Opinion
Seeking to understand – and end – Islamophobia
Homa Miazad and her daughter Nadia Najim are anxious. “The internet has affected me most,” Miazad explained. “It’s like road rage. Behind a computer, people can really be hateful, and I carry that fear with me through the day.” Miazad and her daughter were members of a panel on Islamophobia held at the City Club…
An economist’s answers about Measure 97
Q: What will Measure 97 do? A: Measure 97 will raise taxes on C corporations with sales over $25 million a year in Oregon. Only one in 400 businesses – the very biggest operating in Oregon – will have to pay more. Q: Why should corporations pay more Oregon taxes? A: Oregon kids are…
Failure of leadership, lack of accountability, in police contract
Over the past year we have heard a lot about Portland’s desperate need to hire more police officers. Due to an absolute lack of transparency, we don’t even know whether this is true, and we certainly don’t know that low pay is the root cause for recruiting problems. Readers may indeed be experiencing poor police…
SR Editorial: Contract fiasco a cautionary tale for camera policy
Unveiled only a few weeks ago, the new Portland police union contract was lambasted almost immediately for its secret negotiations and shortcomings – loudly – right up until the City Council’s 3-1 vote to ratify it on Oct. 12. While the City Council was able to keep the protests against the contract outside of the…
News
Ralph Nader wants us to break through power
Relentless consumer advocate and frequent presidential candidate Ralph Nader is coming to Portland to discuss his new book, “Breaking Through Power: It’s Easier Than We Think.” At 149 pages, his new release from City Lights Books is a quick and captivating read that seeks to enrage its audience before motivating readers toward a pragmatic solution.…
Reversing Citizens United: The little measure that could
On Nov. 8, voters in Multnomah County will decide on a ballot measure that could make it possible to reel in runaway political campaign funding nationwide. While Measure 26-184 is written as a county charter amendment specific to Multnomah County races, it contains provisions capping independent expenditures, which is prohibited under the U.S. Supreme Court…
Vendor Profiles
‘There is hope’: Bettyjo Griffiths, 2016 Vendor of the Year
Bettyjo Griffiths was honored Oct. 6 with the 2016 Vendor of the Year Award. She received her award in front of nearly 400 people at the annual Street Roots Family Breakfast at Portland’s Sentinel Hotel, where she gave the following speech. This is by far the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me.…
