I believe in Sam Adams

On Wednesday afternoon, and much to my surprise, JUST OUT, called for Mayor Sam Adams to resign. I thought it strange and out of proportion for them to follow in the shadow of fallacy being cast by the Oregonian by demanding Sam to resign. Though I must say, it has generated a storm response on the facebook/blogosphere/comment section, and I always like seeing a community in dialogue, even if it is merely messages being thrown back and forth. Here is my response which I posted in the comment section:

As a sometimes freelance writer for this publication, I am surprised at Just Out’s speed and choice with which to denigrate Mayor Sam Adams in this current heated dilemma. Outside of political endorsements and choosing individuals as “person-of-the-year” what other announcements does the editorial board at Just Out make? Just Out publishes a plethora of columns that are the expressions of individual writers: Marty Davis writes her page 3 commentary every week, and both Jim Radosta and Stephen Marc Beaudoin have regular columns. Yet, withholding previously mentioned endorsements and awards, when has the editorial board come together to publish an opinion in its 25 years of journalistic reporting? That a newspaper like the Oregonian publishes editorials on a daily basis is a healthy, vital, and needed part of journalistic expression. The timing for Just Out to make this political statement at this moment feels lop-sided, and appears like a child wanting to play in the big league.

As far as I know, Sam Adams has broken no crime. There was a sexual relationship between two consensual adults. I will admit I am let down and disappointed in being lied to, and wonder how Sam can be trusted, but am willing to let Sam's experience and commitment to leadership and change continue guiding our city. That he lied to the public during a campaign puts him to the moral scrutiny of every citizen of Portland. What type of person would want to withstand and live under such intense scrutiny? Only a person dedicated to service and leadership. Until evidence comes out otherwise (and apparently the Attorney General is planning an investigation), I am in full support of Mayor Sam Adams.