Gentrification in NE Portland

[Encolpius]

Originally Posted by soleri

I supported Affirmative Action at the outset, but given its politicization by the White Political Party it's harder to justify in today's polarized nation. The same would go for the even less politically palatable reparations. What would work? Social democracy. Every American deserves a good education, job training, health care, and decent housing. It's what they do in Europe, Australia, the Pacific Rim nations, Canada, and every other nation that call itself 1st World. It's only controversial in this country. And the reason is race. Republicans use racial and cultural resentment to divide and conquer the electorate. The result is a nation riven with injustices and inequities. It's tearing us apart for no better reason than to ensure that the rich always become richer. It sickens me.

I think affordable housing set asides are a great idea. Maybe someone could enlighten me as to the reasons its not practiced in Portland.

Cultural codes and racial quotas are unworkable. North Portland has already transitioned to a majority white area (just as it had transitioned to a majority black area circa 1990). Is it unjust that cultures, economies, and demographics change? No. It's simply reality. I'm going to miss the hippies when they finally get priced out of Buckman, Kerns, Sunnyside, and Montavilla. Should we put them on an endangered list? No. It would offend our sense of proportionality. I miss the San Francisco and Seattle of the 1980s and '90s but there's no way to encase those cities in aspic. In the end, we can mourn the passing of an era without having to injure time itself. Change is the only constant. Our battles should be fought on behalf of attainable goals. Freezing North Portland demographically is not attainable because, in truth, it's impossible.

I agree with you that polarized identity politics help nobody. But I hope we can talk about gentrification and racial inclusivity without falling into this trap.

I think we should strive for a city in which longtime residents are not displaced because they can't compete financially with people with high incomes and no families. We should strive for a city in which our black, Latino and Asian communities can afford to live this side of 82nd. Are those unattainable goals?