Mood:
happyNow Playing: Item I-408
Topic: HUMANITY
This Portland City Council meeting can be viewed on the web at:
http://www.portlandonline.com/index.cfm?c=28258
The council passed without a doubt the resolution I mention in
yesterdays post here-in-the Zebra3 Report
I got my yellow T-shirt at the front door to city hall and joined the other 80- 100 people inside who also had bright yellow shirts on......the shirt says this on the front.
"United in Support of Immigration and Refugees"
The concept to have a Human Rights Commission here in Portland was overwhelming supported. I didn't hear one person say they didn't want one.
There were a half of dozen invited speakers and a couple dozen of the "2 min speakers from the Public" ...which happened to be across the board diversity of speakers from the Portland Community.......I didn't see any Native Americans at this event, at least there was no speaker that mentioned they were of that culture ...that is not a issue or problem.....just a side note.
There was representation by to name just a few...... The Hispanic community, The Christian community, The Muslim, African American, Korean, Gay & Lesbian, and even Cop Watch.
Nice mix of concerned and informed people. The council listened attentively. And to no surprise all voted to implant the Resolution. One comment was the rate at which HATE groups are multiplying since 9-11 which was at the rate of a 300% increase ..... man Hate and Racism on the major rise ...and here was the city of Portland trying to balance by resolution an attitude of Humanity and compassion. I was proud to be there. The community was speaking and they (City Hall) were listening.
A few speakers talked of the abuse of the Police and the use of force...... and man that is a hot topic with Joe_Anybody as well.
That cop/justice/civil rights concept came up at least 3 times ...maybe more.......The crowd clapped (suppose to wave hands in the air not clap in the 'chambers') when the issue of Police accountability was broached...... and pointed out we need resources and ways to address the attitude of the police with the community. Two policemen sat quietly along the back wall....in a very "non-threatening way" throughout the meeting.
Interesting enough in this police-realm ....when the guy from "Cop Watch" (Dan H) was done speaking he went to sit down and his chair or the only seat .....was right alongside the policeman's, so after his 2 min speech he has to sit right next to a cop ........no big deal ...just an observation! (If it was me, I would of felt awkward giving a speech on Police Accountability and then have to go sit next to them) I respect the Cop Watch organizer- Dan Halderman ( I think is the correct spelling)
This was now my second time in those marble halls. The first is when I was really Proud of these Council guys running this show....when they voted to not accept the JTTF Terrorism Bullshit.
So two times Joe Anybody goes to city hall he witness's great decisions by the city leaders and I am proud to report that back to you, my fellow Z3 Readers ......... .....HA ! (yes)
Eric Sten did mention that this is the tip of the issue.... it need to gain strength and gain support in the community. He was quick to point out that there needs to be follow up and continuation of this endeavor to make this truly happen and be viable. Now those are my own word from what I gathered he was saying. I think he was just trying to encourage and bring to the table that this concept and idea is just starting and this must continue to be worked on/with in order for it to survive. This was the First step and it will take Community involvement to finish this Resolution intentions.
So there I was up in the balcony watching the wheels of the city grind out some decent policy. I am proud of the insight and Humanity of this City that I live in!
To take more of an Active role in this Organization click this link: http://www.interculturalorganizing.org/bridgetownvoices/bridgetownvoices.html
From their brochure it looks like they meet
On Thursdays at 2808 NE MLK Blvd #13 <503-287-4117>
So my fair readers ....... How about you all join with me and th community that is rising up out of the hate ....and "become a voice in the night that is Speaking out for Human Rights" .....and those human rights apply to all Immigrants and Refugees just as much as to you and me. What they need is a voice and someone to stand with them ....... who can help the cry in the night? The Human Relations Commission is a start ...but they need individuals like you and me that will stand up and be counted ...now that is the vital part.
Or should I be asking,
.......... "Can you even hear it?
..... I bet you can if you try!"
