Pubdate: Tue, 24 Dec 2002 Source: Oregonian, The (Portland, OR) Copyright: 2002 The Oregonian Contact: http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324 Author: Peaches Haney LOOKING GIFT HORSE IN MOUTH On at least two occasions Friday afternoon, Dec. 13, KOIN (6) aired a promotional spot that asked, "Should Portland Public Schools accept money from 'Blazer Bad Boy'?" How is it that Portland residents can tolerate this kind of sensational media? First, when all of the police officers, lawyers, judges, doctors and others who indulge acknowledge their marijuana use, Damon Stoudamire's recent encounters will be non-issues. Secondly, Stoudamire is not a "boy." He is a successful young man who has donated a quarter of a million dollars to the school district's floundering budget. If a couple of other professional people with substantial incomes would do the same, spring sports would be funded. Contrary to the image self-appointed business leaders attempt to portray, there is absolutely nothing cosmopolitan about the racism permeating this town. Peaches Haney Northeast Portland - --- MAP posted-by: Alex