball players were shot with a similar murderous mindset? We think Portland has seen enough political violence.”
On August 22nd of 2017, the Oregon Republican Party issued a statement condemning white nationalists, racism, and all forms of political violence. The statement was intended to be a joint statement with the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO), but the DPO backed out of the statement when the Oregon GOP included a condemnation of all “hate-filled” groups that “perpetuate violence instead of meaningful dialogue” and voiced support for “free speech and peaceful assembly.”
“There is no first amendment protection for encouraging bloodshed,” added Currier. “Along with all civilized Oregonians, we condemn this incitement of violence, and call upon our Democrat counterparts, if they care about this issue, to do the same.”
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