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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 9, 2016)
Page 8 VETERAN’S DAY Special Edition Your Carpet Best Cleaning Choice November 9, 2016 O PINION Martin Cleaning Service Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Residential & Commercial Services Minimum Service CHG. $45.00 A small distance/travel charge may be applied CARPET CLEANING 2 Cleaning Areas or more $30.00 Each Area Pre-Spray Traffic Areas (Includes: 1 small Hallway) 1 Cleaning Area (only) $40.00 Includes Pre-Spray Traffic Area (Hallway Extra) Stairs (12-16 stairs - With Other Services) : $25.00 Area/Oriental Rugs: $25.00 Minimum Area/Oriental Rugs (Wool) : $40.00 Minimum Heavily Soiled Area: Additional $10.00 each area (Requiring Extensive Pre-Spraying) UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Sofa: $69.00 Loveseat: $49.00 Sectional: $109 - $139 Chair or Recliner: $25 - $49 Throw Pillows (With Other Services) : $5.00 ADDITIONAL SERVICES • Area & Oriental Rug Cleaning • Auto/Boat/RV Cleaning • Deodorizing & Pet Odor Treatment • Spot & Stain Removal Service • Scotchguard Protection • Minor Water Damage Services SEE CURRENT FLYER FOR ADDITIONAL PRICES & SERVICES Call for Appointment (503) 281-3949 Staying Engaged after an Exhausting Election Eight ways to keep moving forward C huCk C ollins Throughout this trying election sea- son, we’ve been told how much is at stake with our vote. But the success of any democracy depends on continuing to pay attention long after we cast our ballots. So let’s pledge to strengthen our democracy with a few resolu- tions to focus our intentions and keep us moving forward over the next four years. 1. Change your media diet. Way too much ink, airtime, and mental real estate has been con- sumed by the horserace reporting on elections — it’s all about who’s winning and losing. So unplug from the talk shows that interview pollsters and engage in partisan bickering all day. Find the com- mentators and independent media outlets that strengthen our civic life. 2. Turn off corporate media. This election has been very prof- itable for big media corporations, by but bad for our democracy. As CBS chairman Les Moonves re- marked, “Man, who would have expected the ride we’re all having right now? The money’s rolling in and this is fun.” Our differences have been compounded by me- dia reports that amplify the loudest and most partisan utterances. Election cov- erage this year has encour- aged us to view one another as cartoon caricatures, not neighbors. 3. Reject the consumer men- tality in elections. We’re encour- aged to view national elections like consumers buying a car, but presidential elections can make most of us feel like spectators, not participants. Election Day is a small part of our real democracy — think of voting as a tiny frac- tion of your civic life. 4. Make your voice heard. Pledge to communicate with your elected officials all year round, not just when they want your vote. Call, write, email, and attend com- munity forums. When a politician hears from a dozen constituents with the same concern, it matters. A few resolutions must address our polarized political atmosphere. The only way to break through this is by connecting with people we don’t always agree with. For instance, the liberal Califor- nia sociologist Arlie Hochschild spent five years interviewing conservative Tea Party activists in Louisiana, making friends and asking deep questions. She urges us all to scale the “empathy wall” and learn each other’s stories. Here’s a few easy ways to get started: 5. Try a social media fast. So- cial media is amazing, but it most- ly serves as an echo chamber to reinforce our existing views. It’s not a substitute for talking to peo- ple, asking questions, and learning why people support certain poli- cies. 6. Practice the art of civil discourse. Find ways to meet oth- ers face-to-face to engage in con- versations, not soapbox speeches and debates. Look at the “Living Room Conversation” movement that brings people together across political divisions. Their goal is to encourage “authentic, respect- ful conversations” to “strengthen relationships and advance under- standing of the challenges, oppor- tunities, and solutions before us.” Finally, other resolutions should focus on changing our po- larizing election system: 7. Eliminate the wealth pri- mary. Long before voters cast their ballots in a primary, big money donors have winnowed the field and selected who will stand for election. People all across the political spectrum agree that we need fundamental campaign fi- nance reform to reduce the influ- ence of big money, including the repeal of Citizens United. 8. Break the two-party duopoly. A growing number of voters have declared indepen- dence from the two major par- ties. So why do we allow other voices and perspectives to be excluded from presidential de- bates? Our democracy would benefit if we had real choices outside the two major parties, as they do in most other countries in the world. The strength of our civic life depends on what we do outside elections. And especially after the deeply toxic experience of 2016, we all need to step up to protect our real democracy from those who profit from division. Chuck Collins co-edits In- equality.org at the Institute for Policy Studies and is author of the new book, Born on Third Base: A One Percenter Makes the Case for Tackling Inequality, Bringing Wealth Home, and Committing to the Common Good. Distributed by OtherWords.org.
