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Chad Balcom's comments:
on Summer Struggles
I am a firm believer in the free / reduced cost lunch program in schools. I was a beneficiary of a program like this when I was in elementary school, and I'm convinced that eating well is why I turned out so smart.
We would pay the first week or two while the paperwork went through, then it was covered for us. When I was that young, I just thought that the few dollars I handed over to the teacher covered the whole year - It wasn't until much later I grasped the value of money AND lunch...
We would pay the first week or two while the paperwork went through, then it was covered for us. When I was that young, I just thought that the few dollars I handed over to the teacher covered the whole year - It wasn't until much later I grasped the value of money AND lunch...
posted 4 years, 10 months ago
view in context
on Measure 49 - How's that working out for you?
I noticed the first guest used terms like "they" and "us" - which is obviously an oversimplicfication of the matter, but is also human nature.
It amazes me how well the powers at be understood 30+ years ago what issues would end up facing now, in regards to planning issues. Their vision is why Portland isn't dealing with the sprawl that Seattle or Los Angles has.
I feel that this has been great for all Oregonians.
It amazes me how well the powers at be understood 30+ years ago what issues would end up facing now, in regards to planning issues. Their vision is why Portland isn't dealing with the sprawl that Seattle or Los Angles has.
I feel that this has been great for all Oregonians.
posted 4 years, 10 months ago
view in context
on Homespun Politics
Too often in life we fight the symptoms and not the disease.
Gas prices are the symptom, where as corporate control of our country is the disease.
The war in Iraq is the symptom, where as the military industrial complex is the disease.
I would like to see the candidates have a plan of attack for these cures, but sadly they will most likely offer OTC solutions.
Gas prices are the symptom, where as corporate control of our country is the disease.
The war in Iraq is the symptom, where as the military industrial complex is the disease.
I would like to see the candidates have a plan of attack for these cures, but sadly they will most likely offer OTC solutions.
posted 4 years, 10 months ago
view in context
on Printed Matters
Traditionally newspapers turned between 20% & 30% profits. Compared to most businesses these models were gold mines.
I dont think that its so much revenue streams decreasing as much as its the constant pressure to up the stock price. Even at a good profit rate, it has to increase constantly for the stock to increase.
Also, the mainstream media as a whole is in a vicious cycle of reporting more fluff & less hard hitting content - which tunes out serious readers who are forced to go elsewhere (read: internet) - which drives down readership.
I dont think that its so much revenue streams decreasing as much as its the constant pressure to up the stock price. Even at a good profit rate, it has to increase constantly for the stock to increase.
Also, the mainstream media as a whole is in a vicious cycle of reporting more fluff & less hard hitting content - which tunes out serious readers who are forced to go elsewhere (read: internet) - which drives down readership.
posted 4 years, 10 months ago
view in context
on Rape Rehab
I feel good about the Supreme Court ruling as they did.
I was falsely accused of rape about two years ago, here in Portland. In my opinion, this is an aspect of rape that gets almost no attention.
I was fortunate that this incident was only heard in the 'court of public opinion', and the law was never involved. However, in the small town that is SE Portland, this still caused me plenty of problems.
Long story short, I met this woman through some mutual friends, had some drinks, and she went home with me. After that, I would see her around town (as well as the boyfriend she was in the process of breaking up with), and it wasn't until 6 months later when I first heard about the allegations of non-consensual sex (to this day I've never heard her exact side).
Being how we had sex several more times in the morning (my roommate heard us), and I didn't drop her off at her car until 1:00 in the afternoon, I have a hard time thinking that she didn't know what she was doing. Sure I bought her a few drinks - guys buy girls drinks - that's how things work.
What hurts me more than anything is how this woman has belittled all women who are actually violated. Women have been victimized in large numbers since the beginning of time, and this girl just spit in all their faces - just so she wouldn't have to tell her boyfriend she went home with me willingly.
This is where the death penalty ruling comes in: In this society if the woman uses the word rape - then its rape. The man doesn't have a 'his side of the story' - that doesn't exist.
Therefore I am now a rapist.
Period.
I was falsely accused of rape about two years ago, here in Portland. In my opinion, this is an aspect of rape that gets almost no attention.
I was fortunate that this incident was only heard in the 'court of public opinion', and the law was never involved. However, in the small town that is SE Portland, this still caused me plenty of problems.
Long story short, I met this woman through some mutual friends, had some drinks, and she went home with me. After that, I would see her around town (as well as the boyfriend she was in the process of breaking up with), and it wasn't until 6 months later when I first heard about the allegations of non-consensual sex (to this day I've never heard her exact side).
Being how we had sex several more times in the morning (my roommate heard us), and I didn't drop her off at her car until 1:00 in the afternoon, I have a hard time thinking that she didn't know what she was doing. Sure I bought her a few drinks - guys buy girls drinks - that's how things work.
What hurts me more than anything is how this woman has belittled all women who are actually violated. Women have been victimized in large numbers since the beginning of time, and this girl just spit in all their faces - just so she wouldn't have to tell her boyfriend she went home with me willingly.
This is where the death penalty ruling comes in: In this society if the woman uses the word rape - then its rape. The man doesn't have a 'his side of the story' - that doesn't exist.
Therefore I am now a rapist.
Period.
posted 4 years, 11 months ago
view in context
on Listening In
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated"
- the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
"Those willing to give up a little liberty for a little security deserve neither security nor liberty. "
- Benjamin Franklin
I know they are listening - I embrace it. I write stuff about US history all the time - not opinions - history. I write about things like Operation Ajax, the Gulf of Tonkin incident, the original October Suprise, etc.
I 100% expect to end up in some sort of camp someday. I am prepared to loose my life for the principals this country was founded upon.
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson
PS - Its probably a good idea to invest in firearms between now and the election. I plan on doing so.
- the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
"Those willing to give up a little liberty for a little security deserve neither security nor liberty. "
- Benjamin Franklin
I know they are listening - I embrace it. I write stuff about US history all the time - not opinions - history. I write about things like Operation Ajax, the Gulf of Tonkin incident, the original October Suprise, etc.
I 100% expect to end up in some sort of camp someday. I am prepared to loose my life for the principals this country was founded upon.
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." - Thomas Jefferson
PS - Its probably a good idea to invest in firearms between now and the election. I plan on doing so.
posted 4 years, 11 months ago
view in context
on Essential Skills for the Real World (or College)
I dont know about standardized tests or the # of credit hours, but I would like to see a better focus on history & civics.
Perhaps if we studied the Military Industrial Complex better, we could find a way to stop it.
If we taught about how the US installed the Iranian Shah, and the blowback that brought on, we might stay out of Iran in the future.
If we studied the oil embargo of 1973, perhaps we could get behind alternative energy.
If we drew lessons about the military exercizes in Vietnam (it takes an act of Congress to declare war), perhaps we could have stayed out of Iraq.
It seems to me that learning from the history of our nation would have a more siginifant impact than some standardized test.
Perhaps if we studied the Military Industrial Complex better, we could find a way to stop it.
If we taught about how the US installed the Iranian Shah, and the blowback that brought on, we might stay out of Iran in the future.
If we studied the oil embargo of 1973, perhaps we could get behind alternative energy.
If we drew lessons about the military exercizes in Vietnam (it takes an act of Congress to declare war), perhaps we could have stayed out of Iraq.
It seems to me that learning from the history of our nation would have a more siginifant impact than some standardized test.
posted 4 years, 11 months ago
view in context
on Contracting Iraq
To the guests: What do you think Bremmer's motivations were in writing the immunity clause? Where is Bremmer now? Also, what would it take to overturn this clause, and do you think its likely?
Between the immunity clause, and de-baathafication L Paul Bremmer III single handedly destroyed Iraq, IMO.
Between the immunity clause, and de-baathafication L Paul Bremmer III single handedly destroyed Iraq, IMO.
posted 4 years, 11 months ago
view in context
on Primary Conversations: 5th Congressional District (R)
Kevin,
What do you say to pro-lifers who support the war? Isn't war not pro-life by definition?
What do you say to pro-lifers who support the war? Isn't war not pro-life by definition?
posted 5 years ago
view in context
on McCain and the Veteran Vote
The veterans I listen to are at ivaw.org
posted 5 years ago
view in context
on McCain and the Veteran Vote
PPS - It is proper that George W Bush isn't mentioned as a veteran, because he did not serve in the Texas Air Guard. He was signed up on paper, but never reported for duty. Greg Palast did an excellent piece on the matter. Look it up.
posted 5 years ago
view in context
on McCain and the Veteran Vote
In my opinion, veteran status is not much of a factor.
Look at Eisenhower - he did wonderful things for our country, most of wish was non-partisan. He warned us of the military industrial complex, which we ignored.
US Grant was not only a lousy general, but the worst president (pre-2000) - extremely corrupt.
I have mixed feelings about Teddy Roosevelt's accomplishments.
PS - to respond to one of your guests: The President CANNOT DECLARE WAR. According to the constitution, it takes an act of congress to declare war. Of course the last time that happened was Dec 8th, 1941.....
Look at Eisenhower - he did wonderful things for our country, most of wish was non-partisan. He warned us of the military industrial complex, which we ignored.
US Grant was not only a lousy general, but the worst president (pre-2000) - extremely corrupt.
I have mixed feelings about Teddy Roosevelt's accomplishments.
PS - to respond to one of your guests: The President CANNOT DECLARE WAR. According to the constitution, it takes an act of congress to declare war. Of course the last time that happened was Dec 8th, 1941.....
posted 5 years ago
view in context
on The Roadshow's Sideshow
I am relieved to hear Nader mentioned - third party candidates get no attention in the only 2 party Democracy in the world.
I am the chair for the Chris Deveraux campaign, and I am proud to announce he is coming to Portland tonight. His first stop will most likely be the Sandy Hut - time to put to the test the old addage, "Would you like to have a beer with this guy?"
See you there!
I am the chair for the Chris Deveraux campaign, and I am proud to announce he is coming to Portland tonight. His first stop will most likely be the Sandy Hut - time to put to the test the old addage, "Would you like to have a beer with this guy?"
See you there!
posted 5 years ago
view in context
on Primary Conversations: U.S. Senate
In sports, we compare new players to established vetrans, i.e. - "This guy's the next Ichiro. Obviously a blanket statement, but it can serve as a good reference to general style.
What Senators do each of you look up to? Who's style would you like to take after?
What Senators do each of you look up to? Who's style would you like to take after?
posted 5 years ago
view in context
on Primary Conversations: Attorney General
"It's 3 AM and the phone is ringing....
Its Bill Sizemore and he's got some terrible idea.
Who do YOU want answering the phone?"
Much like Novick/Merckley, Obama/Clinton, Sho/Sam Adams, these races are an embarrassment of riches. We are fortunate to have such good candidates to choose from.
Of course, that also makes these races hard to become excited about....
Its Bill Sizemore and he's got some terrible idea.
Who do YOU want answering the phone?"
Much like Novick/Merckley, Obama/Clinton, Sho/Sam Adams, these races are an embarrassment of riches. We are fortunate to have such good candidates to choose from.
Of course, that also makes these races hard to become excited about....
posted 5 years ago
view in context
on Classy Politics
The class I fit into is the 'pissed off' class.
When this country is literally ran by the CEO's of Haliburton, Cheveron, etc - its no wonder why we are in a war for oil (to keep the oil in the ground, mind you).
In the only democracy in the world with only two parties, I will be voting third party wherever available.
If not now, then when? If not you, then whom?
When this country is literally ran by the CEO's of Haliburton, Cheveron, etc - its no wonder why we are in a war for oil (to keep the oil in the ground, mind you).
In the only democracy in the world with only two parties, I will be voting third party wherever available.
If not now, then when? If not you, then whom?
posted 5 years, 1 month ago
view in context
on Politics for the Under 35 Set
I like the parks issue that Shane Bemis has raised. With youth obesity becoming a bigger issue (no pun intended) every day, and budgets getting tighter at the same time - our parks often go woefully underfunded.
As a skateboarder who has been involved with getting skateparks built here in the Portland metro (as well as nationwide) I have an interest in the Portland mayoral race. Sam Adams has demonstrated his support for the skateparks built recently, and he offers the best bet to further develop more of the planned skatepark system.
As a skateboarder who has been involved with getting skateparks built here in the Portland metro (as well as nationwide) I have an interest in the Portland mayoral race. Sam Adams has demonstrated his support for the skateparks built recently, and he offers the best bet to further develop more of the planned skatepark system.
posted 5 years, 1 month ago
view in context
on A Drop to Drink
I'm not too worried about our future water shortages. I'm sure we will just send in the 82ond Airborne to take someone else's water.
"Its in our interests..."
PS:
A brave man once said: "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully."
http://www.dubyaspeak.com/search.phtml?nq=+fish+can+coexist+&stype=all&em=
"Its in our interests..."
PS:
A brave man once said: "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully."
http://www.dubyaspeak.com/search.phtml?nq=+fish+can+coexist+&stype=all&em=
posted 5 years, 1 month ago
view in context
on The Democratic Party's On
Retaining people in the party is irrelevant - retaining votes is.
posted 5 years, 1 month ago
view in context
on The Democratic Party's On
I keep hearing in state after state as each primary takes place, "Our vote hasn't mattered before..."
Does it matter here? It is clear that neither candidate will have a majority before the convention, so draw your own conclusion there.
PS - vote third party - this is the only democracy in the world with only two parties. That needs to change.
Does it matter here? It is clear that neither candidate will have a majority before the convention, so draw your own conclusion there.
PS - vote third party - this is the only democracy in the world with only two parties. That needs to change.
posted 5 years, 1 month ago
view in context
