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A party should only exist if it seeks to serve the needs of the people...that means all the people.  Currently neither major party seeks to serve all Oregonians and that's why 3rd parties are so popular here.  

It's pretty easy to carve off voting blocks by understanding demographic "hot button topics".  It's also easy to win the support of interest groups by asserting support for certain public policy objectives that benefit their clientele. Both major parties are in the act of doing this right now in Oregon as they seek to fund and execute campaigns.

We won't emerge from November 2010 elections with elected representatives that are aligned, focused and ready to solve problems.  In the process of becoming elected they never had to listen to anyone that they couldn't win over.  Why would they start listening to each other and their constituents while in the Legislature if ideology, interest groups and strategy won them the seat?

Here's the hope that the Independent party excited in me: a party that listens through online polling..."listening" being the key word here.  Of course both Republicans and Democrats currently use polls and surveys to extract information in order to carve off demographic groups with hot-button issues - but that's not listening.

Listening is empathetic.  Listening is digressive.  Listening enables understanding.  Listening leads to problem-solving.

What I like about the Independent party is that they are attempting to listen to a wide variety of viewpoints through the use of an online survey. 

We'll see what the Independent Party does with the information, but I'm hopeful that they will build a political movement that is radically different because it listens more than it talks.  

And if this works, both parties might learn a lesson...and Oregonians might get the representation that we deserve.

posted 2 years, 9 months ago
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I used to be ambivalent/negative about the police in general - most of my experiences were based on exceeding the maximum speed limit and resulted in a fine, public embarrassment and higher insurance premiums. 

A recent experience has pushed me to be more supportive of local law enforcement, however.

I was invited on a "ride-along" with a Portland Police officer.  This involved going to a briefing and patrolling her district in inner SE Portland.  I was shocked by the professionalism of my officer despite being verbally abused, physically assaulted and sexually harassed by the citizens that she vowed to protect & serve.  She put herself in harm's way several times throughout the evening to protect the people in Portland that, at best, are ambivalent about her profession.

Of course there are bad cops (just like there are bad teachers, politicians, judges, etc.), but from news coverage, you'd think that at least half of them are jack-booted thugs.  I learned that at least 99%+ of the police officers protecting us are very good people ... and never receive an iota of gratitude for the sacrifices they make on our behalf.  

If you're ambivalent or negative about the Portland Police, I would encourage you to become an informed critic.  Here's the link to the ride-along request form:  http://www.portlandonline.com/Police/index.cfm?a=41803&c=50416

posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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On a trip to Medford earlier last month, I learned about one of the coolest secrets in Southern Oregon:  Land Mind Productions

I took a tour with the founder, John Foote, and was totally blown away with quality of the studio and John's vision.

Next time you're going down to Ashland I'd strongly encourage you to stop by and take a tour - it's amazing.

posted 4 years ago
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I've known more than my fair share of politicians in Oregon and most are not worth a shit.

John Kroger is, IMHO, the real deal - he's smart as hell, he keeps his ego is in check and he's created a policy agenda based on what Oregonians need versus what powerful interest groups want. 

Here's what I've seen in the 4 months he's been in office:

• he fixed the Technology Transfer problem at our state universities;
• he went after Oppenheimer Funds for mismanaging our students' scholarships;
• he took on the Sam Adams case to ensure an unbiased investigation.

There is no political upside to disrupting status quo between universities & the AG's office, prosecuting big banks and investigating powerful sitting politicians.  However, there is a significant upside for the people of Oregon who are being protected/defended/supported by his actions.

In short, we probably don't deserve him - but we're lucky to have him.

posted 4 years ago
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