Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans five years ago this week. Katrina's impact went beyond the loss of life and property to reveal deeply rooted attitudes about race many Americans thought had withered away. Jo Ann and Dave talked about the various aspects of Katrina's impacts, including the permanent displacement of over 100,000 residents, the reshaping of the city and the federal indictments against the New Orleans police.
The conversation doesn't end when the program does. You can join in additional discussion of the week's issue on our blog at kboo.fm/voicesfromtheedge (click on the "blog" tab). You'll find additional information, important links, comments from other listeners and commentary from Jo Ann and Dave. Have a question for our guests, but can't call in during the program? Post your questions on line so we can make them a part of the Voices discussion.
This week Mayor Adams and other officials announced support for an "iconic" ten-lane bridge across the Columbia River.
What does the community really need?
Dave and JoAnne talked with members of the Third Bridge Now project about an alternative, they say relieves traffic congestion while preserving neighborhood livability and safety.
This week on Voices from the Edge, Jo Ann and Dave looked at the good and bad news of the week. Topics discussed included: federal funds being made available to Oregon to address budget shortfalls and whether those dollars will reach the people who really are in need; the impact of the new president of the Portland Police Association; shortcomings and risks with new assistance being offered to homeowners facing foreclosure; and missed economic development opportunities in emerging technologies.
Linda Olson-Osterlund conducts a discussion with listeners on the use of "pretext" stops and racial profiling by local police. Pretext stops occur when police become suspicious about a car or its occupants, and then use a minor traffic infraction as an excuse to initiate a stop. This controversial law enforcement technique led to the fatal shooting of James Jahar Perez, an unarmed black motorist, killed by a Portland policeman in 2004.
Tanya Brannan, founder of the Purple Berets, describes how and why police responses to domestic violence are often useless or worse than useless. She talks with the Old Mole's Bill Resnick.
