January 29, 2003
Phony Scare Tactics
Here are just a couple of immediate ramifications of the failure of Measure 28. If you're a Libertarian here in Oregon, you don't actually believe that these things have occurred.
Here in Multnomah County, 31 inmates deemed "unfit for release" were, in fact, released from jail:
Law enforcement officials prematurely released the first batch of inmates from Multnomah County Jail Wednesday morning and will release several dozen more by 5 p.m., authorities said. Deputies said they will release at least 114 criminals by Friday morning.
Approximately 30 chronic--offender inmates walked out of the Justice Center one by one and dispersed into the rain-splattered streets of downtown Portland. Some said they hoped to start a new life. All who spoke with the media said they're happy to have been released early.
And the Portland Public Schools announced their plan for a shorter school year:
The Portland School District plans to end its school year in early May, in part because voters have turned thumbs down on the Measure 28 income tax hike.
In fact, dozens of other Oregon school districts are considering shortening their school years. In other places, teacher layoffs, larger class sizes and program cuts also are looming.
But don't worry. These are obviously just media-hyped scare tactics and don't reflect reality.