I have to go to Citizen's Police Academy. But would somebody please remind everybody that calling a racist a racist might "help sell newspapers," but it really "doesn't help this community move forward" in any meaningful manner.

Also, would somebody else there please call somebody a racist? Because as we all know, that's what this debate is really all about, and the rest is gloss.

I will be at the meeting as well.

Excellent!

I commend Commissioners Leonard, Adams and Sten for seeking a new approach on this issue—one that's not divisive. But I can't help thinking that the "find another street" outcome does, in some sense, pander to the irrational (and racist) fears and feelings of a section of Interstate neighbors, as reported on here, last week.

The process may not have been perfect, and the committee may not have had the support it needed to make its recommendations, but nobody was too bothered about its work until Amy started reporting on it. Which is both to show massive respect to Amy, and to critique the commissioner's "don't read what you sign up to support" approach to this issue, earlier on.

Leonard, Adams and Sten may have been acting on bad information when they supported the change earlier, but if they thought there might be a danger the rename mightn't succeed, why didn't they do more, at the time?

I do hope that each of the three "fix-it" commissioners makes a clear statement of condemnation about some of the racist filth that has been spewed over this issue before they wade in and get a heroic reception for sorting it out.

I'm all for praising bravery and creativity in politics, but without hearing something condemning about the racism, I think that the committee to rename the street is going to end up feeling like a bunch of white blokes pulled the rug from under them when it became too politically hot to stand on.

Racism is not to be skirted around. Like a bully, it's got to be hit hard and swinging with ferocity, even if you think you might get beaten up once the blow lands.

Come one, city commissioners. Give us something to believe in.

People weren't "bothered" by the committee's work until they actually found out about it largely due to Amy's reporting. From the reaction when they did find out, I'd say there was a whole lot of bother. Alot of people were "bothered" about Portland Blvd but they were never given a chance to be heard.

Here is the thing that puzzles me. Matt, how do you go about reading people's minds and hearts to find their true racist selves? You seem to be able to root them all out no matter how much they say it isn't about race.

You can identify their racism, irrationality and fear without meeting them or having any conversation with them at all. This must really serve you well as a journalist. If you can't actually verify someone's racism you can make it up.

I'm so glad we have you here in Portland to hold up your mirror so that we can all see how you see us. Where would we be without you to be our moral compass?

Will I see him on the tv
Preachin bout the promised land
He tells me to believe in jesus
And steals the money from my hand

Some say he was a good man
But lord I think he sinned, yeah

Twenty-two years of mental tears
Cries a suicidal vietnam vet
Who fought a losing war on a foreign shore
To find his country didnt want him back

Their bullets took his best friend in saigon
Our lawyers took his wife and kids, no regrets
In a time I dont remember
In a war he cant forget

He cried forgive me for what Ive done there
Cause I never meant the things I did

And give me something to believe in
If theres a lord above
And give me something to believe in
Oh, lord arise

My best friend died a lonely man
In some palm springs hotel room
I got the call last christmas eve
And they told me the news

I tried all night not to break down and cry
As the tears rolled down my face
I felt so cold and empty
Like a lost soul out of place

And the mirror, mirror on the wall
Sees my smile it fades again

Sometimes I wish to God I didnt know now
The things I didnt know then
Road you gotta take me home

I drive by the homeless sleeping on a cold dark street
Like bodies in an open grave
Underneath the broken old neon sign
That used to read jesus saves

A mile away live the rich folks
And I see how theyre living it up
While the poor they eat from hand to mouth
The rich is drinkin from a golden cup

And it just makes me wonder
Why so many lose, so few win

You take the high road
And Ill take the low road

Sometimes I wish to God I didnt know now
The things I didnt know then

Matt Davis is like the love child of Simon Wiesenthal and Bret Michaels.

kudos Tracy...
I am SICK of Matt's ridiculous white guilt overshadowing the fact that SOME of us in N. Portland actually LIVE in diversity every day.....grow up Matt, this is not about racism for the majority of us. You obviously have little faith in humanity, keep it to yourself.