Day: August 8, 2015

Social ethic has its place, but what does it do for business expansion?

Here’s the close to an editorial, “Can Portland capitalize on its popularity with millennials” in The Oregonian, a paper I read the other day while in that fair city.

It’s a cautious but convincing word for less government regulation and less tree-hugging if there is to be a business renaissance.

Where does all of this leave Portland? The city’s social ethic fits well with the millennial generation, which is one reason so many 20-somethings move here. The city is fertile ground for social entrepreneurs, who prioritize a cause over profits.

But Portland also needs to be welcoming to young entrepreneurs interested in starting traditional businesses. That means helping would-be business owners navigate the regulatory system and taking steps to keep office rents and other start-up costs, including taxes, from spiraling out of control.

Otherwise, the gaps between the aspirations of Portland’s millennials and their ability to achieve their goals will only grow.

In a letter to the editorial page, I noted their “Balancing idealism with gritty realities,” with accompanying example and conclusion, “Sometimes there are legitimate reasons that businesses don’t put a higher priority on societal problems.”

I added that “to float such heresy in your (or Chicago’s) climate is admirable.”

He say, I say, the question is the question

Sat. 8/8/15, 7:30 a.m., Clark and Bryn Mawr, NE corner. 

Man on bicycle sees me, I nod hello, he stops on sidewalk. He is bald of dark brown (bullet) head, soft of tone. Says something.

 I say, “What?”

 He say, in soft, unaccented tone, “Can I ask you a question?”

 I say “No.”

He pulls away on sidewalk, heading east on Bryn Mawr, N side of street.

Sat. 8/8/15, 7:30, Clark and Bryn M., NE corner.

Commentary on this event:

 1. He had already made bold to ask me a question, so asking, “Can I ask?” was superfluous and on its face suspicious.

 2. I try not to answer questions, period, at Clark and Bryn Mawr at 7:30 in the morning, if I can help it.

 3. I did not feel like giving him some money for carfare.

 4. I did not recognize him as a long lost friend.

 5. I do not know where to get a nice hairpiece at this hour.

 6. He talked too softly for my taste. I like to hear it when people ask me questions, with or without my permission.

 7. It was too nice a morning for questions.

 8. I had enough unanswered questions of my own, without adding any.

 9. I had a book to read, which is why this is my final word on the subject.

The book is Wyndham Lewis, A Soldier of Humor and Selected Writings, edited with introduction by Raymond Rosenthal (Signet Classic, 1966), which I got cheap from ABEbooks.com and which I recommend.

W. Lewis, Soldie of Humor cover