There I was with over 100 people in the Portland City Council and I knew maybe 3 people. What the hell, where were all the other activists? This was a wonderful moment for Portland, the council was considering an ordinance that would grant sick leave to workers. I was not happy that most of my friends/activists were not there to counter the Business Alliance and the other greedy businesses who were there to yell, "OH MY GOD, the sky will fall if we grant people the right to stay home when they are sick."
From what I can tell Commissioner Fritz was the lead on this and was pushing to get it done. She is my favorite of the 5 shi-s and I stopped to tell her staff that I was happy with what they were attempting to do. There is opposition to this by people who range from reasonable to the Business Liars/Alliance who were just sad. There is room to discuss how you go about doing this noble thing, but there is no room in my world for people who own restaurants to say, "Don't come to work sick but if you stay home we will not pay you."
For me this is a no-brainer, you do not want people to come to work sick, the question should only be how can you help people out who do get sick. Those who gave testimony against this possible ordinance, who were troubled by scheduling made some good points and should be invited to offer reasonable solutions, but those who just want to keep as much money as possible should just be quiet. The latter sounded greedy. It is not often that I am proud of any politician but today was a good day for Portland City Council. I even smiled a few times at the council, (don't let that get out please.) This is just part of the process, there is a way to go on this but where the hell were you?
I know we are all busy saving the world, but folks, we need your help. The unions were there, the politicians were there but most of the activists were out to lunch. We need to do these things together and not as separate entities.
Wednesday's meeting, there were very few things going on in the council but Comm. Fritz did mention that we do need some more work on dealing with:
"Update Council procedures regarding publication of the Council Agenda (Second Reading Agenda 73; amend Code Sections 3.02.020 and 3.02.030)" She was trying to figure out how to get the Agenda to the most people. I guess the question is how to get the info to the most people. I think this will come up again in the future. I left the meeting before this came up, (I can only stay for about 90 minutes and my body tells me to go home.) So, I will have to watch the meeting on video.
We need you at the meetings, try to go to one a month if you are not working, if you cannot go watch the video after the fact and let me know what you think. We should have more than just my observations when it comes to reporting.
(Other News)
The Good and Noble people who have kept the watch for over 1 year in the cold and rain have announced a day for celebration. Before the super bowl game the people who have protested against this stupid Portland camping ban will share food and stories at high noon this Sunday around City Hall. Come and laugh and have a time. It may take place in one of the parks across the street, follow the good vibes!!!!
|
e-mail: 
homepage: