Skip to main content
For the Love of Thorns
Crusty, middle-aged, straight white guy here—and a Portland Thorns season-ticket holder since the team began ["Thorn This Way," WW, Aug. 31, 2016]. I've bought into them just as much as with the Timbers. In fact, they had me at the name.
The Thorns have world-class players and a game-day atmosphere unmatched in all of women's footy.
This past Sunday was the first home league match I had ever missed (I'm a musician, and had a gig that evening). I was gutted.
—David K. Anderson
As a female athlete just slightly too old to have benefited from Title IX, I fight tears of joy at every Thorns game I attend. The scoreboard is irrelevant.
—"Ragua"
The real question is why can't this great atmosphere be transferred to other cities? In order for the National Women's Soccer League (and, by default, the Thorns) to survive and thrive, the rest of the league needs to get here.
—"babcock123"
Foreign Political Donations
In Oregon, foreigners can give as much money as they want directly to a state politician ["Currency Exchange," WW, Aug. 31, 2016]. Or, they can set up a dark-money nonprofit and funnel as much money as they want without anyone knowing.
This is because Oregon has no campaign finance laws, and the Oregon Democratic leadership is opposed to reform. Democratic Party members should be appalled.
If the GOP was in charge of the Legislature and opposed all campaign finance reform laws, the Democratic Party base would be screaming for their heads. But with Democrats in charge, they bury their heads in the sand.
—"HB guy"
Limits to political contributions were made moot when expenditures were no longer limited. How do we know this? Because even as the federal limits on direct contributions remain, spending has increased.
Citizens United got a wide-open loophole, and no direct contribution limits will stop it.
—"D'ohrk"
Possible Sites for the Homeless
Charlie Hales' front lawn
Capacity: 8-10 tents.
Advantages: Well-manicured lawn will provide comfortable support. Hales will promise to cook them breakfast every morning.
Disadvantages: Hales will fail to follow through on his promise to cook them breakfast every morning. Neighborhood does not generally like looking at, dealing with, or generally even acknowledging homeless people.
—"pdan"
Why are so many of the homeless being moved east of I-205—more dumping and destroying other neighborhoods. We need more shelters close, in Southwest Portland.
—"Nancy"
Letters to the editor must include the author's street address and phone number for verification. Letters must be 250 or fewer words. Submit to: 2220 NW Quimby St., Portland, OR 97210. Email: mzusman@wweek.com.
Willamette Week