Today there was a beautiful event in Portland's living room, Pioneer Courthouse Square in support of Occupy Portland. As usual, I am all charged up but an unreliable reporter of facts. Oh well.
The event was built around performances by Storm Large and Pink Martini. I think Tom Lauderdale of Martini actually organized it. There were probably close to 1000 people assembled, and the event opened - and closed - with all of us singing Woodie Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" together. All 5 verses. God, I love Woody Guthrie (and I have a crush on his kid Arlo too).
The singing (complete with a handout of lyrics, along with an article by Matt Talibbi) was alternated with a collection of absolutely spectacular speakers. I only wish I could tell you who they all were. Your reporter is old and unreliable. The first was an elderly Rabbi, who gave what I think is the best mission statement for OWS I have heard. [Emanuel Rose, Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Beth Israel, h/t to JayinPortland] I really really hope it ends up on YouTube. I asked the Oregonian to reprint it, but I doubt they will.
A number of other speakers, all outstanding, alternated with Pink Martini and Storm sing-alongside, creating the most enjoyable, non-fatiguing political event I have been to. Among the speakers were Congressman DeFazio and Congressman Blumenauer. I do love my Congressmen! DeFazio ripped it up! And he and Blumenauer announced they were introducing a financial transaction tax in Congress next week. Good luck with that, boys, but I love you for trying.
The final speaker was just incredible. It was an older black lady who I did not know. Her speech also should be preserved. She talked about the importance of "not leaving the room" when people you have some disagreement with take the platform. It was so right, because there are many disparate interests in the Occupy movement, and there was some booing and walkouts for some of the speakers. Wrong. Like the lady said: stick with it, perservere, don't leave the room.
God I love Portland.