Ted Wheeler's family abused at their home

Published by Jeff Woodward,

Last evening a group ambushed Ted Wheeler, his wife, Katrina, and their young daughter as they were preparing for bed in their family home. There is a video in which Wheeler's wife can be heard screaming in fear as Ted stand's at the front door in his bathrobe virtually creating a barrier between the group and his family.

As an abuse survivor, I know the feeling of vulnerability, the lack of safety. I know what it feels like to be ambushed where you live. I know what it feels like to be in your home, and not feel safe. I know what it feels like to be constantly be looking over your shoulder. And, I know what it feels like when the invisible line that exists everywhere is crossed.

The group that ambushed the Wheeler's last evening didn't just cross the line, they entered into the realm of which such memories will resonate within those who until last night, felt safe in their home. What happened, cannot be undone, it cannot un-happen and Portland will never be the same again.

Imagine that you're in your home with your loved ones and that you're all getting ready for bed, and then in an instant, you are thrust into fight or flight mode. What happened last night to the Wheeler family didn't just crossed the line, it changed the Wheeler family fundamentally - as it would any family - or individual being abused.

Any progresses towards furthering transparency, whether it be 'Black Live's Matter', 'Don't Shoot Portland, or the 'Dakota Access Pipeline', has taken a huge step backward. A measure such as has occurred last evening set back opening dialogs, it set back respecting one another, it set back every cause in Portland.This is not Portland. In my Portland, Protestors protest by following the standard operating procedures. In my Portland, a bunch of people do not show up on the doorstep of our cities leader, and embarrass, and harass, nor bully spouses, and children.

I wouldn't blame Wheeler if he resigned…and took his family far away from a place where his family can never feel safe again. The event last night emboldened the growing barrier between all of the protesting factions and our cities Leader. There's an old saying…" do what you want to me, but leave my family out of it".

We're here to do the impossible. Climb On | Jeff Woodward | jeffswoodward@icloud.com