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Monday's protest descended to a riot, according to Portland police. This fire was set at the intersection of Southwest 4th Avenue and Southwest Morrison Street.

(Dave Killen/Staff)

Under what definition of the term could these anarchists be described as "fascists?" ("Portland must be done with punk fascists: Editorial," May 5). According to the Cambridge Dictionary (just to pick one) fascism is defined as: "a political system based on a very powerful leader, state control of social and economic life, and extreme pride in country and race, with no expression of political disagreement allowed." This seems to be what these "punks" (to use your term) were protesting against, as were the large number of peaceful protesters. Anarchism, on the other hand, is defined as "a person who rebels against any authority, established order, or ruling power" (Merriam-Webster.com). Anarchists, clearly; fascists, hardly!

Mark Spofford, Southwest Portland