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The Arts = creative problem solving and education from alternative perspectives.  They teach us to think, make new connections, and new friends.  Those classes are where we get to shout about who we are as teens (in a somewhat socially acceptable way).  Where we learn to use color and tools with most impact as little kids.  Where we literally hear our own voice.  And where we get to use parts of ourselves, at all ages, that don’t often get tapped in other classes.  The arts keep us connected and should be built in to the DNA of every school.

posted 2 years, 12 months ago
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Sam Adams is imperfect. He?s also a dedicated, knowledgeable, proven civil servant with obvious love of and vision for Portland. Unless he had sex with a minor, his worst offense was to panic and lie about a relationship -- which is ironic, considering how honest he's been about himself in the past.

Now he?s had a painful and valuable lesson at the beginning of his term. We should forgive him and move on.

The City Commissioners know him well and are probably in the best position to evaluate whether or not this will truly hurt their effectiveness together. I would be willing to let them decide whether he stay or goes.

But I personally vote for accepting his apology and getting back to work. Like Barack says, "what works?" We'd be foolish to throw out a (im)perfectly good mayor over something like this.

posted 4 years, 4 months ago
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