--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Why are these things happening in…" description: "\"Why are these things happening in Portland? In part, it's because we are a progressive community. Groups like Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys... they..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8a1/ted-wheeler-5816_community_why-are-these-things-happening-in-portla_2092939.jpg" --- # Why are these things happening in Portland? In part, it's… ![“Why are these things happening in Portland? In part, it's because we are a progressive community. Groups like Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys... they come from the outside. They come here because they know that their message is not necessarily welcomed here. They're trying to provoke a reaction.” quote by Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8a1/ted-wheeler-5816_community_why-are-these-things-happening-in-portla_2092939.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8a1/ted-wheeler-5816_community_why-are-these-things-happening-in-portla_2092939.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8a1/ted-wheeler-5816_community_why-are-these-things-happening-in-portla_2092939.jpg) > “Why are these things happening in Portland? In part, it's because we are a progressive community. Groups like Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys... they come from the outside. They come here because they know that their message is not necessarily welcomed here. They're trying to provoke a reaction.” [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker attributes local unrest to external groups exploiting the city’s progressive reputation to provoke reactions. **In simple terms:** Outside groups provoke unrest in progressive cities. Key Takeaway Recognize and address external provocations. Themes politics community protest media identity Mood tense defensive Type political analytical When to use this quote - city council meetings - community dialogues - law enforcement briefings - media analysis Key Concepts radicalization social tension public perception Questions to Reflect On - How can communities differentiate genuine local concerns from external provocation? - What strategies reduce the impact of such provocations? A Different Perspective Provocators may also be local actors, complicating attribution. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Community](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/community/) [Portland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/portland/) [Prayer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prayer/) [Proud](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/proud/) ## Related quotes > [I think there are really great movements happening in Portland. It's nice being in a place that supports itself and stands on its own.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-gourley/i-think-there-are-really-great-movements-happening-in-portland-it-s/) [John Gourley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-gourley/) > [The black community has been the foundation of the progressive community in this country for a long time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-todd-jealous/the-black-community-has-been-the-foundation-of-the-progressive/) [Benjamin Todd Jealous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-todd-jealous/) > [People who like what I do come in all shapes and sizes. Not sure what the common denominator is per se. Oh, it's meeee!…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-silverman/people-who-like-what-i-do-come-in-all-shapes-and-sizes-not-sure-what/) [Sarah Silverman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-silverman/) > [Progressivism is usually seen as a stepping back from individualism into a progressive community...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-smiley/progressivism-is-usually-seen-as-a-stepping-back-from-individualism/) [Jane Smiley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-smiley/) > [The City of Portland, our police bureau, and our employees do not cooperate with ICE.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/the-city-of-portland-our-police-bureau-and-our-employees-do-not/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [We're going to send a unified message to the rest of this country, which is that we do not accept violence in this community.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/we-re-going-to-send-a-unified-message-to-the-rest-of-this-country/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [I am dedicated to ensuring that the prosperity our city is experiencing extends to everyone who lives, works and visits Portland.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/i-am-dedicated-to-ensuring-that-the-prosperity-our-city-is/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [The tactics that the Trump administration are using on the streets of Portland are abhorrent. People are being literally scooped off the street into…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/the-tactics-that-the-trump-administration-are-using-on-the-streets-of/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [Portland has a long history of embracing the most important of American values. Those are the rights to assembly and the rights to free…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/portland-has-a-long-history-of-embracing-the-most-important-of/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [Mike Marshman is a quality choice to fill the role of Portland Police Chief.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/mike-marshman-is-a-quality-choice-to-fill-the-role-of-portland-police/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [Portland has a proud history of protest.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/portland-has-a-proud-history-of-protest/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [As mayor I don't intend to be just a voice for Portland. I intend to be a voice for urban America.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/as-mayor-i-don-t-intend-to-be-just-a-voice-for-portland-i-intend-to/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [Portland is an amazing and awe-inspiring city. It's a city we cherish for its beauty. A city we love for its tolerance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/portland-is-an-amazing-and-awe-inspiring-city-it-s-a-city-we-cherish/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [I want Portland to be the cleanest city in America.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/i-want-portland-to-be-the-cleanest-city-in-america/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [Imagine a safe city with all the affordable housing we need, a city that uses its resources to help lift the marginalized up and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/imagine-a-safe-city-with-all-the-affordable-housing-we-need-a-city/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) ## More by Ted Wheeler > [We have an obligation at the local level to do everything we can with the resources we have. And we do those things. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/we-have-an-obligation-at-the-local-level-to-do-everything-we-can-with/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [The City of Portland, our police bureau, and our employees do not cooperate with ICE.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/the-city-of-portland-our-police-bureau-and-our-employees-do-not/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [I don't even recognize myself sometimes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/i-don-t-even-recognize-myself-sometimes/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [Is Portland worse off than other cities? Is Portland really 'Tent City U.S.A.?' I want to be clear: The answer is no. While the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/is-portland-worse-off-than-other-cities-is-portland-really-tent-city/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [We don't know what the trajectory of autonomous or linked vehicles will be, and we don't have a clear understanding on what that means…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/we-don-t-know-what-the-trajectory-of-autonomous-or-linked-vehicles/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [I did not inherit a single dime from my father.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/i-did-not-inherit-a-single-dime-from-my-father/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [I certainly didn't see the mayor's withdrawal coming. I was looking for a highly contested mayoral campaign.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/i-certainly-didn-t-see-the-mayor-s-withdrawal-coming-i-was-looking/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [Peaceful demonstrations are essential to our democratic system. Unfortunately, some individuals have engaged in unlawful and dangerous activity, including arson, rioting, looting, and damaging…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/peaceful-demonstrations-are-essential-to-our-democratic-system/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [The police should be focused on policing criminal activity, and that's sort of the beginning, the middle and the end of it for me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/the-police-should-be-focused-on-policing-criminal-activity-and-that-s/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [Homelessness is an umbrella term for a lot of different problems that need separate solutions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/homelessness-is-an-umbrella-term-for-a-lot-of-different-problems-that/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [There's no question that, in nearly seven weeks of nightly demonstrations, the police have done many things right, and they've done some things wrong…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/there-s-no-question-that-in-nearly-seven-weeks-of-nightly/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [I was very clear that we'd invest much more in shelter space to get people off the streets, out of doorways, out from overpasses…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/i-was-very-clear-that-we-d-invest-much-more-in-shelter-space-to-get/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [Wishful thinking did not give Oregonians the bottle bill. Wishful thinking did not give the public access to beaches. Nor can we expect wishful…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/wishful-thinking-did-not-give-oregonians-the-bottle-bill-wishful/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [Too often, the very institutions that are supposed to protect and serve our community have instead failed people of color, specifically our black community.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/too-often-the-very-institutions-that-are-supposed-to-protect-and/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) > [I'm ready to fight, and I'm ready to make sure progressive includes progress.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-wheeler/i-m-ready-to-fight-and-i-m-ready-to-make-sure-progressive-includes/) [Ted Wheeler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) [Explore all 100 Ted Wheeler quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-wheeler/) ## More Community quotes > [Race is the idea that a human being is more superior than another human being, race in society grants illusional rights to mistreat each…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeremy-limn/race-is-the-idea-that-a-human-being-is-more-superior-than-another/) [Jeremy Limn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeremy-limn/) > [But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vikram-sarabhai/but-we-are-convinced-that-if-we-are-to-play-a-meaningful-role/) [Vikram Sarabhai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vikram-sarabhai/) > [In the hearing world, I'm constantly having to lip-read and trying to understand what's going on. Sign language is so beautiful. It gives you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rose-ayling-ellis/in-the-hearing-world-i-m-constantly-having-to-lip-read-and-trying-to/) [Rose Ayling-Ellis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rose-ayling-ellis/) > [The strains and stresses suffered by the individual in society are grounded in the normal functioning of that society (and of the individual!) rather…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbert-marcuse/the-strains-and-stresses-suffered-by-the-individual-in-society-are/) [Herbert Marcuse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbert-marcuse/) > [Hackney gets a bit of a bad rap, but it's the only place I've ever lived that felt like a community. I know my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sharon-horgan/hackney-gets-a-bit-of-a-bad-rap-but-it-s-the-only-place-i-ve-ever/) [Sharon Horgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sharon-horgan/) > [ The social \[media channel\] isn't about beauty contests and popularity contests. They're a distortion, a caricature of the real thing. It's about trust, connection,… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/umair-haque/the-social-media-channel-isn-t-about-beauty-contests-and-popularity/) [Umair Haque](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/umair-haque/) > [We're at a point in history were we have to become a part of the neighborhood of inhabited planets, like a neighborhood of a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edgar-mitchell/we-re-at-a-point-in-history-were-we-have-to-become-a-part-of-the/) [Edgar Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edgar-mitchell/) > [I have to feel the audience. I enjoy that feeling of community.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-gahan/i-have-to-feel-the-audience-i-enjoy-that-feeling-of-community/) [Dave Gahan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-gahan/) > [It rolls off my back. Ridicule doesn't mean anything - even from people you're supposed to wear knee pads around, like the scientific community.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dwight-schultz/it-rolls-off-my-back-ridicule-doesn-t-mean-anything-even-from-people/) [Dwight Schultz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dwight-schultz/) > [Jeff Chu's pilgrimage across America to discover his own place as a gay man in the Christian church as well as attitudes about being…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donna-freitas/jeff-chu-s-pilgrimage-across-america-to-discover-his-own-place-as-a/) [Donna Freitas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donna-freitas/) > [I think that most of us, anyway, read these stories that we know are not "true" because we're hungry for another kind of truth:…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orson-scott-card/i-think-that-most-of-us-anyway-read-these-stories-that-we-know-are/) [Orson Scott Card](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orson-scott-card/) > [Human life consists of doing certain things ... to take part in the life of the community; to be able to talk about subjects…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amartya-sen/human-life-consists-of-doing-certain-things-to-take-part-in-the-life/) [Amartya Sen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amartya-sen/) > [Parents who are stressed or disturbed will have more difficulty in meeting their children's needs. Parents who have little support--from friends, relatives, neighbors, or…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheila-kamerman/parents-who-are-stressed-or-disturbed-will-have-more-difficulty-in/) Sheila Kamerman > [I think what was special about 'Music by Prudence' was the classic story of the title subject's life path - from being an outcast…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-ross-williams/i-think-what-was-special-about-music-by-prudence-was-the-classic/) [Roger Ross Williams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-ross-williams/) > [Perhaps the greatest and least visible form of impoverishment caused by the Corporate State is the destruction of community.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-a-reich/perhaps-the-greatest-and-least-visible-form-of-impoverishment-caused/) [Charles A. Reich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-a-reich/) [Browse all 13,840 Community quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/community/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Why are these things happening in Portland? In part, it's because we are a progressive community. Groups like Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys... they come from the outside. They come here because they know that their message is not necessarily welcomed here. 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