One firecracker, 107,000 votes, it takes so little to destroy so much.
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the world’s most magical places. The Lewis and Clark expedition used it to reach the coast. it has the first paved highway in the Northwest. In 1986 it became the second named National Scenic Area in the country. Because of that designation, we were able to keep it green and scenic. It has the highest concentration of waterfalls in the nation and these fall through massive forests. There are trails and roads, and railroads and boats and kitesurfers, and all manner of ways to enjoy it. And it is in flames. 10,000 acres are burning and it is not at all contained. People are on level 1,2, and 3 evacuation alerts. The city of Portland is choking on smoke.
And it allegedly started when a 15 year old boy threw some firecrackers into a ravine while other kids laughed and filmed.
One firecracker, immense devastation.
And now we have DACA elimination— announced in the most draconian terms. 800,000 brave young people who have their lives upended. A nation that may lose its very core of strong immigrants.
107,000 votes, immense devastation.
We work so hard to build, it takes so little to destroy.
But we will persist.