January 13, 1988, Portland Observer, Page9
Economics: Have Blacks Been Tranquilizad
Perspectives
I love it! I love it! In Dec. 30, 1987
Portland Observer on page 7, I
wrote about the billions of dollars
contributed to this nation's eco
nomy by just three of the thousands
of inventions patented by Blacks:
namely, the refrigerated box car and
truck, and the automatic lubricator.
Coincidently, on page 3 of the same
edition, there was an article quoting
'William Julius Wilson' to the effect
that the Black ''underclass" of
America's urban areas lost their jobs
in great part because industry adop­
ted tech n olog ica l innovations
(read 'inventions'). However, in­
ventions are known to create new
jobs beyond imagination; I cite the
automobile!
The difference in our approaches
is that I related the Black economic
ECONOMICS
conditions to the failure of a group
to recognize the significance of their
own genius; and a failure to create
institutions for financing, licensing
and distributing this technology.
On the other hand, Professor Wil-
son cites the familiar litany of rea­
sons for the development of a
'Black underclass".
Americans
bought over 330 tons of tranquili­
zers last year. I suggest that over
the past twenty-five years of 'pover­
ty programs', Blacks and whites
have bought more than their share
of social and economic tranquili­
zers, the rhetoric and epithets of
"escalating the quality of life of the
poor":
'upward mobility, more
elected Black officials, forge broad-
based urban coalitions, urban re­
newal, minority business, desegre­
gation, and affirmative action'.
Understand my point. It is not
that each of the above 'solutions'
was not in itself an honest attempt
to further the economic opportunity
of Blacks - at least on the part of
most participants.
But, rather,
there was a long series of convul­
sive, uncoordinated and egocentric
assaults upon every tip of an iceberg
that came into view. "Tranquili
zing rhetoric" came about as the re
suit of the public relations efforts of
the programs and from media-hype
in the major press. Understand­
ably, everyone wanted success, to
believe (and wanted 'cash flow').
However, when we analyze the
US.
Government
publication,
"Summary Characteristics of the
"I relate the Black econo­
mic conditions to the fail­
ure of a group to recognize
the significance of their
own genius.”
Black Population and Selected
Counties and Places: 1980", Series
PC80-S1-21, we find just the dis­
astrous economic conditions that
Professor Wilson projects: "A Per­
manent Culture of Poverty.”
Do Blacks have an excuse?
This is a 'real' world.
Did the
dinosaur have an excuse for becom­
ing extinct? Should these creatures
have requested an "Affirmative ac­
tion Program"? What we do know
is that they failed to evolve 'sur­
vival' characteristics in face of a
changing environment — Dinosaur
gone, gone Dinosaur! During the
great era of 'Social Programming ,
Blacks did not develop a ‘united
front’ of coordinated planning.
They formed or gravitated toward
egocentric cliques that did not ex­
change vital information or person­
nel with special skills. Black social
agencies, businesses, media and
academic programs did not work
together to develop a common data
base and language (a few excep­
tions). Many Black university pro­
fessors who did not have grants or
school-allocated resources found
themselves dependent to some ex­
tent upon breweries, distillers and
tobacco companies for their African
America "Great Blacks in History"
series, used by these firms to build
their consumer base.
It need not have been this way,
nor should it be so now, or in the
future. To say that Blacks were
caught by surprise is to beg the
question. During the past week, I
have detailed what is an in-common
Black heritage of scores of exper­
ienced-proven models for econo­
mic, educational and tecnological
development — Black conceived,
initiated, and implemented; systems
and role models extending from
emancipation to the space age.
The entire world has taken advan­
tage of them; why shouldn't
Blacks?
Finally, and in the same vein, I
had a number of conversations
during the 1970's with Mr. David
Crosthwait, the Black inventor who
is responsible for the fact that we
have heating, air conditioning, and
plumbing above the 15th floor in the
world's highrises and skyscrapers
(97 patents). Having developed the
control systems for the Rockefeller
Center in New York and the Ken­
nedy Center in Washington, D.C.,
he was complaining bitterly that the
social engineers and "poverty
pimps" paid no attention to his offer
to donate his patents and royalties
to provide training, scholarships and
business incubators for a greater
Black participation in America's
economy.
And he cited similar
experiences of his talented peer
group.
I was reminded of similar exper­
iences on a much smaller scale.
In 1948 I set up Union Avenue
Finance Company for a group of
Union Avenue car dealers who were
my accounting clients. I persuaded
these businessmen to include
Blacks in the structure (ownership
and employment), but Albina lead­
ers and organizations were less than
willing. Ten years later in Los An­
geles, I pioneered the concept of
approaching highrise apartment
builders when they first filed for a
permit and contracting to install an
in-house laundromat for the 'cap­
tive' clientele before the foundation
was dug.
"Industrial Automatic
Service" lasted two years until the
white established competition used
its leverage to cut off my financing
at the banks. I appealed in vain for
support from Black institutions and
leaders. There have been 'thou­
sands' of others like Mr. Crosth­
wait and myself. Are we ever to
learn? Most poverty is in the mind.
Argue with that, if you will.
JOBS & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
INFORMATIONAL ADVERTISEMENT
PORTLAND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUB-BIDS REQUESTED
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
FOR
Gresham Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement
BID DATE: January 28, 1988 - 2:00 P.M.
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Hoffman construction company of Oregon
P.O. Box 1300
Portland, Oregon 97201
We are an equal opportunity employer and request sub-bids from
small business and small disadvantaged business sub contractors and
women and minority business enterprises.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
C-TRAN is accepting proposals for the provision of marketing services A
Disadvantaged Enterprise Goal of 20% has been assigned to this contract.
Copies of the Request For Proposals may be obtained from:
C-TRAN
P.O. Box 2529
Vancouver, Washington, 98668-2529
(206) 696-4494
Proposals will be accepted until 12:00 noon, Wednesday, February 10, 1988
The Portland Development Commission is seeking proposals from qualified
geotechnical engineers for soils studies related to the Pioneer Place Parking
Garage Project. The parking facility will be located on the northerly t ree­
quarters of Black 51, which is bounded by S.W. Third and Fourth Avenues
Yamhill Street and two existing buildings on Taylor Street. The garage will
have 425-550 spaces above ground; 175-200 spaces below-grade; and, a
minimum of 11,000 leasable square feet of commercial space at street level.
A complete RFP package is available from Stacey Deitz, Portland Develop­
ment Commission, 1120 S.W Fifth Avenue, Suite 1102 Portland, Oregon
97204-1968, (503) 796 6950. Proposals are due at the PDC office no later
than 3:00 p.m., January 19, 1988.
The Portland Development Commission (PDC) is soliciting proposals from
qualified consultants to provide the necessary asbestos inspection services,
perform the necessary laboratory analyses, and provide conclusions, recom­
mendations and cost estimates fro abatement for structures on the Union
CEILING TILE REMOVAL
Bids Due. January 26. 1988 at 2:00 P M.
Bid No.: B61-700 1853
Sealed bids will be received by the Director of
County Purchasing Section, 2505 S.E. 11th Ave., Portland, «OR 97202! for.
Removal of asbestos containing tiles on the 8th floor of the JK Gill Building.
The work consists of approximately 10,000 sq ft of 2x4 lay-in ceiling tile to be
Write HUD for
this free
pamphlet.
Eugene, OR 97403 1276.
Briefly, the work is described as the addition of approximately 1.400 feet of
16-inch diameter chilled water pipe, 160 feet of 12-inch diameter steam pipe,
160 feet of 6-inch condensate return pipe, 260 feet of 8-inch diameter steam
pipe and chilled water supply and return pipe, 260 feet of 4-inch diameter
condensate pipe, and also sea water and reverse osmosis water. Approxi­
mately 70 feet of 4- nch condensate and 8-inch steam pipe are to be re­
moved. Other pipe is to be installed as part of this contract. Coordination
with the Owner on the shutdown of existing utilities will be extremely im­
portant. The Owner has definite time frames within which shutdowns can
occur.
For further information, contact:
UO Physical Plant
(phone: 686-5243)
Plans and Specifications are filed with the Purchasing Director andlcop.es
may be obtained from the above address for a $5.00 non-refundablefee.
CHECKS AND MONEY ORDERS ONLY. Plans and Specifications will not
be mailed within the Tri County area.
PREBID CONFERENCE: January 14, 1988, 9:30 AM, J.K. Gill Building,
8th Floor break room, 426 SW Stark, Portland, OR.
Asbestos removal.
Preaualification applications or statements must be prepared during the
period of one year prior to the bid date. Prequal.fication application or proof
of prequalification by the Oregon Department of Transportation must be
actually received or postmarked to Multnomah County not later than 10 days
prior to bid opening.
Details of compliance are available from the Purchasing Section, Department
of Administrative Services, 2505 S.E. 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202,
(503)248 5111.
NO NDISCRIM INATIO N: Bidders on this work will be required to comply
with the provisions of Federal Executive Order 11246. The requirements
for Bidders and Contractors are explained in the Specifications.
No bid will be received or considered unless the bid con\a' " 8 a s^ te™ n' '° V
the bidder as part of his bid that the requirements of 279.35U, 2/B.4OZ,
279 355 and 279 356 shall be met.
No proposal will be considered unless accompanied by a check payable to
Multnomah County certified by a responsible bank, or in lieu thereof, a sure y
bon,, to, an a,noun, equal ,o .en percen, 1,0% I of .he aggregau, prapowE
The successful bidder shall furnish a bond sat.safactory to the Board in the
full amount of the contract.
Multnomah County reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
U.S. Dept. of H IT )
P.O. Box 777
Portland, OR 9720”’
Sealed bids for the Utility Tunnel Piping Addition, Science Facilities Addi­
tions and Alterations, University of Oregon, will be received by the Oregon
State Board of Higher Education until 2:00 p.m. PST, February 9, 1988, in
Conference Room 2, UO Physical Plant Department, 1295 Franklin Blvd.,
removed by certified asbestos workers.
PREQUALIFICATION OF BIDDERS: Pursuant to the Multnomah County
Public Contract Reve.w Board Administrative Rules (AR 40.0301 Prequalifi-
cation shall be required for this project for the following class(es) of work.
How can you
afford a home
o f your own?
Telescoping Gym Bleachers for Jeffer­
son High School.
Feb 9 1988 Louvers For Various Schools (Require­
ment Contract).
Feb. 9. 1988 Home Economics Supplies For Ware­
house Stock, 1988-89.
Feb. 16, 1988 Electronic Dimmer System for Madison
High School.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
CALL FOR BIDS
January 28, 1988.
Feb. 2, 1988
The Portland Development Commission encourages participation of Mino.
rity/Women Business Enterprise contractors in its projects. The established
Commission goals for participation is nine percent (9%) for Minority Busi­
ness Enterprises and nine percent (9%) for Women Business Enterprises.
ASBESTOS SURVEY OF STRUCTURES ON
UNION STATION PROPERTY
Proposals are due at the PDC office no later than 1:00 p.m., Thursday,
DESCRIPTION
Formal announcement, detailed specifications and
bidding document may be obtained at the above address*
F o r a d d itio n a l in fo r m a tio n , p le a s e c o n ta c t
M ich a e l J. H u tch e n s. D ire c to r of P u rc h a s in g .
249-2000, Extension 581
MULTNOMAH COUNTY
Copies of the proposal package and submission requirements are available
at the PDC office, attention Beckie Spurger, 1120 S.W. Fifth Avenue, Suite
1102, Portland, Oregon 97204-1968, (503) 796-5303.
BID FILING
DATE
The geotechnical engineer will conduct field investigations; prepare labora­
tory tests of soils; conduct engineering studies and analysis that will lead to
the formulation of conclusions and recommendations concerning site pre­
paration feasible type of foundation, allowable bearing pressures; bearing
strata; and, any other design or construction considerations that may arise
during the course of the investigation.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Portland Development Commission encourages participation of Mino-
rity/Female Business Enterprise contractors in all its projects. The esta
blished Commission goal for participation is nine percent (9%) for Minority
Business Enterprises and nine percent (9%) for Female Business Enterprises.
CALL FOR BIDS
Sealed bids will be received until 1:00 p.m. on the dates
indicated in the Purchasing Department, Multnomah County
School District #1 J, 501 N. Dixon, Portland, Oregon for the
items listed herein:
Proposals due 3:00 p.m ., January 19,1988
CITY OF PORTLAND
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Station property owned by PDC.
PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS
FRANNA RITZ. ACTING DIRECTOR
PURCHASING SECTION
January 13, 1988
PORT OF PORTLAND
INVITATION TO BID
Sealed bids will be received bv the Purchasing Manager of the Port of Port-
land 700 N.E. Multnomah Street, Portland, Oregon (mailing address. .0.
Box 3529 Portland, OR 97208) for items detailed herein until the individually
specified dates and times indicated, and thereafter publicly opened and read.
Plans and specifications may be examined and/or obtainedat the above
address.
Contact the Purchasing Department at 231-5000, Ext. boo.
Bids must be on the bid form provided to prospective bidders and when
Bid Surety is required, must be accompanied by a cart,f,e^ ° rpca®h'®rpSo^ ® ^
drawn on a United States bank, or a bid bond payable to the Port of Portland
in an amount equal to at least 10 percent of the total amount bid.
When prequalification is required, the prequalification statements should be
received at least 5 days prior to the time set for bid opening. Applications
for prequalification may be submitted less than 5 days before bid opening,
but consideration by the Port cannot be assured.
Attention is called to the provisions of the Oregon Revised Statutes 279.350,
providing that workers be paid prevailing wage rates.
DESCRIPTION
PDX Airtrans Center, Telephone Cable Relocation
BID OPENING DATE
^ a5\uarv 26 ’ 1988
2:00 p.m.
SCOPE:
Construction of underground duct bank concrete encased and non-encased
between existing manholes. The work includes taxiway exit ramp pavement
crossings and 12 inch casing jacked under Taxiway E
A prebid conference will be held on Monday, January 18 1988, at 10:30 a m.
at the Port of Portland Aviation Construction Office, 7267 N.E. Airport Way,
Portland, Oregon, to discuss all phases of the work.
Please direct technical questions to the Project Engineer, Franko Martinec,
(503) 231 5000, Ext 705.