Pin For Change

Tuesday January 24th at the Doug Fir Lounge I attended my first political event in Portland.

Honestly I have been gun shy for a slew of reasons.

Sure I have participated in a few political discussions here and there, leading to arguments at random dive bars and greasy house parties. I was mostly the devils advocate. Extracting the emotions from the left and right wingers like my favorite party favors. Looking to ignite the conversations, not lead them. Mostly I would just ask questions, hoping to not feel so left out on the big ticket concepts being discussed in the news and all over the net.

I’ve voted. Was pushed into it after long and intense discussions with my grandfather about Fox News and what we both had been reading in the news papers about our country. I have always been informed. Just never thought it all truly mattered. Who would listen to me?

Any of us…

I did my fair share of petition signing for a laundry list of acts, bills and random movements. How could I not? Those people slinging clip boards like designer drugs, have a weird effect on me. Just trying to make a buck. They can’t be paid more than minimum wage right? Sad but true. I believe I over think these randoms of all shapes and sizes trying to make a point for a common good.

They are fucking everywhere. The max. In every nook and cranny of Portland State University. Even outside once safe heavens like Powell’s and my favorite grub spots. Ducking from them used to be normal, but I like to believe I can smell their cause coming from a block away. I used to get worried about people staring at me on public transportation, but I figured out quickly it was usually someone trying to explain their cause and get your John Hancock on their slip of paper. Always begging with an awkward stare and ending with a rather warm thank you.

In high school I was not active in student government. I remember sitting in a freshman health class with the teacher that was in charge of student government and her pointing at me, wondering why I was not involved.

“KC Swain, why are you not coming to the student body meetings?”

“I just don’t think I want to…I wouldn’t know what I was doing…”

“People listen to you Mr. Swain. Things will never change if people like you don’t speak up.”

“Um…”

Sure I was an athlete and a good grade type, but what the hell would I say to my fellow student body about the politics of our school? Nothing, because it was run by adults that laughed at the children wanting to change a system that had “worked” for decades. Our low test scores and student drop out rate must have not been factored in. I always had a lot to say. I just choose to keep leading by example. No clue if it worked.

Eileen Brady changed my mind.

Walking into the Doug Fir, under dressed in a T-shirt, cuffed jeans, and Danner boots made me feel out of place. I was dripping with anxiety. I thought,

“Damn you  natural deodorant…”

I was nervous because this was my first political event. I was caught up in the idea that I would be the youngest person in the room. “Thank god I was with my team,” I thought.  ”Where would I fit?”

There was a wild feeling in my heart that if I was alone and cornered, I would have nothing to say down in this crowded basement. As I looked around, I began to feel more at ease. Young urban types surrounded us, as well as mature, established folks. Welcoming they were. No intense conversations. Common ground. The old and wise had come to us young people. Dug themselves into our eclectic social scene and popular music venue. Diversity was on all of our sides.

The team and I stood front row. Whispering to each other with the buzz of the crowd at our backs.

Then she spoke.

Eileen spoke of the 2012 election for Portland’s next Mayor as being a chance of a lifetime for her and the city we all share. A time for drastic change. Where the young up and coming talent within the city limits would get the voice and power they need to make Portland a hub for change and a place to grow professionally and socially. Start up business owners and established companies would swim together in the sea of change. Be the fuel to the vehicle of the local economy and transcend us all into the future with hope. In a highly competitive world of business, technology and art, Portland and its community has the opportunity in the coming months to make a even bigger name for them selves.

Opportunity is here.

We just have to believe in what we already have and what we are capable of. Locals shouldn’t have to leave to find their passion and get paid for it. There can be jobs and places for the new age families to create their lives. There can be room for the diversity we Portlanders share like baseball cards. That is what makes us unique. So why not run with it and make it worth something?

Her speech touched me for more reasons then I have the words for right now. Ultimately giving fresh perspective for a city with a wild amount of potential.

That night in the Doug Fir changed me. It was the point that I decided to stand up and be heard for more then my writing. Be an adult and participate in the happenings that directly affect me and my fellow townspeople. I am part of a small business in Portland fighting for our lives as professional, creative people everyday. What Portland is doing, but more importantly what they are capable of, is much bigger than me. But the major concept for me is to start buying into the fact that I can play an active part in helping take this thing over the top. The movement for change needs us all. From the gutters to the skyscrapers… and back again.

Stay up,

K.C. James Swain