My, my, my. Seems like the West's most progressive urban setting has not been able to resurrect its central business district after riots destroyed numerous businesses over a year ago. Famed retailer REI(recreational equipment inc.) announced that it will close its iconic Portland downtown store at the end of its current lease. Why, one asks? Rampant theft and vandalism is the corporate response. Hmmmm. Rampant theft and vandalism. Sounds like many US urban centers these days. Portland's reputation as a very liberal, very progressive environment has spread well beyond its borders. the city, just inland from the Pacific coast, is a hub in the Northwest, and somewhat of a tech center with an upscale population of young professionals and traditional business types that blend together to make the space attractive to many.
However, when riots ensued after news of the murder of George Floyd reached Portland, chaos ensued and roving mobs of agitators and rioters bent on violence and destruction forced the closure of most downtown business. Mayor Ted Wheeler played to the mob and told the police to back off and not arrest anybody involved. This message only provoked more violence and more destruction by mobs that included many outsiders who arrived to join in with the locals. What has changed? It seems that certain attitudes have infiltrated certain segments of the local population, eg. the police won't arrest you; misdemeanors are just that: misdemeanors. Recently, a burglary suspect rammed his vehicle into the front doors of REI, jumped out and ran in to gather up as much clothing as possible and ran away. Who does that? Individuals who assume they won't get caught and individuals who feel the time is ripe to pull this off without worry about any consequences what so ever. Welcome to a liberal, progressive, Left Coast environment.
One can feel a bit of sympathy for long term residents, but one must acknowledge that large concentrations of people require active policing and a strong environment in which the police department can function as intended: to hold individuals accountable for their behavior(s) when in this city. The Columbia River passes by the city of Portland and gives it standing as a port city. The Willamette River also passes through the city as it moves to the Columbia River, lending visible evidence as a city with many possibilities for environmental development and science. Universities abound, providing a basis for business activities with sustainable sources of new employees for a bright future. The wine industry in the Willamette Valley is world renowned and is expanding annually, offering more quality products to its list of high end wines.
All the above examples of Oregon's possibilities have been overshadowed by the sad events in Portland. It will take more time and more effort to correct what happened in this political melange of hype-liberalism.
Where is Ted Wheeler today, one asks?
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