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I think that this is a very appropriate topic for the population of Oregon, in particular, considering the sizable nudist culture.

Personally, I think that more nudity could be a useful tool in acquainting people with what average human bodies look like, as opposed to the extreme versions we are normally exposed to through advertising and adult entertainment.

Allowing nudity would not effect the standards that businesses and public institutions (such as schools) are able to require under the law (e.g.:  no shoes, no shirt, no service).

Public nudity does not necessarily mean public sex.

I seems like obvious discrimination to allow men to go shirtless and women to not.

If public nudity were only allowed as a form of protest, I think it would still be a useful tool.  Last summer I happened upon a naked bicycle event and found it to be attention getting, at the least.

As a form of art, I believe that even partially clad people can be more intriguing to gaze at when a fashion accentuates or over-accentuates attributes that might go less noticed otherwise.  I, personally, find the completely nude form to be, generally, uninteresting, even on attractive people.  So the saying goes, "If you've seen one, you've seen 'em all."

posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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What aren't people allowed to wear?

posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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If what you are saying is true it is very concerning.  If you don't mind my asking, where did you get your information?

posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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Isn't it effective, through the use of psychological techniques and non-violent force, to control a situation involving a single, unarmed citizen?  

Would the use of a taser be most appropriate for situations involving suspects who have short range weapons such as knives, but not long range weapons such as guns?

I think that tasers have their place in public safety scheme, but how can we best determine that role?

posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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I'm curious to know why the tax hasn't changed in such a long time.  Was it in order to be more competitive with other states?  Was it the result of lobbying from a powerful special interest?

My two concerns are thus:

I'm no accountant, but couldn't a company, especially a small business, just hide their profits by paying them out in salaries to the executives who are also the owners?

Also, if these businesses' margins are so small that they can't pay even $150 in twelve months, are they really serving the public good, should they become not-for-profit, or should they simply fail and allow more innovative competitors to take their place?

posted 3 years, 5 months ago
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I empathize with your concerns over poorly crafted public policy, however, if it is done correctly universal healthcare will provide more economic security, not less.  Keep in mind that a final national healthcare bill is far from complete.  Even recently, Max Baccus has revised his version of the bill to alllow for more subsidies for middle income people.

posted 3 years, 8 months ago
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That's very interesting.  What is the reason we have the highest rate?  There are places with milder climates, could it be a cultural factor where we are perceived as either sympathetic to homeless people, or unsympathetic to our neighbors which more often results in homelessness when hard times hit?  

Perhaps it is public policy, I understand that Portland has a goal of eliminating homelessness.  Logically, that has to mean more access to services and maybe the word is getting around and attracting more homeless here.

From a moral perspective, we are doing a disservice to our society by allowing some of it's members to become so desperate that their basic needs are no longer being met.  That means there is a greater possiblity that any of us or someone we know might end up in the same situation.

From an economic perspective, we have a subset of people who are not maximizing their potential in the workforce and have no purchasing power.  Additionally, they are a drain when they receive subsidized services or recieve personal donations from passersby.  Logically, it would make more long-term sense to provide them with the education or, in the case of the mentally ill, the psychiatric care they need in order to contribute to society.

posted 3 years, 8 months ago
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Women's culture seems incredibly competitive and the only thing that rivals it is probably gay men's culture.

The indoctrination of women through magazines, commercials, role models and parents who make statements like "women aren't as good at math" is alarming.  Sitcoms which consistently showcase overweight, unintelligent fathers who are unapologetic about their hypermasculinity paired with hyper-skinny neurotic women who seek power only through deceptive and passive-agressive behaviors are a frightening example for anyone, let alone young women.

Don't even get me started on the porn industry . . .  For what it's worth, studies have shown that sex is more satisfying for couples in countries where men and women are considered more equal.  I believe that humans are designed to be happiest when they can cooperate in a give-and-take situation.

I hope we soon realize that by not allowing women to live up to their potential in the work force we are enforcing a kind of brain drain on our economy.

Being a feminist is not just about supporting the choice for women to do the same things as men, but for men to acknowledge that they can have pride in choosing to do things that are tradionally thought of as feminine.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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I'm kind of sad that this topic had become a forum for people to complain cynically about their experiences here.  It's not exactly on topic unless they have buyer's remorse about the Portland they believe they were "sold".

I've lived here my whole life and traveled up and down the west coast and I think the city is pretty well-rounded.  I wonder if the detractors are just used to a more frenetic pace with loads of distraction and stimulation.  I like Portland because it does not have those things.  The varied cultures are comparatively organic, rather than force grown by mass marketing.  You can easily get away to nature and hear yourself think and share physical activities with friends and family.

I would encourage people who feel unsatisfied (wherever they might live) to remember that satisfaction in life is more a result of loving oneself and the ones who's lives we touch, and that the loud noises, flashing lights, and outspokeness of the big city are just overstimulated illusions.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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In regard to people who are full of themselves, I like to say to myself that I choose not to let the imperfections of other people get in the way of my happiness.  What follows is a deep breath and I become more centered, more proactive, and less reactionary.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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Well, that's just ridiculous.  I would find a manager and complain.  I don't like to make a big deal, but if I was waiting for someone who cut in line and talked for 5 minutes on the phone while the service person waited I would make sure that both of them knew how unacceptable that was.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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I've always wondered if the phrase "don't move here" has a reverse psychological effect.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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Personally, I think this is very cool.  I like meeting people from different places and learn about their unique view of the world and Portland.  It sounds like these folks are enjoying their visit and don't plan on moving here--at least in the near future.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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That's a great idea.  We do run the risk of watering down our culture if we do not successfully incorporate the people who move here.  Thankfully, I think we outnumber them and so it would be difficult for them not to be influenced by our culture if they move here.

On a side note, the city of Portland seems to still be head and shoulders more progressive than even it's surrounding suburbs.  For instance:  voter owned elections for mayor and city council.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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Mike,

I think you're my favorite commentator on this topic; I agree with what you're saying and I think it sees to the heart of the bigger issue:  democracy.

I hope you will continue to express yourself without fear.  Your courage to speak sincerely inspires.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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This is a difficult issue, and, generally, I value open and honest communication.  However, people behave differently online then they do in public and I know that my opinions, which are intended to challenge people's accepted ideas, are not always going to be popular with everyone.  If we were all meeting in person for a group discussion I might be more willing reveal my identity because so much of communication and how we recognize each other as people is revealed through body language and voice tone, but my priority is to freely share my thoughts in a constructive way and I'm not willing to have to think twice for fear of some kind of potential reprisal.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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What is high particle transport?

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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It's interesting to speculate on why removing the damns is in question.  How does the energy produced or the cost of removing them compare with the economic benefit a robust fishing industry would produce?  

It seems that salmon are not going to go instinct anytime soon and that things are moving in the right direction, but I don't understand all of the factors contributing to the long term plan.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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Scott,

I think that your statement speaks to greater issues, of which petition signer privacy and, specifically, the gay rights debate are symbolic of.

In practice, the majority rules in a democracy, sometimes at the expense of the minority.  As a democratic society and realizing this we choose to counter by requiring a super majority to change certain fundatmental laws, like The Constitution.

I understand your concerns about people acting privately to reduce the rights of certain classes, however, I don't think there is a real basis for alarm.  Follow my logic:  a proposed law (like anti-gay rights legislation) will only be executed if the majority agrees.  And if the majority agrees then what is the benefit of making the names public?  Not public pressure.  Making names public only provides an opportunity for others to confront the petition signers and, more often than not, results in personal attacks when the issue is polarizing.

I believe proposed legislation should be debated in the public forum based on the strength of it's ideas.  After that, the majority of voters can rule as to whether it should be enacted as law.

I realize this is sometimes difficult, but it's important to have a certain amount of faith in the potential for humanity to do the right thing, eventually, even if it takes time and energy.  I would offer examples ranging from the historic outlaw of slavery to the recent Oregon law against bullying in schools for any reason including sexual orientation.

-Sean

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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I am very dissappointed that the majority of commentors have used this forum to demonize those that oppose them, promote an agenda seperate from the topic at hand, and pointlessly debate that existing law is the way it is and that's that.

Apparently, many commentors would not mind having their names published for the petitions they sign, and that's fine.  What about people who don't chose that for themselves?  What about the gay man who isn't out to everyone he knows and works with and doesn't want his name made public, but wants to support the cause?  Should he have to make that choice?

The larger debate is how can we make democracy function better in all cases where petitions are involved, not just gay marriage issues.  If nothing else, public records of petitions signatures would harm democracy because more people simply wouldn't participate.

posted 3 years, 9 months ago
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