The Oregonian finally gets it right.

Mercury editor Matt Davis says removing the parade tape has two purposes. First, the sidewalks belong to all on Saturday. Second, they belong to all the rest of the year too. Downtown businesses, he believes, are on a crusade - via the city’s sit-lie ordinance - to kick down-and-out people off sidewalks, their own version of taping a private space on public property. He sees no difference.

Davis says he anticipates few problems this evening when he and others gather to remove tape. They will not bother anyone actually sitting to preserve their space. And Portland police are quite good at keeping the peace, he said.