(NEWSER) – An independent candidate for governor of Oregon took an interesting approach to building support, criticizing the state’s largest city by suggesting the bloom is off the City of Roses because of homelessness. Betsy Johnson’s comments appeared this week in a New York Times newsletter, the Bulletin reports. “You can see the deterioration of the beautiful City of Roses, now the city of roaches,” Johnson said. The candidate added that Portland “is failing” and that “I don’t think any problem demonstrates the need better to change Oregon’s politics than the failure to solve homelessness on our streets.”
Equating people who lack housing with vermin didn’t go over well with everyone. Marginalized groups have been labeled “cockroaches” in the past, said the director of Portland State University’s Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative. Such language “completely erases their humanity,” said Marisa Zapata. “It’s deeply upsetting to have somebody using that language to describe people who are living their lives the best they can. It’s especially upsetting to have someone who’s been in a position of leadership in our state talk about future constituents this way.”
Porland’s mayor saw it the same way. “We need a governor who will partner with us to help find solutions and fight for Portland—not disparage and write us off,” Ted Wheeler said. Johnson’s communications director said the comments resonated with people. “What Betsy has been saying for months is that Oregon cannot succeed if Portland fails,” she said, adding that just 8% of residents say the city is on the right track. The mayor invited all candidates for governor to tour Portland with him to learn about the city’s issues
The city of Roaches is clever and accurate. As usual, they have twisted her words. She did not call the homeless people roaches, but it is undeniable that their lifestyle breeds them.
The only reason one would have an infestation of cockroaches is because they failed to eradicate the pest before it became a problem.
“…suggesting the bloom is off the City of Roses because of homelessness.”
Gee, what could have ever given her that idea?
“Equating people who lack housing with vermin didn’t go over well with everyone. Marginalized groups have been labeled “cockroaches” in the past, said the director of Portland State University’s Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative. Such language “completely erases their humanity,” said Marisa Zapata.”
No, you rotten nasty See You Next Tuesday, what erases their humanity is when phony baloney opportunists exploit vulnerable individuals and populations to advance their own agenda be it financial or political.
The first step in saving Portland is to get rid of asshats like the mayor and his ilk.
I think it’s fair to posit a parallel between some of the rough-living bums and roaches, but not all of them. Some of those bums are more analogous to roach shit.
What erased their humanity was a government that threw them away, then allowed them to rot and fester.
Dems never fix anything because doing so would eliminate a source of aggrieved victims.
Killing Seattle just wasn’t enough.
“…the director of Portland State University’s Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative.”
THIS IS THE REAL PROBLEM! “Homelessness” is BIG BUCKS BUSINESS in every city in the nation.
The only question that wasn’t asked/answered was, “So, Mr. Homeless Helper Man, what is the total of all the grant money that has found it’s way to Portland State University’s Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative? And what, exactly, is the “Action” part of the collaborative? AND, how much has been spent on that part?! (Okay, 3 questions.)
Homelessness is just another Leftist “problem” that has a HUGE money solution and another way for the gov’t to build-out more of their superstructure. If homelessness goes away, just think of all those low-life, pony-tail-wearing, university leaches with nothing but time on their hands, seeing how all the other “studies” avenues have been beat to death with grant money. Leaches!
When RVW was overturned it occurred to many that the coasts, especially the Left coast, will be the new destination for all those who want “plentiful” abortions (go read Jane’s Revenge’s website — that’s one of the words they use). Think of it! Every state that champions abortion (and now pays for everything else) will become Mecca for those who worship at the altar of Baal. Soon these coastal states will all fail under the sheer weight of their give-aways when all the smart people move their businesses the heck out of ’em.
Rough-living bums and roaches are destined to become part of the food chain in the future democRAT “Utopia” while today’s shit-holes will become tomorrow’s ranches!