In 2025, I’m humbled and thankful for Oregonians

By Jason Williams
Williams is founder of the Taxpayers Association of Oregon, OregonWatchdog, OregonCatalyst.

In 2025, I have found myself awestruck by my fellow Oregonians.

Here is why:

• As you know, there was a big gas tax passed by politicians this year.  Over seven months, every effort to block citizens from participating in the discussion was used in order to pass this tax that they knew voters did not want.  A referendum petition was launched, and within just two weeks over 150,000 voters took to the streets to sign it or help others sign it.   It is historic.  It is beautiful.

• After Charlie Kirk was killed, we saw spontaneous candlelight vigils sprout up across Oregon.   These people were peaceful, even as angry liberals passing by would scream obscenities and threats at the women and children who were mourning the loss of someone who was murdered.  These Oregon vigil attendees were not only peaceful, but they also showed amazing grace when they prayed for Charlie Kirk’s shooter (this was before Erika Kirk’s famous extension of forgiveness).

• For six years, Leftist protestors have been rioting in Portland under a tolerating city council, media, courts and a hamstrung police.  During the 2025 ICE building riots, we saw something never seen before at these protests — counter protesters showing up in large numbers.  They showed up waving American flags and banners saying that they appreciated ICE agents protecting them.   It was a stunning display of compassion and bravery.  The rioters were utterly stumped and humiliated by their presence.

• Despite the awful politics of the Federal government shutdown, many families found themselves in a bind when SNAP benefits ran out — especially the thousands of Oregonians who have been laid off this year.  The sheer number of local restaurants and businesses offering free meals and food was mind boggling.  Here is just a sample from the Portland area;

AG Burrito Shop,
Astera,
Baja Fresh,
Bar West,
Bing Mi,
Bleau Door Bakery,
Burgerville,
Bumburgers,
Café Olli,
Cafe Yumm!
Dan & Louis Oyster Bar,
DB Dessert Company,
Delicious Donuts,
Donut Land Tualatin
El Sombrero,
Feral,
GeekEasy Café,
Grind Wit Tryz,
Golden Triangle PDX,
Grassa,
Harlow,
Heretic Coffee,
Hog Wild BBQ
Ice Queen,
Just a Dash,
Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant,
Javelina Indigenous Dining,
Laughing Planet Cafe
Legacy Coffee,
Mama Chow’s Kitchen,
Magna Kusina
Mémoire Cà Phê
Mikiko Mochi Donuts,
Miss Delta BBQ,
Mirisata,
Montavilla Brew Works,
Norah
Nan’s Taqueria,
Oregon City Farmer’s Market,
Pica Drip,
Pleasure Burger,
The Pharmacy PDX,
Pizzeria Stellina,
Salvi PDX,
Sunny’s Diner,
Warren Country Inn

Life has been hard for us Oregonians.

We suffer worse by many metrics (drugs, crime, poverty, taxes, homelessness), yet we are going to extraordinary lengths to help each other during this terrible season we are in.

I thank God this Thanksgiving for Oregonians.