Thursday, January 22, 2009

Stand by your Sam

So far we know Sam Adams had sex with another consenting adult.  And he lied about it to the media. Neither act is a crime.

If it turns out Adams' partner was under 18 when they first had sex, or that there was a quid pro quo in Adams' hiring of Amy Ruiz, I will be the first to call for his resignation -- and for criminal charges against him.

But so far we do not know those things to be true.  Meanwhile, we've got an ambitious, capable, and (until this week) highly motivated mayor in office.  The events of this week are a ridiculous distraction from the city's important work, and a disturbing reminder of the bigotry that still thrives in our community.  At least for now, this Portland citizen stands by his Sam.