Standing by my Sam

I'm all for investigation of whether Mayor Adams had sex with someone under 18, and whether there was a quid pro quo in hiring Amy J. Ruiz.  I suppose Willamette Week is to be commended for its investigation.  But unless and until either charge turns out to be true, there is no reason for him to resign.  Sam is highly capable, qualified and (until this week) motivated, and we've got extremely important work for him to do.

The "public" reaction -- especially what's been posted to online comment sites traditionally dominated by conservative loudmouths -- is a chilling and disturbing reminder of the bigotry that still thrives in our community.  Much of the hate I've read so far is sufficiently laced with anti-gay rhetoric to reveal it for what it is.

And much of this so-called "outrage" against Adams comes from suburbanites whose opinion is irrelevant to whether Adams stays in office.  I'm convinced that when the smoke clears, we'll find he still has strong support from actual Portland voters.