Marty Smith

What Would Actually Be Required to Abolish the Portland Police Bureau?

Frankly, a miracle.

Is the Oregon State Song Racist?

If you think I’m reading too much into this, you may not realize just how racist 1920s Oregon was.

Commuters Aren’t Commuting. Has COVID-19 Halted Climate Change?

This entire global disruption was just enough to get us to—maybe—hit our carbon targets for one year.

Where Did All the Tall Bikes Go?

What happened? Portland’s housing costs went bonkers.

Shouldn’t More People Be Wearing Face Masks While Walking Their Dogs?

Actually, no: There are lots of situations where skipping the mask is perfectly fine.

Were Portland’s Founders Drunk When They Laid Out Multnomah County’s Western Border?

Wouldn’t it have been easier to just draw a diagonal line about 2 miles east of Forest Park and call it a day?

You’re More Likely to Infect Friends and Family With a Contagious Virus Than You Are Strangers

In a world where going to PetSmart for dog sweaters is allowed, shouldn’t there also be some wiggle room in the blanket “no social visits” prohibition?

No, It’s Not OK to Host a Backyard Kegger During the COVID-19 Shutdown

That said, it’s not hard to understand where your neighbors are coming from.

Why Do Three-Phase Clinical Trials for Vaccines Take So Long?

If it’s OK to let asthmatic pizza guys stare down La Rona for $12.50 an hour, shouldn’t it be OK to let a few selfless volunteers do the same?

Are You Qualified to Work as a COVID-19 Contact Tracer?

It’s worth a shot.

Willamette Week

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