Portland, Oregon...American example city
March 24th 2008 04:59
Portland Oregon. When you hear the name, what comes to mind? Rain? Tress? The highest concentration of microbreweries in America? If you're a conservative, it might be names meant to demean like Rush Limbaugh's "Lib Land" or Bush the First calling it "Little Beirut." It might represent all that you fear and detest - homosexuals treated as equals, a city more focused on sustainable and green living, a working and expanding mass transit system, a focus on public areas, and such.
Truth be told, we are not just some "liberals only" club. In fact, the suburbs are split (some are even staunchly conservative) and the remote country areas aren't much different from Idaho or Kentucky politically. The state had a Republican majority in the legislature for several years up to 2006, when it flipped. And after a successful two years the margin for progressive democrats should grow. The conservative movement is becoming more discredited here by the day, with the state Republican party here even going bankrupt. The nation would do well to follow our lead. Why, you ask? Let's look at some impressive accolades.
Of course any title awarded to any city is subjective. The trick is to look at the totals and the trends. When a particular city shows up at or near the top so often, one can assume there is something to the rankings. And Portland, Oregon has no shortage of awards and praise. And yes, we know there is much we can improve on. Another writer here on Associated Content asks what in means to be "Progressive." Come to Portland and see.
Here is just a sample of some of the praises given Portland over the past couple of years.
"#1 in sustainability," by the greenguide.com, and #1 green city by Popular Science magazine.
"Best city for bicycling," Bicycle magazine.
"#1 Cleanest American city," Reader's Digest.
"#1 of 50 best places to live," Men's Journal
" #1 in number of biking commuters," U.S. Census (in spite of our rain!)
"America's best airport," Conde Nast.
"America's most vegetarian friendly city," goveg.com
"#2 on list of America's most enlightened cities," UTNE Reader.
"The best city in America to have a baby." fitpregnancy.com
"#2 city for dogs," menshealth.com
"#2 city for healthy food," cookinglight.com
"Best walking town," Prevention magazine.
"Best city for seniors," Bankers Life and Casualty
On 2008 list of "America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations."
"#3 Best cities for independent filmakers," and Frommers "top travel destinations" list.
Portland is consistently ranked very high in restaurant and entertainment categories, with a vibrant and growing arts scene.
That is just a sampling of the plethora of accolades given to Portland, Oregon. Sure, we have some things to be proud about. And many to work on. We are behind many cities in the world when it comes to progressive issues like alternative energy and transportation. But we are at the forefront of what is happening in America, and we are determined to keep moving ahead.
Truth be told, we are not just some "liberals only" club. In fact, the suburbs are split (some are even staunchly conservative) and the remote country areas aren't much different from Idaho or Kentucky politically. The state had a Republican majority in the legislature for several years up to 2006, when it flipped. And after a successful two years the margin for progressive democrats should grow. The conservative movement is becoming more discredited here by the day, with the state Republican party here even going bankrupt. The nation would do well to follow our lead. Why, you ask? Let's look at some impressive accolades.
Of course any title awarded to any city is subjective. The trick is to look at the totals and the trends. When a particular city shows up at or near the top so often, one can assume there is something to the rankings. And Portland, Oregon has no shortage of awards and praise. And yes, we know there is much we can improve on. Another writer here on Associated Content asks what in means to be "Progressive." Come to Portland and see.
Here is just a sample of some of the praises given Portland over the past couple of years.
"#1 in sustainability," by the greenguide.com, and #1 green city by Popular Science magazine.
"Best city for bicycling," Bicycle magazine.
"#1 of 50 best places to live," Men's Journal
" #1 in number of biking commuters," U.S. Census (in spite of our rain!)
"America's best airport," Conde Nast.
"America's most vegetarian friendly city," goveg.com
"#2 on list of America's most enlightened cities," UTNE Reader.
"The best city in America to have a baby." fitpregnancy.com
"#2 city for dogs," menshealth.com
"#2 city for healthy food," cookinglight.com
"Best walking town," Prevention magazine.
"Best city for seniors," Bankers Life and Casualty
On 2008 list of "America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations."
"#3 Best cities for independent filmakers," and Frommers "top travel destinations" list.
Portland is consistently ranked very high in restaurant and entertainment categories, with a vibrant and growing arts scene.
That is just a sampling of the plethora of accolades given to Portland, Oregon. Sure, we have some things to be proud about. And many to work on. We are behind many cities in the world when it comes to progressive issues like alternative energy and transportation. But we are at the forefront of what is happening in America, and we are determined to keep moving ahead.
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