Greg MacPherson, a House Rep from Lake Oswego, and a reliable anti-gun vote, was at a public “town hall” meeting when a citizen and voter dared to tape the event.
The man behind the camera is Jim Karlock, a staunch supporter of gun rights and individual liberties. It’s interesting to see what happens when a “public servant” finds out what he is saying is…public.
MacPherson , who is, and constantly reminds us, a lawyer, argues that having a camera at a PUBLIC MEETING is somehow interfering with “the free flow of ideas.” What he really fears is a record of HIS positions. MacPherson, (again, an attorney) expresses ignorance of the law on recording PUBLIC MEETINGS, but takes the advice of an unknown member of the audience who makes an inane suggestion about the lawfulness of an Oregon resident, taxpayer and voter recording a PUBLIC MEETING.
MacPherson is the CHAIR of the House Judiciary Committee, the committee that deals with criminal laws in Oregon. His fear of being placed on the record, and his ignorance of Oregon law is both telling and chilling.
For an even more revealing look at what happens when ignorance meets arrogance, we have copied below the text of an e-mail MacPherson has sent voters concerning HB 2852. This bill expands the powers of the Port of Portland Police, who are currently breaking Oregon law.
Thank you for writing. I understand your position on the Port’s ban on concealed handguns on airport property. But House Bill 2852 has nothing to do with that issue, other than it also involves law enforcement at the Port. I do not believe we should hold a good bill hostage because of disagreement over a different issue involving the Port. If you think the public should have the right to carry concealed weapons in airports, I suggest you have legislation introduced to establish this right. Then there can be a full and open debate of that issue.
I appreciate hearing from you. I will start sending my electronic newsletter, The Mac Report, to your email address so you can follow the legislation I’m working on. I send it out every month or so. I do not share the addresses with anyone else. If you prefer not to receive them, just reply to this or any future newsletter with “unsubscribe” in the subject line.
Best regards,
Greg Macpherson
State Representative
House District 38
It is truly amazing that MacPherson would suggest having “legislation introduced to establish this right” when “this right” is already clearly established in Oregon law. But no doubt recipients of this e-mail feel better knowing they have been subscribed to MacPherson’s newsletter.