Portland

1. We're on the same page about the war on drugs being a sham from the beginning.
2. I'm aware of all of that. Not sure what you're trying to say with that statement.
3. I've been here for 5 months, I'm still getting a lay of the land in many respects, and especially with regard to how I can go about helping the community.
   3.1 Why aren't you doing more? I don't know where my time/energy/money is going to have reasonable impact. Part of the reason for this post was to seek out information and encourage discussion.
   3.2 volunteer I think getting involved with Code for PDX is a reasonable first step for a developer new to the area.
   3.3 educate I'm more of a computer person, so... here I am. I haven't come across any research papers on how to stop drug use in Portland Oregon, but I'll direct my future readings based on what I can learn about the Portland specific issues.

Not sure how I was being inflammatory, I was just stating some things that I believe to be true, and asking questions about Portland's struggles. Theres lot of evidence that criminalization and law enforcement aren't effective ways of dealing with drug problems. And theres evidence that decriminalization can work, when paired with sufficient services and harm reduction.

So, based on what I know (and feel free to correct, or further enlighten me), it seems clear that more needs to be done in the way of harm reduction and services for those with drug problems. But this city really seems to care, to want to do good things... so I ask why aren't we doing more. What is the reason that the services aren't there?

Maybe there's something I can do that will make an impact. If more volunteers are needed, then I'll volunteer. If policy just isn't where it needs to be, i'll advocate, or hell maybe run for office.

This is a way in which I engage with my community. And I am not terrified, nor republican, nor a stooge. I'm not even sure how you came to the conclusion that I'm republican. I'm hoping that we don't keep trying to solve this problem with law enforcement (Like Kotek is focusing on right now) and instead focus more on the treatment of the drug users (which seems like an afterthought from what I can tell)