Nike and the Big O

"What's good for Nike is good for Oregon."

Charles E. "Engine Charlie" Wilson photo: thedetroitbureau.com

(PORTLAND, OR) - From today’s letters to the Big O http://blog.oregonlive.com/myoregon/2013/04/letters_land_restoration_levy.html

Portland's Nike subsidy

When General Motors boss Charles E. "Engine Charlie" Wilson appeared in 1953 for his nomination hearings to head the Pentagon, a senator asked him if as secretary of defense he could make a decision adverse to the interests of General Motors. Wilson qualified his answer by declaring he could not conceive of such a situation "because for years I thought what was good for our country was good for General Motors and vice versa." Although not a direct quote, his statement has become widely known as "What's good for General Motors is good for the country."

In view of the editorial "The right pitch for Nike" (April 15), which celebrates a Portland taxpayer subsidy offer to Nike, is it fair to ask the editorial board: Could you publish an editorial adverse to the interests of Nike? The record says "No," and suggests a proud and appropriate motto for your masthead: "What's good for Nike is good for Oregon."

MICHAEL MUNK
Southwest Portland  Visit my website michaelmunk.com

Portland Tribune photo by L.E. Baskow

Order from Powell's

Michael Munk tries to glean important but overlooked items from the world media on the issues of the day and posts them on an irregular schedule. Although items can overlap, he also maintains separate lists for activists in Portland, Oregon and the Northwest, and special lists for: Labor, Latin America, Israel, Torture Taxis, Korea, and the Czech Republic.

Michael is a highly praised writer from an important generation whose book, the Portland Red Guide, has received high praise.

"City Commissioner Nick Fish gave me a copy. Sat down on my sofa and couldn't put it down until I finished. Fascinating!"
-- Tom Potter, Mayor of Portland 2005-2009

"Whoop! Whoop! I'm impressed by how many names from Portland's past have not made it into our official histories and public memorials. Some were good friends of mine. Local history is too often overlooked. Good work, Mike."
-- Bud Clark, Saloon keeper, Goose Hollow Inn, and Mayor of Portland, 1985–1992

Visit the new photo gallery on Michael's website: www.michaelmunk.com