City council security measures ensure equal access
Published by Jeff Woodward,
The social media lead groundswell of a small and poorly lead group of miscreant city council audience members has virtually denied access to one of our cities greatest examples of democracy; the right to publicly speak before our elected officials.
The resulting demonstrative, and frankly embarrassing, news reports of personal attacks on city council members, including Mayor Ted Wheeler and his family at their home, have extolled that Portland's City Hall and City Council meetings are, at best, unpredictable, and at worse, a very dangerous place to be.
The loss of life, whether a young black man or four of our cities homeless was preventable, and everyone in our City of Roses is collectively suffering the consequences. However, those hiding behind these life’s have only accomplished intemperate chaos and fear at the very venue that can further their goals.
In the 1976 movie, Network, viewers of the evening news were preached upon by a deranged newscaster, emboldened by his deity-esk status, he convinced New York viewers to go out onto their balconies and scream...We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it any more.
As a Homelessness Advocate, I count myself as one who is too often reminded of this sentiment. However, unruliness has silenced scores of voices that would otherwise be heard before the council, and that's not Portland...we’re better than that - period.
Has there ever been a better time for constructive security measures that ensure equal access for all?
We're here to do the impossible. Climb On | Jeff Woodward | jeffswoodward@icloud.com