Hello Portland!
My name is Sandy Chung. My pronouns are she and her. I am the Executive Director of the ACLU of Oregon.
The ACLU of Oregon’s mission is to defend and advance our democracy, civil liberties, and civil rights. We have more than 45,000 members and donor supporters across Oregon.
Democracy is important to me — it is a core part of my personal history.
My family and I immigrated from South Korea to the US in the early 1980s. At that time, South Korea was ruled by a military dictator. In 1980, my parents became profoundly disillusioned with their country after the government suppressed pro-democracy protests in a city called Kwangju — by killing several hundred to several thousand protestors, including many college students. You see, Kwangju is my dad’s hometown.
About a month after Trump’s re-election – on Dec 3, 2024 – then President Yoon of South Korea tried to do a Trump. He declared martial law. In response, South Korean lawmakers climbed the walls of their parliamentary building — and blockaded their doors from Yoon’s henchman — to pass an emergency law stopping Yoon from his dictator goals. At the same time, millions of South Koreans took to the streets and protested to protect their democracy. This past week, Yoon’s impeachment was finalized when all eight justices on South Korea’s Constitutional Court affirmed the impeachment.
I share with you South Korea’s story because we — the people of the United States — are not alone in our struggle for democracy. As we see from South Korea’s story, we can resist fascists, and we can win!
At the ACLU, we have been clear with Trump and all lawmakers that we will always resist fascism. At the ACLU, we have a saying: “See you in court.” Since Trump re-entered the White House, the ACLU has gone to court - and gone to court again and again and again - to defend the many people who have been targeted, harassed, and even imprisoned by Trump simply for exercising their basic constitutional rights.
In our fight against fascism, we are fighting for the heart of our country:
- Trump wants a country ruled by greed, corruption, and control. We strive for justice, fairness, and freedom.
- Trump foments hate and division. We cultivate care and collaboration.
- Trump emboldens billionaires. We empower everyday people.
- Trump is a bully. We take down bullies.
As a bully, Trump goes after the people he thinks are the most vulnerable — who he believes we the people will leave behind. Since Inauguration Day, he has been particularly inhumane and evil against our neighbors who are immigrants and refugees, transgender, and who have spoken up against war and genocide and for Palestinian freedom.
Portland, I ask you — are we going to let Trump bully our immigrant and trans neighbors and justice activists? No!
One more time. Are we going to let Trump bully anyone in our communities? No!
My fellow Oregonians, if you want to say “Heck No” and “Hands Off” to Trump, please join the ACLU of Oregon in the Equal Rights for All campaign. With this ballot measure campaign, we will defend abortion and trans healthcare rights and marriage equality in our state constitution – and protect equality and freedom for ALL Oregonians. Please look for one of our volunteers gathering signatures here today — or go to equalrightsoregon.com for more information.
Everyone, thank you for your solidarity with the ACLU of Oregon community. We are in solidarity with all of you!* * *
Continue to be part of the resistance:
- Join the Protect Oregon and Indivisible Oregon newsletters to learn about upcoming town halls, protests, and other opportunities for action.
- Attend a town hall with Attorney General Rayfield on April 9 (Eugene), April 10 (Portland), or May 3 (Bend). Times and locations are here.
