First of all, a memorial for homeless is a good thing, but I am troubled that this day marks the 5th year of war in Iraq, and yet it's only mention is as an afterthought with Funk the war protest announcement being the only mention of this monumental catastrophe.
I've devoted my Portland based political cartoon series to this quagmire. It's up on my website now.
www.whatnowtoons.com

You missed the Hardy Family Players sing When the Morning Comes by Charles Tindley, "The Prince of Preachers."

Alert Central Casting! Skinny, pious, filled with the Lord, the Hardy Boys play mandolins and make three part harmony, wear bow ties and suits they found at Goodwill back in 1964. They are what Blitzen Trapper pretends to be.

It's a respectable way to bow out. Steve and Kate from Artichoke Music sang, I'll Fly Away, recently popularized by Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch so everyone knew the words. Craig Henderson sang and drummed a Lakota gathering song.

Then the names were read and candles were lit, as happens every year.

Just thirty-six names, which I reckon is a new all time low. Congrats to all the holders of the safety net. You're gaining on the devil.

What exactly should the city have done? And, when someone drinks themselves to death on streets of Portland, why should we feel guilty.

I just gave money to the rescue mission. They'll help the people who want to help themselves.