Jul 18Liked by Richard Cheverton, Pamela Fitzsimmons
I routinely pass by the street where Mr Hammond lost his life. What a tragedy for him, his family and the neighbors that got a first hand look at Blackmon’s criminal lifestyle and deadly outcomes. And just like yesterday, the prostitutes are out and about, very present, working the area. Seems they’re continuing to look for their next “easy trick, easy lick”. And to think there’s a segment of our population that thinks this should be legalized.
Jul 16Liked by Richard Cheverton, Pamela Fitzsimmons
It is seldom if ever noted how good is Fitzsimmons's writing. Most important, I suppose, is its structure, the clarity with which the matter under consideration is shown, when actors are introduced, key quotations employed, pefect, apt, and concise characterizations, usually in the subject's own words and always by his or her own deeds.
The interweaving of the players and their backgrounds. The ear for professional or contemporary speech locutions and the incisive employment of those terms. I would like to go on but I literally have to leave this building. But, analyzing and exploring her craftsmanship is its own satisfaction and I am certain to take it up later.
But, the structural power of the article is a marvel, nothing to heavy, nothing too long, nothing too early nor too late. To be silly, the infelicitous is eschewed; the important question and/or problem is always clear to the meanest understanding. The shortcomings of community self-management have been laid bare and so are open to an urgently needed remedy (often provided or implied)- should those in power bother themselves to do the right thing.
Portland is full of Quentin Blackmons; there's a steady supply that will keep ex-ACLU judges and assorted court functionaries supplied with raw material. And Quentin will be back, having been given a post-graduate degree in psychopathy. It's a given that he will meet up with some other gangstas and might even get a notch or two inside the Big House.
Of course, Quentin is OUR fault, as any of the city's social justice warriors will say repeatedly (and in the public prints). Thanks, Pam, for getting that part of the story straight.
Who’s knocking the art? I have visited every piece of art in the courthouse — none more so than “Welcome to the Neighborhood.” When I was covering Blackmon’s trials, and hanging out waiting for a verdict on one of them, I visited “Welcome to the Neighborhood” every day.
The more I looked at it, the less I liked it. Part of it was that I detected a certain virtuous smugness in the artist’s note. If he wants to get rid of his fishing equipment, that shouldn’t be too hard. Then it occurred to me that I could throw together some of my garbage. And I wouldn’t have to rely on toothbrushes and toothbrush containers. I have quite a selection of packaged food items far beyond their expiration dates, but I can’t throw them out because that would be wasteful. Also, I might still eat some of them.
On the Friday before the Rose Festival Parade, a friend came into Portland who hadn’t been here in a long time. Trying to do my part to help the downtown, we had lunch at Huber’s and then wandered about. He commented on how empty downtown was.
I took him to the new courthouse, went up to the 10th Floor and showed him “Welcome to the Neighborhood.” He was intrigued by it, kind of like I was the first time I saw it.
Since we were on the 10th Floor I checked to see if Judge Skye might have something going on. Her door was locked. But a few doors down there was Judge Bottomly, and a hearing was scheduled on whether to release a guy who was accused of assaulting a man under one of the bridges.
All of the courtrooms in the new courthouse are small and functional with two rows for spectators. These new courtrooms have all the majesty of a motel conference room.
We entered and sat down in an empty front row. There was a defense attorney and a prosecutor sitting at their respective tables. They were waiting for the bailiffs to bring in the defendant. The judge was not on the bench, but her clerk was present.
The appearance of two members of the public, in a public courtroom, attracted notice.
“Nothing is going to happen,” the defense attorney told us.
How could she know nothing was going to happen? The judge hadn’t even appeared yet. She had made no ruling.
I told the defense attorney my friend was from out of town, and I was showing him the sights.
“You didn’t know the courthouse was a tourist attraction?” I asked.
Some light laughter.
This new courthouse cost $324.5 million, and I have to wonder how much attention was given to the placement of art vs. public accommodations in the courtrooms.
Keep in mind that this courthouse was one of the major accomplishments of Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury — just named Chief of Staff of Portland Public Schools Superintendent.
She will have a chance to influence the design of the school district’s new central office — possibly located downtown. Perhaps another art venue is on the way.
Jul 15Liked by Richard Cheverton, Pamela Fitzsimmons
Another terrific and perfectly researched article. You’re such an excellent journalist. I could never write anything even close to this level of journalism. Sorry for gushing but I am so aware of my limitations. I love that you expose these predators for the losers that they are. It’s necessary.
Portlanders are tired of criminals being treated with kid gloves, given multiple chances and victims being ignored, swept under the rug and forgotten.
Voting habits are changing in Portland. People are going to vote more conservatively. When extreme liberal Democrats have abandoned regular working class people, in favor of violent predators, they’re going to continue to lose voters. I say good.
I routinely pass by the street where Mr Hammond lost his life. What a tragedy for him, his family and the neighbors that got a first hand look at Blackmon’s criminal lifestyle and deadly outcomes. And just like yesterday, the prostitutes are out and about, very present, working the area. Seems they’re continuing to look for their next “easy trick, easy lick”. And to think there’s a segment of our population that thinks this should be legalized.
It is seldom if ever noted how good is Fitzsimmons's writing. Most important, I suppose, is its structure, the clarity with which the matter under consideration is shown, when actors are introduced, key quotations employed, pefect, apt, and concise characterizations, usually in the subject's own words and always by his or her own deeds.
The interweaving of the players and their backgrounds. The ear for professional or contemporary speech locutions and the incisive employment of those terms. I would like to go on but I literally have to leave this building. But, analyzing and exploring her craftsmanship is its own satisfaction and I am certain to take it up later.
But, the structural power of the article is a marvel, nothing to heavy, nothing too long, nothing too early nor too late. To be silly, the infelicitous is eschewed; the important question and/or problem is always clear to the meanest understanding. The shortcomings of community self-management have been laid bare and so are open to an urgently needed remedy (often provided or implied)- should those in power bother themselves to do the right thing.
Portland is full of Quentin Blackmons; there's a steady supply that will keep ex-ACLU judges and assorted court functionaries supplied with raw material. And Quentin will be back, having been given a post-graduate degree in psychopathy. It's a given that he will meet up with some other gangstas and might even get a notch or two inside the Big House.
Of course, Quentin is OUR fault, as any of the city's social justice warriors will say repeatedly (and in the public prints). Thanks, Pam, for getting that part of the story straight.
"Quentin Blackmon is headed to prison — the neighborhood where he belongs."
Thank you for the follow up Pamela.
Blackmon got what he deserved. But don't knock the art.
Who’s knocking the art? I have visited every piece of art in the courthouse — none more so than “Welcome to the Neighborhood.” When I was covering Blackmon’s trials, and hanging out waiting for a verdict on one of them, I visited “Welcome to the Neighborhood” every day.
The more I looked at it, the less I liked it. Part of it was that I detected a certain virtuous smugness in the artist’s note. If he wants to get rid of his fishing equipment, that shouldn’t be too hard. Then it occurred to me that I could throw together some of my garbage. And I wouldn’t have to rely on toothbrushes and toothbrush containers. I have quite a selection of packaged food items far beyond their expiration dates, but I can’t throw them out because that would be wasteful. Also, I might still eat some of them.
On the Friday before the Rose Festival Parade, a friend came into Portland who hadn’t been here in a long time. Trying to do my part to help the downtown, we had lunch at Huber’s and then wandered about. He commented on how empty downtown was.
I took him to the new courthouse, went up to the 10th Floor and showed him “Welcome to the Neighborhood.” He was intrigued by it, kind of like I was the first time I saw it.
Since we were on the 10th Floor I checked to see if Judge Skye might have something going on. Her door was locked. But a few doors down there was Judge Bottomly, and a hearing was scheduled on whether to release a guy who was accused of assaulting a man under one of the bridges.
All of the courtrooms in the new courthouse are small and functional with two rows for spectators. These new courtrooms have all the majesty of a motel conference room.
We entered and sat down in an empty front row. There was a defense attorney and a prosecutor sitting at their respective tables. They were waiting for the bailiffs to bring in the defendant. The judge was not on the bench, but her clerk was present.
The appearance of two members of the public, in a public courtroom, attracted notice.
“Nothing is going to happen,” the defense attorney told us.
How could she know nothing was going to happen? The judge hadn’t even appeared yet. She had made no ruling.
I told the defense attorney my friend was from out of town, and I was showing him the sights.
“You didn’t know the courthouse was a tourist attraction?” I asked.
Some light laughter.
This new courthouse cost $324.5 million, and I have to wonder how much attention was given to the placement of art vs. public accommodations in the courtrooms.
Keep in mind that this courthouse was one of the major accomplishments of Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury — just named Chief of Staff of Portland Public Schools Superintendent.
She will have a chance to influence the design of the school district’s new central office — possibly located downtown. Perhaps another art venue is on the way.
Another terrific and perfectly researched article. You’re such an excellent journalist. I could never write anything even close to this level of journalism. Sorry for gushing but I am so aware of my limitations. I love that you expose these predators for the losers that they are. It’s necessary.
Portlanders are tired of criminals being treated with kid gloves, given multiple chances and victims being ignored, swept under the rug and forgotten.
Voting habits are changing in Portland. People are going to vote more conservatively. When extreme liberal Democrats have abandoned regular working class people, in favor of violent predators, they’re going to continue to lose voters. I say good.