Lawrence writes
'I have been surprised by all that rioting in Portland, hitherto imagining
it a peaceful place what with benign David Ritchie and all his chickens,
etc.'
I'm surprised Lawrence is surprised. Portland has been known as Little
Beirut ever since the
practice riots there during and after George H. W. Bush's visits in 1990
and 1991.
a very, very brief account
http://www.barrypopik.com/index.php/new_york_city/entry/litt
le_beirut_portland_nickname
—————————————
When President George H. W. Bush visited Portland in May 1990, 25 people
were arrested after a four-hour confrontation with police. When President
Bush visited Portland again in September 1991, 400 protesters showed up.
A Bush staffer (it’s not known who) called the city “little Beirut,” after
the violence-torn city of Beirut, Lebanon. “Little Beirut” has been cited
in print since at least September 1991 and “Beirut” since January 1992. The
nickname is still recalled; an August 2003 Associated Press story was
titled “‘Little Beirut’ nickname has stuck.When President George H. W. Bush
visited Portland in May 1990, 25 people were arrested after a four-hour
confrontation with police. When President Bush visited Portland again in
September 1991, 400 protesters showed up.
Robert Paul
