Blumenauer Responds to George F. Will’s Attack on LaHood and Portland, Sends Challenge to Debate
Says Will is stuck in a one-dimensional past
Washington, DC – May 19, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), responded via Twitter to Newsweek Contributing Editor George F. Will’s article entitled Ray Lahood, Transformed in which Will attacks Portland. Referring to the city as the “P-word” Will asserts that the city’s government “has been, intermittently, as progressive as all get-out, trying to use zoning, light-rail projects and high-density housing to cool the planet by curbing automobile use.”
Today, Blumenauer responded via twitter, issuing the following challenge:
“In Newsweek: it’s LaHood that gets it. George Will doesn’t. It’s about “choices” not behavior modification.”
“In Portland the P word is Progress. There’s one way to find out, Mr. Will, come to Portland and we’ll debate–what you write and what you see.”
“And bring your bowtie, your neckwear choice may be one area we may actually agree.”
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has been a supporter of providing alternative transportation choices for Americans.
“In his article, Mr. Will proves that he is mired in a one-dimensional past, one that the city of Portland has successfully overcome” said Blumenauer. “He opposes policies that will provide Americans with more choices while saving them money, creating jobs and protecting the environment. In Portland we have been able to increase productivity, boost our economy, and invest in our city’s resources by taking a well-rounded approach to transportation. Secretary LaHood shares this comprehensive view on transportation options for our nation—its not about behavior modification its about giving Americans the freedom to choose more than just the highway or byway.”
“Rather than pontificate about practicality from a far, I challenge Mr. Will to come experience Portland, and then debate the facts, the future and the visions we offer,” continued Blumenauer. “I am proud to defend the Portland model so painstakingly developed and implemented over the last 1/3 of a century. Maybe he will understand why young well educated people move here without jobs and older, well established business and professional people won’t leave for jobs that pay more. We will be happy to buy his plane ticket and give him a bottle of Oregon pinot to die for.”
To follow Rep. Blumenauer on twitter, please visit http://twitter.com/repblumenauer.
Media Contact: Sahar Wali
202-225-4813 Office/202-834-6919 Cell
Sahar.wali (at) mail.house (dot) gov
