DOWNTOWN PORTLAND CLEAN AND SAFE?

A reminder of how clean and safe downtown Portland on a trash can?

I’ll take it. Clean and safe.

That’s my starting point, my mind set, which doesn’t mean I’m skipping around like it’s the happiest place on earth.

We all know where that is. (Hey Bridgette)

Downtown Portland is the crossroads of the world in Oregon, and that’s worth a look.

I’m looking for you, with you, not through you.

I’m looking through you, where did you go
I thought I knew you, what did I know
You don’t look different, but you have changed
I’m looking through you, you’re not the same

Your lips are moving, I cannot hear
Your voice is soothing, but the words aren’t clear
You don’t sound different, I’ve learned the game
I’m looking through you, you’re not the same

You’re thinking of me the same old way
You were above me, but not today
The only difference is you’re down there
I’m looking through you and you’re nowhere

 

Every baby boomer knows this song from 1965 and it’s my duty as a baby boomer blogger to remind millennial readers it’s their song, too.

This is Paul playing it in 2011.

For this post, Portland, downtown Portland, is the one that changed. Does it look different?

 

 

The city changes, we change, and some of us take notes.

 

Notes From Downtown Portland

Cast against the backdrop of modern steel and glass, Portland has it’s share of brick and mortar building with ghost signs from the past.

I like that they’re not painted over and instead give an old wall its due.

Some days you may feel like an old wall yourself. Be sure and give yourself your due.

 

 

Other cities have avenues of canyons between the big statement towers.

Not Portland.

Here we get to see the evolution of a city. It may turn into canyons one day, but not today.

In our crossroads of the world town you can step out of the reflected glare of the future and into the murky past in half a block.

 

 

A room with a view? Of course. And this is the view?

Who doesn’t love a good alley. Part of my upcoming photo project is getting shots of downtown Portland alleys and doors. (Hey Mandy)

I’m planning my wardrobe since I’m jumping in front of the camera.

Any suggestions? Period clothes? Costumes? The tuxedo? A wig?

 

The City Question: Who Leaves The Lights On

As a youngster I watched TV in my town of 8500 and became enthralled by cities and buildings.

This was after I learned that the Empire State Building was not in Empire, Oregon.

I was a kid in the backseat looking out as we passed through on Newmark to the left turn onto Cape Arago Highway.

It didn’t look like a good fit for the Empire State Building, but I still asked.

I follow the same rule today: if things don’t seem quite right, I ask.

Why are so many lights on?

One answer: Someone is waiting for the call.

 

 

Or someone can’t get themselves together enough to flip a switch.

 

 

I’m a curious one, and I’ve spent enough time in enough cities, to get a certain feel for my surrounding.

Clean and Safe Downtown Portland has been under my microscope since 1980. I’ll do the math: forty-six years.

In that time things have changed, and changed again, but it’s still Portland.

I can find Portland in bits and pieces showing a shared history.

One thing I’ve found is an agent of change available for all who are eligible:

 

 

PS:

If you are a stand-up person interested in justice and equality for all?

One word:

 

PSS:

Do it for your own peace of mind; do it for those left behind; do it to put respect on your name; do it to feel part of the game.

Do what?

 

 

You can do it, should do it.

So go ahead and do it.

Please vote.

I said please. Is that good enough to take your ballot off the big table, open the envelope, mark up your ballot, and deliver it to a box?

This box.

Let’s go.