You’ve proven yourself dedicated, persistent and courageous. Now, it is time to prove yourselves wise and humane.
Your message should be taken seriously and make a positive difference. But eventually, somebody will be grievously hurt, maybe blinded for life.
I suggest setting a goal that memorializes your strength and compassion. For example, you could request a big monument be built at the government’s expense that will inscribe names and a message. If you think about it, it’s cheaper for the government to agree than to risk losing a court house.
That way, Portland, you can gain moral credibility through compassion.
Nobody wants a young person, no matter how noble the cause, to live the rest of their lives as a cripple.