I am always skeptical of news reports and like to see things for myself. So on our last road trip I opted to make a quick detour into Downtown Portland to see what three months of protesting in America looks like.
Portland was one of my favorite cities in the west. I used to enjoy walking the streets and riding the free trolley around the downtown. My work would take me to the University of Portland periodically and I understood the draw to this clean modern city. There was always a homeless issue, but it was limited to a few blocks along the parks adjacent to the river.
Portland was always a friendly city….but that has changed. Three months of violence has left the streets deserted, business destroyed and created a feeling of danger. Graffiti covers everything and tall chain link fences protect the public buildings with armed police inside. Even on a Friday at 11:00, there is almost no traffic and few people around. Protesters and homeless are living on the streets.
I have traveled around much of the world, including in some of the most dangerous places on the planet. I know the feeling of danger. Some of that comes from growing up on the streets of Youngstown Ohio in the 1970’s and some of it from deploying to Central America in the 2000s. Portland felt and looked like a third-world city.
After George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis by a police office in May, I understand the anger and demand for reforms. But there is no justification for this and there is no excuse for the incompetence of the political leadership that allows it.
Is this what is coming to our other great cities?
The city governments allow this kind of behavior to continue. They simply get what they deserve! No sympathy from this outpost!
Yes, its hard to believe that the police and the public have to tolerate this.