On homelessness and asylum seekers, the direness of these problems is as enormous as the inadequacy of Portland’s response. Head-scratching by a committee or two is hopeless.

Solutions, or at least heavy mitigation, is required. And that is the responsibility of government. Namely, the city government, which should research and/or invent things to try in its desperate quest for answers and feasible action.

Deliberate action is already behind the curve. Wake up and smell the desperation.

James Osborn
Portland