Aren't PDX's homeless getting a nice new 'hotel' very close to this location? Can't they rest there? To even think of questioning this proposal is asinine. No wonder businesses shy away from Portland.Let just a little common sense prevail for once.

As the "homeless" or more accurately "beggars" are approximately one percent or less of the city population they can just go fuck off. A democracy is rule of the majority. having failure dictate the actions of the capable is the worst possible solution. last time I checked the majority does not want to be hassled by lying, stealing, begging fuckers. Unless they have been duly elected first.

Portland needs to stop kowtowing to the homless population. This is getting ridiculous.

I can accept that it is more difficult for some people to provide for themselves or control addiction or mental illness, but the fact of the matter is, homelessness is the result of a series of choices. To choose to become homeless is to choose to remove yourself from society. Our homeless do not pay taxes, nor do they have official residence in the City of Portland. Why should they have a political voice in the City of Portland?

Also, since when is sitting on public right-of-ways a right that should be protected at all? Last I checked, it was called loitering.

@justjosephhere

Let's just check the hate talk at the door now. Re-read my original comment and you will see that I did actually make a valid point that can be discussed. Here is a summary of my argument:

Statement 1: All homeless people have made a series of choices that led to their homelessness. For some, this may be the result of mental illness (and I'm sympathetic), but the fact that they did not seek care for that is a choice.

Statement 2: If Statement 1 is true, it follows that homeless people have chosen to remove themselves from the rules, responsibilities, protections and privileges of society.

Clarification: My comment in no way are intended to foster mutal respect between myself, readers of the Mercury and the outsized homeless population in Portland. I am actively encouraging critical thinkers to consider why there is so much advocacy for a group that has chosen to remove itself from the protections society affords.

I do not hate homeless people. I do no really respect them either, because anyone who is so little invested in their own well-being doesn't deserve the time my respect takes.