Portland bike company will donate one week of sales to the ACLU

Drawing a parallel between the power of the simple bicycle and the work of the American Civil Liberties Union, locally-based Portland Design Works has taken a stand against the Trump administration.

From today through February 14th the company just announced they will donate 100 percent of gross sales in their online store — RidePDW.com — to the ACLU.

PDW founder Erik Olson said the decision is about trying to make a difference in these extraordinary times.

“Normally our charitable contributions are aimed at efforts to get more people out there riding bikes,” he shared with BikePortland via email this morning. “But these aren’t normal times. We have to do what we can to ensure, like we recited in grade school, ‘liberty and justice for all.'”

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Olson and his former business partner Dan Powell moved to Portland in 2008 from Wisconsin. PDW launched in January 2009 and the company has grown steadily ever since. As we reported back in November they currently have five full-time employees and recently completed a moved to southeast Portland.

Here’s the statement about the ACLU fundraiser published on the company’s website:

The bicycle is a simple tool – a couple of circles and triangles that enable self propulsion. But those of us that ride them know that they’re more powerful than their design suggests. We know that the bicycle can power revolutions – those in our legs, in our hearts and minds and in our communities. We’ve witnessed their positive impact in the past and are hopeful for the change they will bring to our future. Bicycles are machines of freedom.

The American Civil Liberties Union is also a machine of freedom, a non-partisan organization that works to protect and defend the rights and liberties which have been guaranteed to us in our country’s Constitution. In support of the important work the ACLU is doing we’re donating 100% of our sales to the ACLU for the next week – Tuesday, February 7th thru Tuesday, February 14th.

Want to help? That’s easy – over the next week, shop for something for your machine of freedom and we’ll donate your purchase to the ACLU machine of freedom. It’ll be a beautiful cycle of support! Or, you can choose to donate directly to the ACLU Foundation.

#RefugeesWelcome
#NoBanNoWall
#DissentisPatriotic
#BicyclesForFreedom

The ACLU has been very busy as the Trump administration has worked quickly to destroy our democratic institutions. Last weekend the ACLU raised $24 million in donations — a whopping six times their usual annual haul.

— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org

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Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, contact me via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a paying subscriber.

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Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago

Claims of non-partisan status.

Followed immediately by:

Polarizing one-sided hashtags.

I remember when progressives championed free speech and not virtue signaling politically correct speech.

#GoodOleDays

rainbike
rainbike
7 years ago

Jonathan: I like it better when you stick to bike-related things, rather than America vs a fascist regime. Both sides of that argument get covered in other media outlets. You’re good at the bike-related stuff. Please stick with that.

Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago
Reply to  rainbike

I wouldn’t go that far. Bikes are inherently political objects.

My fears are multifold:

1) Stooping to his level seems to be something he is prepared for.
2) Throwing out the tradition of objectivity in the fourth estate, validates his claims of an “unfair” press.
3) It adds to the erosion of public confidence in our nations institutions, which is what made his path to victory possible in the first place.

Doug
Doug
7 years ago

I agree 100%. The press is there asking the questions I have and seems to me their only objective is seeking the truth. There’s the problem for Trump his gullible supporters. THEY DON’T LIKE TO HEAR THE TRUTH. That’s why they prefer alternative facts, they had to invent Fox News to provide this alternative truth. It’s just Orwellian.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Doug

Doug, I’ll tell you the truth if you can get BP to refrain from deleting it. Don’t hold your breath.

Alan 1.0
7 years ago

You’re a new bike every time I see you.

9watts
7 years ago
Reply to  Alan 1.0

a bikebot?

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Doug

I much prefer the other channels, don’t you? They are very good. Here’s one of my favorite channels MSNBC:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut0TaegQ-kw

That particular story by MSNBC has over 2 million views.

dwk
dwk
7 years ago
Reply to  rainbike

Since this new administration has signaled zero support and downright hostility for all forms of transportation except cars, this is a bike issue.

dwk
dwk
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

Moderated again? I give up, just delete it all. I will take my support elsewhere.

Spiffy
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

most of my posts are moderated due to my being on an unresolved IP address… I got used to it…

Justin M
Justin M
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

Most of my posts are moderated because we should give up on bikes and start getting Steve Bannon to ride us around town in an Uber. #alternativefact

Justin M
Justin M
7 years ago
Reply to  Justin M

rather because “I say we should”

John
John
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

I too notice that about BP. You gotta be VERY politically correct to get past the censors. Plus, the word “awesome” is overused. Everything bicycle is awesome this, awesome that……

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  John

Ironic isn’t it – an article about freedom and free speech on a website which can’t stand much dissent. Get ready for the “this is a private website reply” in 3, 2, 1.

Adam
7 years ago

Free speech means the government can’t persecute you for your words. It does not mean people have to listen to your BS.

pengo
pengo
7 years ago

As someone who spends an unreasonable amount of time in the comments sections of niche weblogs proudly broadcasting my deep misunderstanding of both the first amendment and the concept of irony it’s heartening to know I’m not alone. Slainte.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

dwk,
Please give some specific examples to back up your claim above.

Let's Active
Let's Active
7 years ago

Yes, as if accountants can only talk about accounting, doctors about medicine and so on. That’s a silly argument to me. I want to hear what your thoughts are on all things bike, but on other things too as space and time allow!

rainbike
rainbike
7 years ago
Reply to  Let's Active

Well, I certainly wouldn’t be comfortable taking my accountant’s advice on medicine.

Alex
Alex
7 years ago
Reply to  rainbike

That’s a straw man if I have ever seen one.

bikeninja
bikeninja
7 years ago

I agree with Jonathan, one of the ways we have ended up in the spot that we are in ( Trump,Rents, ODOT,etc.) is that for too long americans have believed they can seperate politics from everything else. I believe this “lets not talk politics” schitck has been used to disempower people and turn them in to sheep. Its time to turn the political lens on everything from sports, to bikes to food, because ignoring politics only benefits those who are trying to enslave us with happy talk.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  bikeninja

Well, speaking of sports, did you see that Superbowl game? It was just like election night – the president’s team won in the biggest upset in history.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

The Patriots only won because they had several million illegal aliens playing on their side.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

Are you sure it wasn’t because they had Mr. T on their side?

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

I pity the fool.

jered
jered
7 years ago
Reply to  rainbike

WE ALL NEED TO FIGHT THIS! I’m all for Jonathan reporting on bike politics. As stated elsewhere bikes are political. Heck we’re in a weird time where even the Sierra Club is trying to protect the original Red Bull Rampage site – times are odd when MTB and Sierra Club become allies.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  jered

Protect it from what? O’s monument?

Justin M
Justin M
7 years ago
Reply to  rainbike

Hear that Jonathan? You’re being told to shut up and talk about bikes. lol. Well I’m happy to read this article. Thanks!

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago

JM,

Can you give some specifics of how previous occupants of the WH cared about democracy and making America great?
Can you give us your definition of “fascist regime”, and why that you think we have one now? (I assume you think that from your statement.)

9watts
7 years ago

“Please convince me otherwise. I desparately want to be wrong.”

I note that it’s been almost a week & no one took you up on your challenge. Hm.

Dan A
Dan A
7 years ago
Reply to  9watts

They are busy trying to find a Breitbart story or a youtube video to link to.

In Trump We Trust
In Trump We Trust
7 years ago
Reply to  9watts

9,

I wrote a response that was about as long as JM’s but it wasn’t published. I’ll try to repost it. Nothing objectionable in my response as far as I know.

Jocelyn Gaudi Quarrell
Jocelyn Gaudi Quarrell
7 years ago

Just to be clear – post only identifies the ACLU as non-partisan.

Chris I
Chris I
7 years ago

Right, the good ole’ days. When was that, again?

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I

October.

Dan A
Dan A
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I

Prior to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Mick O
Mick O
7 years ago

#RefugeesWelcome
#NoBanNoWall
#DissentisPatriotic
#BicyclesForFreedom

You consider these “one-sided?” You actually believe that the view that dissent is patriotic to be partisan?

Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago
Reply to  Mick O

It seems that you’ve cherry picked the least political one of the three to make your point. Which feels deliberately obtuse. However, I would like to point your attention to the #NoBanNoWall one. Immigration reform is not a free speech issue, unless an opinion, any opinion on the matter is being suppressed.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

“Immigration reform” is very different than “ban Muslims and build a wall”. One involves a constructive critique of what we could do better, the other is a calculated political statement designed by fear-mongers.

I would welcome an evidence-based immigration reform process. Would you?

Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

I would welcome an evidence-based anything at this point.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

In that case, it looks like you’re out of luck.

Dan A
Dan A
7 years ago

Oh, it’s coming soon! Trump is going to give evidence of…..something…..stay tuned! Any day now!

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

The fears are just totally overblown, right? Let’s see, maybe not:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksYBQZ_jqFY

#Neverforget

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

Maybe a wee bit overblown, yes. The Muslim ban would not have affected the 9/11 hijackers. But nice try. Do you remember the language Bush used to condemn Muslims following that attack?

I’d rather focus on something that is a bit more dangerous to Americans. Join my fact-based safety campaign. #BathtubBan

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

Actually it would have prevented 9/11. All 19 would have been denied entry into the USA. History would be different wouldn’t it?

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

Saudi Arabia isn’t on Trump’s “it’s not a ban” list.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago

HK,
You are correct, SA isn’t on the ban, but you mentioned a particular religion. The ban does not mention that religion, but you did. If “your” ban were in place they’d have been denied entry, right?

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

Characterizing the ban as a ban on Muslims came from the president. I certainly didn’t make that up.

You are arguing both that the ban would have prevented 9/11 and that it would not have. Since one of those two possibilities is likely right, I guess you win.

JP
JP
7 years ago

The claim was actually of the ACLU’s non-partisan status if you read the message again. PDW doesn’t claim to be non-partisan.

Doug
Doug
7 years ago

I’m sick of right wing double speak. Political correctness is just being polite. If you go round around talking right wing bigoted garbage and alternate facts expect to be called out on it.

Except Trump who didn’t bother reading the Executive Order placing Steve Bannon on the National Security Council. Unbelievable.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Doug

I agree with you on the double speak, but being PC is not the same as showing good manners and courtesy. Political Correctness is an ideology as stupefying as the drabble coming from the right.

Though many of the policies and ideas I support can generally be found on the left edge of the political spectrum, I really have no patience for ideologues of any stripe.

Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

I like you.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

HK and D,
Since you are both sick of that awful “right-wing double talk” please provide a couple examples. Not sure what you mean.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

I meant drabble. I thought I clarified that.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

Ah yes! Drabble! Such as:
enforcing our border
abolish 2 regulations for each added
defeat ISIS in 30 days
harder for govt employees to become lobbyists
withdraw from TPP (allowed unlimited immigration)
partial federal hiring freeze
ease burdens of ACA regulations

I see little wrong with those. Except they are mighty weak, but they’re a vast improvement over O.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

I’ll add one more important one to your list: Drain the swamp. And his ACA promises went well beyond “ease the burdens” — he promised to deliver a new, better health program that would cost less and would provide “insurance for everybody” (he even promised to have the plan ready within hours of Tom Price’s confirmation).

Anyone can make promises. Let’s review that list in 6 months and see how he’s done. With the Senate and the House in his party, and broadly supportive of his agenda, there should be no reason why he can’t succeed on all those goals.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

All of those I listed were EOs he’s signed. “Ease the burdens” I think is a direct quote out of the EO which is fairly vague but it’s a start and I’m hoping it helps Americans not have to pay the penalty tax. I don’t like him doing EOs – I’d prefer that congress passed laws with actual teeth, and these EOs are not even a good start, but the R congress has been a bunch of p****** thus far. They’re politicians. He’s a businessman who’s used to being the boss – a boss who gets things done right now.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

Ok, good; it sounds like we both want to measure his effectiveness we would any executive — against the goals he set for himself. Like all executives must, I fully expect he’ll pursue those goals within the confines of the law and Constitution. He’s given himself 30 days (or less) for many of his promises; I’ll be generous and give him a full 6 months.

Mark smith
Mark smith
7 years ago

Tip of the day: Note who owns the blog.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Mark smith

He who has the gold makes the rules.

Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago

I’m concerned specifically with lopsided support coming from a group whose strength, in large part comes, from the high minded noble neutrality it is capable of displaying.

So, no. Not just the hashtags. I’m lamenting the fall, one by one, of moderate, constitutionally minded institutions.

Adam
7 years ago

Non-partisanship is effectively dead. If you’re not fighting, you are part of the problem.

Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago
Reply to  Adam

Seems needlessly divisive to me. Having such strictly defined in groups and out groups bolsters the opposition. The best way to undermine support is not through opposition, its with subversion.

Adam
7 years ago

We didn’t start the division, our current regime did. At this point, the only option is to unite against it. If you call uniting against oppression “divisive” then so be it.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Adam

The division long predates Trump.

Spiffy
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

are you sure that Trump can do long division? isn’t that fake math?

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

I think you misunderstood. I was referring to Huey Long’s never-built neighborhood in SE Portland.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

His math looked good on Nov 8.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago

And again after the recounts, and after the electoral college vote, and again after being certified by the Congress, and again after the Superbowl. There’s a funny youtube video when Biden was overseeing the certification where Biden says to those objecting to Trump: “It’s over!” and Paul Ryan busts out laughing.

Dan A
Dan A
7 years ago

Like DT trying to undermine the judicial branch? Me too.

Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago

The moderates dilemma. “You’re all wrong in your own way” – is just not an effective rallying cry.

Spiffy
7 years ago

this is not surprising… all US companies who make money off way-too-cheap foreign labor are scrambling to block Trump from cutting into their profits… this is obvious by all the tech companies scrambling in the wake of the immigration ban due to how many jobs they employ overseas to serve the US market… it’s been many years since I worked for a company that didn’t cut costs by using underpaid foreign workers from India…

companies that make things is the US using US labor? they aren’t concerned…

I’m also not concerned… the foreign labor imbalance is one of the few things I’m hoping Trump has an effect on…

I see this article as a company complaining about the possibility of it losing its underpaid manufacturing ability… as Trump would say: SAD!

dwk
dwk
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

People are losing jobs due to automation (robots), not outsourcing.
You apparently fall for the orange ones lies…..

Allan Folz
Allan Folz
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

That’s a canard. Virtually no robots overseas. Also, even if we had robots here, that would translate into — admittedly fewer, but non-zero nonetheless — Americans being employed building and maintaining robots.

Next, by definition H1b’s aren’t taking robot jobs, which was a point Spiffy made and you ignored. They driving down the wages of US STEM talent by increasing supply.

Here’s one that will probably blow your mind: Ceasar Chavez was a huge opponent of open borders and illegal immigration. He shamelessly used the epithet ‘wet back,’ and saw illegal immigrants as anti-labor tools of millionaires.

I’m always surprised when people act like billionaires have everyone else’s best interests at heart. Warren Buffet to pick the biggest offender makes money off soda, fast food, mobile homes, mobile home financing, shipping shale oil by train, and car insurance. Carlos Slim makes money off immigrants calling their families back home. Zuckerburg makes money off advertising to USA & Western Europe domiciled people on the Internet — advertisers don’t pay squat for impressions in rest of world. What, exactly, is in it for the rest of us to listen to their sage advice?

dwk
dwk
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

Oh really…

More than one in four industrial robot units sold worldwide last year were in China, according to a new report. With its vast manufacturing base, the country dwarfs other economies’ demand for the technology.

The Chinese market for industrial robots jumped 17% last year to around 68,000 units, according to the International Federation of Robotics. That makes it bigger than the entire European market.

Allan Folz
Allan Folz
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

And H1b? And farm labor? And not dis-interested billionaire open-border advocates?

Are you going to address any of those points?

dwk
dwk
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

Just wondering, what bicycle do you ride?

Allan Folz
Allan Folz
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

You’re changing the subject. It’s irrelevant and I refuse to answer.

(If you need to know I’m sure a modicum of internet sleuthing would turn it up.)

dwk
dwk
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

Irrelevant?
The discussion is about an local company that is apparently accused of using cheap foreign labor. I own one of their fine products, the metal fenders. They had them manufactured overseas I am sure.
Along with everything else on the bicycles I won almost. Since you won’t answer I assume you own about the same.
If this issue is really that important to you, Buy a Vanilla frame and make your own groupo….

Allan Folz
Allan Folz
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

Weak.

X
X
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

More like, which of his bikes is he riding today?

larry
larry
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

Ha! And you think US citizens will be running to those farm labor jobs? C’mon. Not happening. That also goes to any back-breaking assembly job that is currently done overseas.

Allan Folz
Allan Folz
7 years ago
Reply to  larry

Tell that to the UAW.

Allan Folz
Allan Folz
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

Did you know the Sierra Club dropped their anti-illegal immigration plank when a big-time Democrat required they do so to receive a multi-million dollar donation? Why would they be anti-illegal immigration up to then, and why would a Democrat make that a sticking point for a donation? What do Democrats get out of open borders?

dwk
dwk
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

And what bicycle do you ride?

rainbike
rainbike
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

Why does/did the Sierra Club even have an official position on immigration? Mission creep.

Allan Folz
Allan Folz
7 years ago
Reply to  rainbike

They /had/ one. It wasn’t mission creep. It made a lot of sense. Look into it if you don’t believe me.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  rainbike

That and a lot of other non-enviro issues is why I am no longer a member.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  rainbike

Their position should be to stop all immigration – legal or otherwise. They used to say we needed to control our population – I’d say they were right on that.

Brian
Brian
7 years ago

How so? You’ve piqued my interest.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago

B
The general consensus in environmental literature used to be that there are too many people in our country as well as the entire world, thus books like “The Population Bomb”, etc. I stopped reading enviro literature when they went bonkers to the left so I’m not sure if they all say it now, but I do know that ZPG type organizations are saying it still. And they’re right. We would be better off environmentally with fewer people – no case can be made that we need more people.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

AF,
In reply to your question “What do Ds get out of open borders?” The answer is votes, if not today, then when they are given amnesty. If they voted mostly R, the wall would have been built by Bill C in the 90s, unless Carter did it first in the 70s.

Chris I
Chris I
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

As someone who works in STEM, and volunteers to increase STEM opportunities for local students, I take issue with your positions on H1b and the STEM labor pool. The US does not graduate nearly enough qualified STEM workers, and lack of pay is not the main driver. On the contrary, our competent STEM graduates have ample, highly paid opportunities. H1b enables companies to fill this gap. What do you have against hard-working people that were born outside of our borders?

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I

If these imported workers are in such short supply and high demand, let’s pay them the same (or more!) than Americans. Your position is belied by low salaries most are offered.

Chris I
Chris I
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

They should be paid the same. I agree with you there.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I

If they were, the demand by companies for more H1B visas would disappear. We have more than enough visas to satisfy the actual need for specific skills and talents that are unavailable in this country.

Allan Folz
Allan Folz
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I

There is no shortage. It’s an industry myth propagated over and over again in hopes elected’s and policy makers will believe it. There is only a shortage at the wages large corp’s want to pay for young, often naive, talent.

Did you hear Disney Corp firing hundreds of IT staff and outsourcing all the work to H1b holders?

Were you aware Apple and a bunch of other tech companies settled a 1/2 billion dollar lawsuit for conspiring to not hire each other’s engineers, thereby keeping wages lower?

Why is the industry against doubling the minimum salary for an H1b slot to be exempted from hiring/search requirements from $60k to $120k? If the latter is already the industry standard, as we are lead to believe, why would the industry even care, unless of course they are not already paying that as standard?

As for me, I’m not “against hard-working people born outside of our borders.” (Sheesh, strawman much) By that consideration, I would ask why are you against local STEM students getting the highest possible starting salaries the industry can support?

As for me, I stand with Cesar Chavez.

dwk
dwk
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

I stand with him also.

“As a union organizer, Chavez worried that that employers would recruit undocumented immigrants to break strikes. By the 1980s, however, Chavez had become a supporter of immigration reform and backed the 1986 bill signed by President Ronald Reagan that legalized the status of nearly 3 million people.”

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

Not long thereafter, he built what was known, at the time, as SE 39th Avenue, so-named because it was (and still is) more-or-less perpendicular to the 39th parallel.

Allan Folz
Allan Folz
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

Then you should we well aware of the other half. He supported the amnesty because in exchange for letting the 3 million immigrants already here illegally, there would be multiple enforcement mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of the situation. History now shows the enforcement mechanisms either were ignored, or never implemented in the first place.

Everyone is losing their minds over Trump’s border wall plan, but it was in the original ’85 amnesty, and a border wall was supported by then-President Bill Clinton during the ’96 presidential campaign; combating illegal immigration and yet another amnesty was supported by the NY Times editorial board as recently as 2000.

http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/22/opinion/hasty-call-for-amnesty.html

I have to ask, what’s changed that’s changed everyone’s minds since then?

None of this is new. The only thing that’s new is who is in favor and who is against an American worker’s rights and ability to command the highest possible salaries. I get why Buffet, Silicon Valley VC’s and the rest of that cohort are against it. I don’t get why the average American being squeezed financially by soaring housing, insurance, education costs and stagnate wages are against it. The one bright spot seems to be STEM, and yet folks are up at arms that we need moar H1b’s. It’s a myth.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

Lots of countries with walls. Lots more that will put you in an unpleasant prison where you may die if you are caught in their country illegally. Mexico has a southern wall – or at least a partial one.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Border_barrier

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

Those Disney folks, probably others, had to train their replacements.

SE Rider
SE Rider
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

“But research shows that the automation of U.S. factories is a much bigger factor than foreign trade in the loss of factory jobs. A study at Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research last year found that trade accounted for just 13 percent of America’s lost factory jobs. The vast majority of the lost jobs — 88 percent — were taken by robots and other homegrown factors that reduce factories’ need for human labor.”

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/265cd8fb02fb44a69cf0eaa2063e11d9/mexico-taking-us-factory-jobs-blame-robots-instead

Spiffy
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

“People are losing jobs due to automation (robots), not outsourcing.”

you probably didn’t read my post…

I have been working with companies that are using cheap India labor…

I have no issue with letting India workers do the jobs, but as Hello Kitty stated we should be paying them US wages since they are apparently in such high demand jobs… but they’re not in such high demand jobs… they’re doing the jobs of US workers, but cheaper…

that’s what I take issue with…

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

A company I worked for would use engineering design labor in India. A few ‘Muricans would go over to supervise them, and bring the finished product (drawings) back here. I don’t like it. It’s sleazy. It’s even more sleazy that it’s allowed at all.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

That’s why we had a trade deficit of 763 billion in 2015, right? All those robots. Not.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2016/jul/21/donald-trump/donald-trump-says-goods-trade-deficit-was-almost-8/

Erik
Erik
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

Do you know where PDW manufactures its products? What are the labor conditions in that country? What is that country’s per capita income? Is the labor really “way too cheap?” Would be interested in hearing the basis of your comment.

Spiffy
7 years ago
Reply to  Erik

Taiwan… $4.14 minimum wage…

and no, I don’t think they’re paying them double the minimum wage, which would be more equal to ours…

on the good side, they’ve recently passed some laws to help the working conditions, so we’ll have to see how that pans out… they recently had too many highly reported worker deaths due to toiling long hours…

SE Rider
SE Rider
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy
Erik
Erik
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

You forgot the purchasing power parity. Cost of living way cheaper. They’re somewhere between #20 and 22 in the world… right above Germany/Denmark/Canada:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(PPP)_per_capita

Gary B
Gary B
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

“companies scrambling in the wake of the immigration ban due to how many jobs they employ overseas to serve the US market.”

Interesting. So what does that have to do with banning visitors and refugees? Or do you think the ACLU is going to fight tariffs and defend our constitutional right to reduced trade barriers? No? Oh, you’re conflating two unrelated issues to halfheartedly make a point. I know that’s his strategy, but shouldn’t be yours.

Spiffy
7 years ago
Reply to  Gary B

“So what does that have to do with banning visitors and refugees?”

“due to how many jobs they employ overseas to serve the US market”

X
X
7 years ago
Reply to  Spiffy

@@@@@ has already had an effect. Don’t take my word for it, search:

trump hotel las vegas chinese steel.

he knows where the jobs are gone–no law against hypocrisy!

shawn
7 years ago

Love PDW
Love PDW Products
Love PDW People

Charlie B
Charlie B
7 years ago

If I’m reading this correctly, PDW is donating 100% of their gross sales, not profit. That’s very generous. Kudos PDW!

Erik Olson
Erik Olson
7 years ago
Reply to  Charlie B

Yes, that is correct!

Rebecca Hamilton
Rebecca Hamilton
7 years ago

Thank you, PDW. I know that this is a very generous move (and a risk) coming from a small business with thin enough profit margins as it is.

These past couple of weeks have been hard on a lot of people but seeing our local businesses step up like this is inspiring and a reminder that each of us can do something. I appreciate your leadership and think now is a good time to get that commuter rack I’ve had my eye on for awhile

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago

That article leaves out some important specifics. It says the Trump admin is destroying democratic institutions. Can someone please list some of those destroyed institutions?

And it fails to tell us what this “important work” is that the ACLU is doing. Can someone please inform us exactly what policies the ACLU is working on?

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

The ACLU defends the civil liberties of Americans — some of the most important work that can be done. I am sure you would agree.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

No, I do not agree. They have done a few good things, but today for the most part their intent seems to be to harm to America. But, if you’re a D today, you may like what they do – destroying America is one of the goals of the Ds. Wasn’t always the case, but it is now.

http://patriotupdate.com/history-of-the-aclu/

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

I’m not a Democrat, and I’m not a partisan. But I will defend the constitution against all enemies, foreign or domestic. That duty is far higher than party or politics.

Chris I
Chris I
7 years ago

“Patriot Update, founded in 2009, is the leading news source for the everyday American. In response to the mainstream media’s dedication to poor journalism and the liberal agenda, Patriot Update provides timely, accurate news about what concerns patriotic Americans. In a striking exhibition of what is wrong with “mainstream journalism,” Newsweek editor Evan Thomas recently declared on MSNBC: “I mean, in a way Obama’s standing above the country, above — above the world, he’s sort of God.” Journalists are entitled to their political views, but not to abandon accuracy and objectivity. Patriot Update is determined not to let any men be thought of as God, and to champion accuracy and objectivity in reporting the facts.”

Mark smith
Mark smith
7 years ago

I would be all for supporting the ACLU…if they supported the whole Bill of Rights equally.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Mark smith

That means you will not be supporting them.

😉

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Mark smith

Which Amendment do they oppose?

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

I’d guess #2 for starters.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

I’ve heard detractors say this before, but I’ve never heard the ACLU themselves say they don’t support the 2nd Amendment. I believe their position (in the past at least) has been that there are well-resourced organizations dedicated to vigorously defending the 2nd Amendment, so they choose to focus their resources elsewhere where they are more needed.

Nonetheless, I hope you agree that our civil liberties are worth defending, against any who would take them away.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago

And from link above it looks like they’re not too fond of #1 either.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

Frankly, I’m fond of neither #1 nor #2. How did we get off the topic of the constitution?

still riding after all that
still riding after all that
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

You don’t like the First Amendment or the Second Amendment? Feel free to go live in some country that has neither. You might like North Korea.

Both my grandfathers, my father and all my uncles, and my sister served in the military to defend and preserve the freedoms we enjoy. “We” includes YOU, and you don’t seem to appreciate the sacrifices made by so many to provide you with a free country in which to live. You don’t like America? Leave.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

I think you missed my joke completely. But you can be forgiven for your oversight, as I so rarely descend to humor on that level. You expected better of me, and, in this instance, I did not deliver.

That said, you can do better as well. Love it or leave it has never been a winning argument.

That said, I love kim chi!

SE Rider
SE Rider
7 years ago

You think that North Korea is the only country with stricter gun laws than the USA?

9watts
7 years ago
Reply to  SE Rider

Are we short of guns around here? What exactly is the problem that the Second Amendment today is so much bandied about?

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  SE Rider

The problem is that Obama is going to take all our guns!

9watts
7 years ago
Reply to  SE Rider

What is he going to do with them all? I thought he just moved into a smaller house. Where is he going to put them all?

Dan A
Dan A
7 years ago
Reply to  SE Rider

You can never have enough firepower. When are they going legalize bazookas already? My son might need one to fight off grizzly bears at school.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

Are the first and second amendments not on the topic of the constitution? The problem I have with the ACLU is they believe that civil liberties means some groups have rights that are more important than the rights of other groups and that some groups should be able to push their beliefs on the majority against all reason and common sense. They are perverting the constitution. And, on your 2nd amendment comment, no, they do not support an individual citizens right – it’s in the link I provided.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

A different interpretation of the 2nd Amendment should not be construed as lack of support. Even our best legal minds cannot agree on what the framers meant.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

Ah ha! Was that a joke? Potty talk maybe? Better watch out – Mr. T got in trouble for that kind of thing. 🙂

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

I pity the fool!

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago

Why did we not see howls of protest when O made the list of dangerous nations that T used in his temporary ban?

Ditto for when O banned immigration from Iraq for 6 months?

Where were the howls when Jimmy banned immigration from Iran in 1979, deported thousands of Iranian students, and revoked the visas of tens of thousands more?

Guess if you have a D as your party affiliation you can do what you want, eh? Sickening.

Kittens
Kittens
7 years ago

All of your points have been throughly addressed by others more articulate than me. I would encourage you to seek them out.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Kittens

Excellent!

Chris I
Chris I
7 years ago

Because the list created during the last administration was just that, a list. He didn’t use that list to ban anyone from traveling, except for:

The 6 month ban from Iraq, which is one country, not 7, and was based off of an immediate threat. The country was in the middle of Bush’s civil war at the time, remember?

Trump’s ban is completely irrational, and makes us less safe, because it plays directly into the fears of many that the US is waging a war against Islam. ISIS loves this travel ban. They have been using it extensively in their propaganda.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I

CI,
Maybe if he had banned more people we would not have had so many attacks on American citizens during his 8 year term. American are not at war with Islam, but I is at war with us. If you do not believe it, I recommend you spend 1 minute per day in the AM and maybe 1 in the PM reading the headlines at pamelageller dot com. You’ll read a lot of things there that you will not hear on the main media outlets. After 1 month of reading those head lines you may have a different opinion on who is at war with whom.

You may also be surprised to know that non-citizens of other nations have no right to come to the USA; and that the law gives the president the authority to ban any group that he feels is a threat to the US.

For those who want to help legitimate refugees I would recommend you call your senators/reps every single day and tell them to set up refugee camps in the middle east where we can provide protection, education, food, medical, entertainment, etc until their nations are stabilized. I also think it would be good if those folks stayed where they are and worked to make their own nations better rather than coming over here and trying to make our great nation like the not so great nations they are from.

dwk
dwk
7 years ago

OLive called, it wants you back.

Chris I
Chris I
7 years ago

I’m thinking that you don’t have any Muslim friends? I can’t see how.

How many US terrorists come from the largest Muslim country, Indonesia?

Have you ever considered that people in the middle east (Muslim or otherwise) may have legitimate reasons to hate the United States? How would you feel about France if they invaded Canada, sparking a civil war that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands, funded Mexico during their war with the US, and had our public officials assassinated in an effort to influence our politics? Those are just a sample of things that we have actually done to middle eastern countries.

And your solution is to increase the barriers, and to continue dividing people?

Remember, the people you just helped elect hate cyclists. They will work over the next 4 years to eliminate all non-motor vehicle funding at the state and federal levels. They hate you, and you still voted for them.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I

CI,
You just told me why they hate us, yet you want to let them come here. That is not a wise plan. That is one of the major reasons T was elected. There were at least 2 or 3 high casualty count incidents in the US and some worse ones in Europe during the election cycle. People voted for the only candidate who proposed doing anything to help stop it. I agree with them. Read the headlines each day for 1 minute at pamelageller dot com and see what the rest of the world is experiencing and ask if you want the same here. Most of us do not. Cycling will take care of itself – you have a local government and I think they will help on the cycling issues.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

Why do you read these sites that supposedly have “news” that no one else does? Do they have their own cadre of reporters out in the field digging things up, or do they just make shit up? Why would anyone believe these sites are credible sources of information?

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

I believe all the sites I read take information readily available on the internet. Sometimes they do the reporting, sometimes just passing info from other sources. You have to decide for yourself which is real. Lot of folks like the mainstream fact based news better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut0TaegQ-kw

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

Data sources are important. “Information on the internet” doesn’t cut it for me. Conservative but reputable sources are fine (Economist, WSJ, etc.). Breitbart isn’t.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

If I post something specific that you believe to be false, let me know. My MSNBC video was just a funny, not “real” news but it does point out very clearly the bias and baloney coming from MSNBC.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

I’m not going to vet your links. I’ll leave that to the professionals, whom I generally trust.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

If I post news that is fake please let me know so I can call out my sources, or at least be more careful who I believe.
😉

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

I really didn’t answer your question – the answer is I read those sites because they have news no one else does. I also hear mainstream news. I like zerohedge because if something is going down in the world they seem have the story before most others. Pamela puts stories about jihad all in one place so it’s easy to see them quickly. I have no problem with Breitbart. Have you ever read their stories or are you judging without having read them?

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

I have read Breitbart, and they strike me more as opinion disguised as news rather than real, actual news. Breitbart doesn’t exactly win awards for their reporting, so I’d rather look to their source for a less filtered version of events. If Breitbart has “facts” that no one else does, I’d be immediately suspicious.

Compare them to the Economist, also a fairly conservative news source, to see the difference. If the Economist reports something, I can believe it, even if it conflicts with my worldview.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

I find the economist way to liberal, but each to his own. I do recommend you scroll down to the bottom of the page and view the PBS video of Paul Ryan being interviewed on the Newshour tonight. I suspect you would approve of PBS, right? I’ll make it easy – here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zCe9pTQHE4

You’ll want to pay close attention starting at the 1 minute mark.

pengo
pengo
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

“Typical to still cling to msm #fakenews telling you want you want to hear even after it’s been proven they predicted a thing wrong. smdh. He won and it’s time to stop living in the past. Now if you follow the above link to freedomeagle dot facebook I think you’ll find that Hilla…”

Allan Folz
Allan Folz
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I

Ah yes, the 0th Amendment — anyone in the world with the airfare to get here has the human right to come, work, and stay for as long as they like.

I also marvel at the logic that we have to let in ME Muslims or ISIS will has a sad and decide to come here and kill us.

Here’s a video showing Obama, both Clintons, and Schumer all clearly and unequivocally denouncing illegal immigration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQJlmFqUA8w

So what changed? Hardrock called it. Dem’s figured out they can win more elections more easily with immigrants. Except when they are Cubans. Cubans vote R more often than not so one of Obama’s last actions as President was to end Wet-foot/Dry-foot. It’s not high-minded human rights ideology. Dem’s are bringing in a bunch of ringers for the voting booth. Simple as that. Anyone that questions their motives or the long-term consequences gets labeled a hater or worse.

dwk
dwk
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

Nice theory.
Obama deported 2.5 million illegals, 500,000 more than Bush did.
You apparently have the same fact set your newly elected leader has….

Allan Folz
Allan Folz
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

Accounting gimmick. Border Patrol themselves said so. And who cares about Bush? Like less worse should matter?

You are like a talking points memo. Never address anything directly, just keep repeating myths over and over until enough people believe them.

Obama, both Clintons, and a host of other Dem’s were against illegal immigration before they were for it. They changed their tune not out of principle, not out of what is best for the citizens and their posterity, as the now quaint Constitution puts it, but out of electoral expediency for themselves.

dwk
dwk
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

Trump supporters talking about myths is pretty sweet…
You support a confirmed liar.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  dwk

Our other choice on Nov 8 wasn’t too great either:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dY77j6uBHI

Dan A
Dan A
7 years ago

False equivalence.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Allan Folz

Wait… who is in favor of illegal immigration?

dwk
dwk
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

No one.
If your life sucks on America, you have more issues than immigration….

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

HRC and BHO.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

Or not.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
still riding after all that
still riding after all that
7 years ago

Jonathan Maus …

I became a paying supporter of BikePortland because I appreciate the work you put into making a website that covers bicycle-related issues. I was touched that so many members of the cycling community jumped in to help a hit-and-run victim, even though they had nothing to gain from giving their time and using their observations and Twitter accounts etc. to help the fallen rider and track down the guilty driver.

If you, as owner of the BikePortland site, continue along the path of insulting our President and otherwise being obnoxious about the government, I will no longer support this site with my dollars.

I lived through 8 years of Barack Hussein Obama defiling this country, and I was sick to my stomach the entire time. Never once, though, did I riot in the streets, block roads and bridges, smash windows of businesses, attack anyone, throw bricks at the police, or set fire to the American flag.

If you want to start another site, maybe call it IdiotsPortland, go right ahead, but please keep BikePortland about bikes. Thank you.

Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago

I think your tone is well considered and represents a moderate accommodating reach across the middle ground of complex issues. Taking special care, it seems, to acknowledge the humanity of the people you are speaking to from behind their keyboards. I don’t expect the publisher of any given news outlet that I read to share my beliefs, but I do expect them to speak plainly about their own biases and I like it best of all when they respect mine too. You deliver on both fronts.

I hate to sound like a post-manopausal Glen Beck blubbering about unity after being a force of division for the last decade, but people need to start listening to each other. Specifically people they disagree with. It seems we are on our last collective nerve from shouting each other down all the time.

Adam
7 years ago

People need to listen to each other, but I have no interest in listening to racists, misogynists, islamophobes, anti-semites, transphobes, homophobes, etc. The only option is to shut them down and ensure their hateful speech has no platform.

Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago
Reply to  Adam

Then leave the hard work to be done there to the folks with the stomachs for it. Loving the face of hatred is a radical act, not for the faint of heart.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Adam

A,
Your written and public viewpoint is welcome by those on the right side of the political spectrum. It proves to all who read it the extremism and irrelevance of those on your side. Your viewpoint is why Trump and Brexit won. Keep it up! We love it!

SE Rider
SE Rider
7 years ago
Reply to  Adam

The problem lies in labeling anyone who doesn’t agree with you (or vote the same way you do) with any (or all of those labels).

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  SE Rider

And, while they hardly rise to the level of the others, but are particularly relevant to discussion this site, I’d add NIMBY, Shamer, and Victim Blamer to the list.

We need more discussion of ideas, and less labeling of people. Not just here, but everywhere.

Adam
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

Not even remotely the same thing.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Adam

True; but they are similar in that they reduce someone to a label rather than treating them as a person.

Adam
7 years ago
Reply to  Adam

I will call out racist/sexist/etc. behaviour, but will only label people such in very specific circumstances – always deserved.

SE Rider
SE Rider
7 years ago

Jonathan,
I’m in agreement with your politics, but I just wanted to bring up that this site (you specifically) have long argued that this site blurs the line between journalism (as unbiased as possible) and opinion (it’s a blog so bias is okay). You’re entitled to do what you like, but I would suggest maybe explaining that in this context to people (which you have tried to do in the comments but not in the article itself).

I’m very appreciative of the work you do. Thank you.

Adam
7 years ago

Well said, Jonathan. To ignore politics and just focus on bikes would be wrong in our current political climate. We need to fight this creeping fascism on all fronts. Jonathan does great work and I for one am glad he is talking about this.

resopmok
resopmok
7 years ago

I feel like you of all should understand that sometimes people have a difficult time holding themselves back from an insulting, derisive, or divisive tone – at least JM did not hurl outright insults. May I suggest that in the future, if you wish to have a conversation with someone, you approach them with respect and an attempt at empathy. Though JM is a good man to respond to you here, I know I sure as heck wouldn’t, whether you subscribed to my content or not.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  resopmok

Actually JM did hurl insults at Mr. T – called him a fascist, etc, in some of his comments if not in the article itself.

resopmok
resopmok
7 years ago

And clearly you’re not interested in conversation.

9watts
7 years ago

“called him a fascist”

Do you know what the term fascist describes?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fascism

The fact that the term fascism is no longer used by parties or individuals to describe themselves doesn’t mean the political category is not still conceivable. Calling someone a rapist is not a friendly gesture either but that doesn’t have any effect on whether the behaviors properly so described may occur.

Dan A
Dan A
7 years ago
Reply to  9watts

That’s a good point. Trump supporters should not be offended by the term ‘fascist’, since that’s the political system he is promoting.

Mark smith
Mark smith
7 years ago

So, aren’t you basically insulting Barack Obama?

Middle of the Road Guy
Middle of the Road Guy
7 years ago
Reply to  Mark smith

Barack HUSSEIN Obama!

I’m still trying to figure out how Obama ‘defiled’ the country or what rights were supposedly taken away under his ‘dictatorship’.

Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago

I wish calling him by his whole name wasn’t an inherently radical act. When Don King calls W. George Walker Bush, it’s just amusing.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

If that’s what passes for a “radical act”, then we’ve lost a lot.

Bill Clinton's Ghost
Bill Clinton's Ghost
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

I mean racist. It’s early yet, and I’m still back home asleep with my girlfriend and cat.

9watts
7 years ago

you (mis-)type in your sleep?

Chris I
Chris I
7 years ago

Xenophobes always emphasize his middle name. It’s a calling card for the alt-right.

People often utilize the middle initial of George Bush. Wait, which George Bush. Oh, right. There were two of them? Perhaps that is why?

How often do you hear people use “Donald John Trump”?

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Brian
Brian
7 years ago

Yes sir! Can I have another fifty!

X
X
7 years ago

How about, name one person who has done business with @@@@@ and not regretted it. Do you have an URL for that?

Specialized Hardrock 2
Specialized Hardrock 2
7 years ago
Reply to  X

The entire city of NY for finishing their ice skating rink in Central Park in 4 months instead of the 6 or 8 years the city said it would take. Think it was called the Wollman Rink. That’s millions of persons. Look it up.

X
X
7 years ago

Search: people trump has screwed

Chris I
Chris I
7 years ago

Out of curiosity, what happened to you in the past 8 years that you didn’t like, and could be directly attributed to Obama’s policies. What is it you believe that Trump will do to remedy this?

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I

CI,
I’ll give it a shot:
He has given Iran a pathway to nukes and money (cold hard cash on pallets in secret plane flights + $150 billion in released funds) to buy some if they can’t make their own. Iran is a terrorist supporting state with the explicitly stated goal of destroying the US and Israel. Do you think this is good for America?

He said trans men/boys can shower with females in schools or their funding would be removed. Think the girls like that idea? Or do women’s opinions not matter?

He and the Ds lied to us about the ACA, a what, 2000? page health care bill passed in the middle of the night by all Ds, no Rs and no one had ever read it. Because of the ACA insurers fearful of the fallout raised premiums drastically, many people lost their jobs or were cut back to part time due to costs the ACA imposed on businesses, insurers were able to raise premiums to any level they wanted because the ACA required everyone to buy their product whether they wanted it or not or else pay a tax penalty – and they are raising them every year – harming Americans.

He would have taken our 2nd Amendment away if the Ds had control of congress. He did spur a mega boom in sales of g u n s. The shop owners thank him.

He had the IRS target people with different political views.

He gave g u n s to south-of-the-border drug cartels so they would be used in crimes and would be an excuse to enact g u n laws; but the plot was discovered after a border patrol agent was killed with one of the g u n s.

He added 10T to the debt.

He started a r a c e war between b l a c k s and police resulting in some dead police officers.

He sided with criminals on crimes because of their r a c e before he knew any facts in the cases.

He encouraged non citizens from south-of-the-border to cross into the USA by the hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions.

Lots more if you want you can google it.

dwk
dwk
7 years ago

I have heard about these 80 year old geezers who sit at home and watch Fox News and flood the internet with stuff like this. I was just never on a site long enough to actually witness it..
Amazing.

X
X
7 years ago

Iran already had a pathway to nuclear weapons. It was their money that we held for decades. This country has a history of race, being, a crime. Do you doubt driving while black? Ask your African American friend. Obama deported more people than anybody. But, you know, we still make cars here in the (ungrateful?) Midwest and South because Obama and a couple other folks were decisive in dealing with an evident economic crisis. But hey, pick your facts.

wsbob
wsbob
7 years ago

Thanks to obama, his administration and congress, we at long last, have at least the start of an affordable care system, open to criticism and subject to change…and changes to the provisions of the act would have happened had hillary or sanders had been elected. With regards to the ACA, first thought of republicans? ‘Remove and Replace’. Where is this excellent replacement, or any solid ideas of that type, that republicans and the sitting president so promised?

The sitting president is certainly a change of pace from past people that have held that office. Fortunately, there seems to be enough republicans that are wise enough to realize the superficiality of some of the ideas coming from the oval office with the current administration, and whom are prepared to work to prevent those ideas from going forward beyond being misguided executive orders.

And thanks also for the work from the circuit court in Seattle and the appeals court in SF, in keeping the very unnecessarily abrupt ‘no travel’ executive order from doing any more damage than it already has. Much more close scrutinizing of people from other nations, coming into the U.S. could have been implemented promptly, as in ‘tomorrow’, without abruptly stopping travel from certain selected nations…but no… . That executive decision did come along though, with one of trump’s lines I’ve not been able to forget. Basically he said, that the reason for the stop travel order…and I quote in part…was so that “…we can figure out what the hell is going on!”

Getting a guy like trump, elected to the highest office of the land, certainly goes a ways to test the values and power of democracy. This having happened, I think is waking up lots of people. For the integrity of the nation, we, the U.S. public, have to respect the office of president, regardless of the strengths or weaknesses of the person that happens to be sitting there, elected by the people. We picked him, now we’ve got to live with him for awhile.

Specialized Hardrock 2
Specialized Hardrock 2
7 years ago
Reply to  wsbob

I am disappointed that Rs have not repealed Ocare – they could have done that on Inauguration Day, and had as a provision that the existing Ocare policies be allowed to continue until the end of 2017; giving them time to come up with a replace plan. A better replacement plan is trivial – just about any other plan would be better. I could write a vastly better plan in 1 or 2 pages; and it would have support by a huge majority of the voters. Fortunately T did get rid of the mandate tax in his EO.

The decision of the 9th circus court will be overturned in the SC if it becomes necessary to take it that far. T may come up with another plan and just forget the whole thing. The list of nations banned were labeled as dangerous by the O administration – some or all of them have no infrastructure so it is impossible to vet them.

I’m not holding my breath waiting for the left to respect the office of the president. Rioting, protesting, burning stuff down, burning the American flag, etc are fine when done by the left – the other side did not do that to O. Next time maybe we will.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

Please submit your improved plan to Congress. They obviously have no idea what they want to do, and your trivial replacement plan might give them some ideas.

Specialized Hardrock 2
Specialized Hardrock 2
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

Unfortunately we’re supposed to only send stuff to “our” representatives/senators, right? I think our D reps/senators would just use it for bird cage lining. They’re more interested in making T look bad than doing what’s best for us.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

Why do you think that our leaders would reject an idea that improved on our health system? Did Democrats reject any serious proposals for improving the system that were offered by Republicans?

If your ideas are as good as you say, you should go straight to the top. Send them to Ryan or McConnel. Unless they have something good that they’re sitting on, they’ll need your ideas.

wsbob
wsbob
7 years ago

“I am disappointed that Rs have not repealed Ocare – they could have done that on Inauguration Day, …’ sh2

They can’t do that because going back to the state of health care before the ACA would be worse than health care uncertainties are now, and they know it. The ‘remove and replace’ line is a partisan snub, and not much else. Best congress can do, is gradually come up with modifications to the ACA that will resolve some of the problems with it, for what eventually will become a good, generally accepted and supported national health care system.

People on the low rungs of the ladder know all about not having health care under a system that designates them to be expendable collateral damage while waiting for aspirations of great national economic wealth to come trickling on down to them. That’s nothing new.

The sitting pres’s travel order is dead in the water. It’s going to sit on the shelf collecting dust. The supreme court nominee might get appointed, but that may be weeks away, months even.

Specialized Hardrock 2
Specialized Hardrock 2
7 years ago
Reply to  wsbob

As my comment stated, they’d leave existing policies in place for 2017. You may be right that they only modify Ocare. That’s fine – some of it is OK. It will be an improvement to get the IRS out of healthcare. That’s a huge objection to it. But healthcare for most people is far, far, far worse since Ocare was passed just because of skyrocketing premiums – in a national vote Ocare would lose by a very wide margin. You are correct that we need a program to help low income people. Ocare tried to do that but the cost to everyone else was unacceptable. One of the biggest problems with Ocare are the millions of people who lost jobs or were cut back to part-time and the millions of jobs not created because of costs of Ocare to employers.

I think the SC nomination will go thru quickly either using normal voting or using the nuclear option which only requires 51 votes. Thank you very much Mr. Reid of Nevada for that option. I think Trump will just write another EO and may not take the old one to the SC. Here’s the law that gives him absolute, unambiguous power to ban any aliens he wants – see page 13, part f:

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title8/pdf/USCODE-2011-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1182.pdf

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

Healthcare for most people is far, far, far worse since Obamacare passed? I’m not sure that most people would agree with that statement.

What is true is that many (on the order of 12-15 million, but the exact number is not as important as the fact that it’s a very big number) have healthcare than were able to access it previously (and that’s simply a fact, not an opinion).

If Republicans can find a way to ensure those people can still get quality coverage, and do it cheaper, then hats off to them. There are ways to do this, but both of the ones I can think of violate Republican orthodoxy, so I doubt they’ll be part of a new proposal.

If the solution were easy, we’d be discussing a specific proposal by now. Republicans have had almost 8 years to come up with an acceptable alternative.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

I didn’t mean to suggest that the problems with healthcare in America are less than a decade old. Of course they’re not.

The 8 years (probably closer to 7, actually) is the time those who have demonized the ACA have had to propose improvements or better alternatives. It’s a difficult issue, and while I have many critiques of Obamacare, reverting to the earlier status-quo is not an acceptable alternative. Luckily, I think most Republican officials now realize this.

Alan 1.0
7 years ago

Oh, I totally understood your point and don’t disagree. I just don’t think there’s any wiggle room on any side after 100 years, and yet one party is at least making noises about favoring throwing 20 million citizens under the bus.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

I’ll just come out and make a bold and contrarian prediction: The Republicans will not substantively repeal or destroy Obamacare. They may make a gesture to their base on the issue (but even their base seems less adamant than they did during the election), but I predict we will not see a reversion to the earlier status quo.

Bookmark this page, and come back and tell me I’m wrong.

Alan 1.0
7 years ago

You are willing to wager in this maelstrom of a regime?! You must be one Hello of a Kitty!

wsbob
wsbob
7 years ago

“…we need a program to help low income people. Ocare tried to do that but the cost to everyone else was unacceptable. One of the biggest problems with Ocare are the millions of people who lost jobs or were cut back to part-time and the millions of jobs not created because of costs of Ocare to employers. …” sh2

Definitely, there are problems with Ocare, but this nation has got to start somewhere to provide universally accessible health care to all citizens, and it’s a credit to the nation that it finally has done so. Lack of such health care was becoming an exorbitant cost before obamacare, which in the first place, was a major reason so many people across the nation were willing to support efforts to try create universally accessible health care.

Why not just go back to the way availability of health care was, before the ACA? I’ve asked myself this a lot of times, and other people too. Answer, is people weren’t happy with the too common horrific health care situations that arrangement produced. Some people had health care, which was good, but way too many people had zip…nada…nothing, which was fast producing major societal problems.

I’m suspicious of the integrity of claims about this or that being made great again, offered by people that seem to essentially consider the people on the low rungs of the ladder to be expendable. To me so far with the new admin, it’s kind of looking like this rationale may be what their thinking may be in terms of revising the ACA. It looks as if their priority is to restore some or most of the substance of health care plans of people that had them before ACA…and if a lot of people that now have health care because of ACA, lose it or never get it, the current admin and company sounds like they may say something like: ‘well…really sorry about that.’. But that’s about all. We’ll see.

For better or worse, for now, we, the citizens of this country, have trump for pres. Now is his chance to prove he’s a person of more than the fluff than he’s shown himself to be on his tv shows and in the celebrity press. Can he be at least a competent politician, diplomat and a humanitarian, as well as being a businessman of the whizz-bang type his past accomplishments have shown him to be? Remains to be seen.

pengo
pengo
7 years ago

My plan is actually way better than your plan, it fits on an index card, and I will never tell you what it is. Sorry.

9watts
7 years ago

just for you, Mr. Bike:
http://www.thebrainwashingofmydad.com/

A filmmaker examines the rise of right-wing media through the lens of her father, whose immersion in it radicalized him and rocked the foundation of their family. She discovers this political phenomenon recurring in living rooms everywhere, and reveals the consequences conservative media has had on families and a nation.

Dan A
Dan A
7 years ago
Reply to  9watts

That happened in my family.

9watts
7 years ago
Reply to  Dan A

I found the movie very well done. I’d highly recommend it.

In Trump We Trust
In Trump We Trust
7 years ago
Reply to  9watts

9,
I used to be SH. Now I’m ITWT. I’ll wait until the movie comes out on youtube for free. I did watch the trailer which claimed that Rush and others made her dad hate minorities – that’s lie #1. Conservative media does not bash minorities. It may tell the truth about them in such things as crime stats, etc, but conservatives are not “anti-minority”. Conservatives, unlike leftists, believe in evaluating people not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. I think you’ll eventually get the paradise you think you desire – run by leftists, and I can tell you that it will probably look something like Venezuela does today and you will not like it. Then, you’ll become a conservative but it will be too late – it’s probably too late now IMHO – I think your side will win the war even though our side won the most recent battle.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I

CI,
I have a long list awaiting moderator decision – most of those on my list are on this list: (happy reading)
http://townhall.com/columnists/johnhawkins/2014/08/09/50-things-barack-obama-has-done-wrong-n1876744

Kittens
Kittens
7 years ago

I heartily encourage MORE discussion on BP about resisting the Trump agenda. Talk all you want about ODOT but it’s the Feds who control the vast amount of transpo money. And beyond this, We face the very real danger of nuclear inialation becuse T didn’t get his nappy time before his latest phone sesch.

Not a time for business as usual.

If this is upsetting perhaps you can seek other blogs?

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Kittens

Yes, there is greater danger of the brilliant flash now that O gave Iran nukes.

Brian
Brian
7 years ago

Dang, I didn’t hear that. How many did he give them?

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Brian

He released $150 billion in assets that were frozen due to sanctions. And he gave them I think $2.1 billion in cold hard cash on pallets via secret airplane flights in the middle of the night. How many could they get for that? This is just a wild guess, but I’m guessing North Korea would sell them all they want for $10 billion a pop. Wonder which cities they’ll target – other than Israeli cities? I could help them pick out a few that would make electoral college math easier. 😉

Brian
Brian
7 years ago

So, he didn’t give them any nukes?

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago
Reply to  Brian

That’s what he meant by “O gave Iran nukes”. You know, unfroze some of their money. Same thing, right?

Brian
Brian
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

Makes perfect sense.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Brian

This is pretty tough math, but I’ll giver the ol’ colleege try:

#nukes = 150/10 = 15

They may only buy 5 or 10 though.

Brian
Brian
7 years ago

So they have the nukes then? “College.”

Brian
Brian
7 years ago

So, you’re saying North Korea will be selling almost all, if not all, of their current nuke stockpile to Iran using money they were given back by the United States? Thanks, Obama.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Brian

B,
NK will make them to order and if they can’t make quite as many as they need, I’m sure another country will be happy to help.

Chris I
Chris I
7 years ago

How did you find out about the airplane flights? They were supposed to be a secret!

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I
X
X
7 years ago

Think I’ll skip BP from now on and just go straight to those comments. /s

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

Obama didn’t give them nukes — he gave is Iranian brothers some of the high potency energy beam weapons pulled from one of the saucers under Area 51. That’s what’s been causing the brilliant flashes the MSM refuses to report on.

ej
ej
7 years ago

Thank you, PDW!
Just ordered the extra lights I’ve been meaning to buy

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago

In order to assist the public in opposing Mr. T, former president O has opened his presidential library and has given first priority to stocking it with material suitable for the struggle.comment image

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

What the heck is Obama’s obsession with a washed up pro-wrestler???

I pity the fool!

Chris I
Chris I
7 years ago

Your grandchildren hate it when you send them emails with this stuff, they just don’t have the heart to tell you.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris I

CI,
My granddaughter sent it to me. 🙂

Brian
Brian
7 years ago

Specialized Hardrock
B
The general consensus in environmental literature used to be that there are too many people in our country as well as the entire world, thus books like “The Population Bomb”, etc. I stopped reading enviro literature when they went bonkers to the left so I’m not sure if they all say it now, but I do know that ZPG type organizations are saying it still. And they’re right. We would be better off environmentally with fewer people – no case can be made that we need more people.
Recommended 0

The topic is immigration as it relates to population, not population in and of itself.

Specialized Hardrock
Specialized Hardrock
7 years ago

H, K and ALL,

Did you watch Judy Woodruff interview Paul Ryan tonight on the highly acclaimed and never biased (right?) Newshour program? It was good and should put ALL of you who are so fearful of Mr. T somewhat at ease. They get it on about your favorite religion starting at 1 minute, but I recommend you watch the whole thing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zCe9pTQHE4

daisy
daisy
7 years ago

Thanks, PDW! Thanks, BikePortland! I’ve been travelling but now will subscribe when I get back to Portland. I appreciate you highlighting this important work! And I will certainly be encouraging all my bikey friends to buy from PDW.

Specialized Hardrock 2
Specialized Hardrock 2
7 years ago

For those who would like to read the United States Code which gives the president power to prohibit entry into the USA to all aliens or to any class of aliens go to page 13, section f on the right side of the page in this pdf:

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2011-title8/pdf/USCODE-2011-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1182.pdf

Many presidents have used it in the past, including O.

9watts
7 years ago

While I appreciate what Portland Design Works and Jonathan have done here, the flood of vitriol in the comments that ensued is something to keep in mind. This country is in deep trouble if only because we can’t agree on first principles, on which source of news to consult and trust. So far the spectrum mentioned in the comments here has ranged from the far right to the more mainstream but still corporate outlets. I have little interest in or respect for either so I’ll throw out just three that strike me as more useful, truthful, sincere, community supported, non-corporate:
kboo.fm
https://www.democracynow.org/
http://fair.org/

Dan A
Dan A
7 years ago
Reply to  9watts

We can’t even agree that collusion with Russia is wrong.

In Trump We Trust
In Trump We Trust
7 years ago
Reply to  9watts

I thought the comments ranged from the extreme left to the middle. On which news outlet to use, it would be interesting to view the same story on outlets from the 2 sides: for example from NYtimes versus Breitbart.

But many stories are not even mentioned in the leftist media because they don’t fit the narrative. Probably similar in right side media.

9watts
7 years ago

“on outlets from the 2 sides: for example from NYtimes versus Breitbart”

If you think those are the two sides we have our work cut out for us. I encourage you to check out the links I included above sometime for a critique of both of your end points, and lots in between.

BTW, what is SH?

Adam
7 years ago
Reply to  9watts

He has a point, given the two sides now are truth vs. fiction…

Dan A
Dan A
7 years ago
Reply to  Adam

There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between truth and fiction, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man’s fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Alternatative Fact Zone.

Alan 1.0
7 years ago
Reply to  9watts

Ref: https://mediabiasfactcheck.com/ just as a sanity check.

I guess SH2 nym has gone the way of a dead salmon.

Hello, Kitty
7 years ago

>>> on outlets from the 2 sides <<<

How about two credible outlets? NYTimes vs. The Economist, for example.

In Trump We Trust
In Trump We Trust
7 years ago
Reply to  Hello, Kitty

Those are both on the left. I know, you disagree. Economist slightly less so, but why not compare the Breitbart or Fox story? Just because those 2 are mainstream does not give them credibility. The MSM reported how HRC was going to win by a landslide. She didn’t. CNN giving HRC the debate questions in advance does not confer credibility. No matter which source you use, you have to decide for yourself what to believe – all are biased in some way.