July 04, 2004
Seven Years Ago Today
Click To Enlarge
This, in truth, is something of a rerun of the item we posted last year on this day.
That screenshot is of an archived Oregonian article on a series of readings I organized on July 4, 1997, a mere three months after I moved here, which took place at the late, lamented Millennium Cafe (which I then went on to own from November 1997 to November 1999).
Among other things, we of course read the full text of the Declaration of Independence. The next day, the front page of thhe Metro section had two stories on July 4 festivities -- one on side above the fold was a tour through parties, picnics, and fireworks, and on the other side above the fold was the above report on our little event.
Comments (1)
JJ on 06 Jul 2004
ya know, I look back at that space, and remember not the walls, the door, the addition, and the sinks. I remember the people. Good, bad, evil, lovely, and every incarnation in between.
It wasn't the space that stood out so much as the people who's minds occupied the space.
I daresay that when Millenium was the Habit, the most lively of political discussions took place. No one got to hide behind a newspaper, and even with the internet, no one was allowed to just sulk or sink into a computer. They were drawn out, encouraged to meet others, and encouraged to express themselves.
I am immensely glad that the tradition continued and was used to foster the sort of political discourse that this nation needs.
You were far ahead of your time.
Thanks for the glimpse back, B!x.
JJ