The Redmond Fourth of July parade is becoming more ugly and unsafe each year due to the same group: People’s Rights OR 5. Last year, they flew the Confederate flag. This year, the Redmond Chamber of Commerce reassured everyone that they wouldn’t be allowed to do so again and put “rules” into place to prevent it.

What the chamber failed to mention, however, was that the rules would not actually be enforced, so People’s Rights was once again allowed to shove their unwanted political opinions into the faces of children. All while the chamber called the parade a “family-friendly, inclusive event that is for the entire community regardless of belief or background”. As an attendee, this certainly did not feel inclusive.

Will the chamber ever be willing to stand up for the rest of Redmond? Or will they continue to be pushed around by this loud minority until the parade is nothing but People’s Rights propaganda? We are growing tired of seeing it. Do better, Redmond.

Jordan Portier

Redmond