Stories with Tag Oregon

• Portland's Poisonous Past – Poison Idea Are Hardcore's Greatest of All Time 2013

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  Posted: 2025-02-25 13:00:51

  Verbose tl;dr

  The Portland Mercury article argues that Poison Idea, despite their volatile history and lack of mainstream recognition, are the greatest hardcore band of all time. The band's aggressive sound, confrontational lyrics reflecting their bleak Portland surroundings, and relentless touring cemented their influence on countless bands. Frontman Jerry A.'s outsized personality and struggles with addiction, while contributing to the band's instability, also added to their legend. The piece positions Poison Idea not just as a vital part of Portland's music scene, but as a crucial act in hardcore's evolution, inspiring generations with their raw power and uncompromising vision.

  In a 2013 article for the Portland Mercury titled "Portland's Poisonous Past – Poison Idea Are Hardcore's Greatest of All Time," author Ned Lannamann meticulously constructs an argument for Poison Idea's enduring legacy and unparalleled influence within the hardcore punk genre. Lannamann's central thesis posits that the Portland-based band, despite operating largely outside the mainstream, deserves recognition as the most significant act in hardcore history. He meticulously deconstructs the band's impact, exploring their aggressive musical style, confrontational lyrical content, and uncompromising DIY ethos.

  Lannamann delves deeply into the band's history, beginning with their formation in 1980 and tracing their evolution through various lineups and releases. He emphasizes the volatile brilliance of the late Jerry A., the band's iconic frontman, whose raw energy and unflinchingly honest lyrics served as the driving force behind Poison Idea's powerful message. Lannamann underscores the band's distinct sound, characterized by a ferocious blend of punk rock velocity, heavy metal riffs, and a raw, untamed intensity that set them apart from their contemporaries. He argues that this sonic ferocity, coupled with Jerry A.'s deeply personal and often politically charged lyrics, contributed to the band's enduring appeal.

  The article highlights the crucial role of the band's unwavering commitment to the DIY ethic, which manifested in self-releasing records, organizing their own tours, and fostering a strong connection with their fanbase. Lannamann argues that this independent spirit, combined with their uncompromising artistic vision, cemented Poison Idea's status as authentic and influential figures in the underground music scene. He meticulously catalogs their extensive discography, highlighting key albums like Kings of Punk, Feel the Darkness, and Pick Your King, and meticulously dissects their lyrical themes, which range from personal struggles with addiction and mental health to broader societal critiques.

  Lannamann's analysis goes beyond simply praising the band's musical output. He delves into the socio-political context of the time, exploring how Poison Idea's music resonated with marginalized communities and provided a voice for the disenfranchised. He suggests that their raw honesty and unflinching portrayal of social realities made them a truly important force in hardcore punk, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. Ultimately, Lannamann's comprehensive exploration of Poison Idea's history, musical style, and enduring impact serves to solidify his argument that they are, indeed, the greatest hardcore band of all time, a claim he supports with detailed evidence and passionate conviction.

  • Portland
  • Music
  • Hardcore
  • Punk
  • Poison Idea
  • Band
  • History
  • Oregon
  • 1980s
  • 1990s
  • Music Scene
  • Review
  • Profile

  Summary of Comments ( 0 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43171305

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters discuss Portland's hardcore punk scene and Poison Idea's influence. Some debate the band's status as the "greatest of all time," with some suggesting other influential bands like Black Flag and Minor Threat. Others reminisce about seeing Poison Idea live, recalling their intense performances and Jerry A.'s powerful stage presence. Several commenters also touch upon the darker aspects of the band and the Portland scene, including drug use and violence, while acknowledging the band's significant contribution to hardcore punk. A few share personal anecdotes about encounters with band members and reflect on the evolution of the hardcore scene.

  The Hacker News post linking the Portland Mercury article "Portland's Poisonous Past" has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focused on the band Poison Idea's influence, sound, and legacy. No one disputes the band's importance in the hardcore scene.

  Several commenters reminisce about seeing Poison Idea perform live, emphasizing the intensity and chaotic energy of their shows. One commenter recalls seeing them open for Pantera and describes the experience as one of the best live shows they ever witnessed. Another details a particularly wild show involving pyrotechnics and general mayhem. These anecdotes highlight the band's reputation for powerful, often unruly performances.

  There's discussion about Jerry A.'s (the band's frontman) weight and its impact on his health and stage presence, with some lamenting the decline in his physical condition over the years but acknowledging his enduring passion. The tragic nature of his later years is touched upon, with commenters expressing sadness at his eventual passing.

  The musical aspects of Poison Idea are also discussed. Commenters praise the band's distinctive sound, describing it as a blend of hardcore punk, metal, and a "proto-sludge/grunge" element. Their "Kings of Punk" album is singled out for particular praise, with some calling it their best work. Others mention the band's evolution over time and appreciate their later material as well.

  Some commenters delve into the Portland punk scene in general, noting the city's unique contribution to the genre and placing Poison Idea within that context. One commenter even mentions other Portland bands of the era, broadening the discussion beyond just Poison Idea.

  While the overall volume of comments isn't extensive, they provide a mix of personal experiences, musical analysis, and historical context surrounding Poison Idea, painting a picture of a band that deeply impacted the hardcore punk scene and left a lasting impression on its fans.

• DA, sheriff, who shared woman's nude photos on phone are covered by QI

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  Posted: 2025-02-14 15:16:56

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  An Oregon woman discovered her private nude photos had been widely shared in her small town, tracing the source back to the local district attorney, Marco Bocci, and a sheriff's deputy. The photos were taken from her phone while it was in police custody as evidence. Despite the woman's distress and the clear breach of privacy, both Bocci and the deputy are shielded from liability by qualified immunity (QI), preventing her from pursuing legal action against them. The woman, who had reported a stalking incident, now feels further victimized by law enforcement. An independent investigation confirmed the photo sharing but resulted in no disciplinary action.

  In a deeply unsettling incident unfolding in Polk County, Oregon, a woman's private nude photographs were disseminated without her consent, becoming the subject of local gossip and speculation. The subsequent investigation revealed a tangled web of inappropriate conduct involving individuals entrusted with upholding the law. The source of the leak was traced back to the District Attorney, Aaron Felton, and the Polk County Sheriff, Mark Garton. These officials, it appears, obtained the images from the woman's impounded cellphone, which had been seized as evidence in a separate criminal case against her. Disturbingly, instead of treating the sensitive material with the discretion and professionalism their positions demand, Felton and Garton are alleged to have shared the photographs with others, leading to their widespread circulation within the community.

  The Oregon Department of Justice, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the potential violation of public trust, launched an investigation into the matter. Their findings, however, offer a measure of legal protection to the accused officials. Due to the specific circumstances under which the photographs were obtained – namely, during the execution of a legally authorized search and seizure – Felton and Garton are shielded from criminal prosecution by qualified immunity, a legal doctrine that shields government officials from liability in civil lawsuits unless their conduct violates clearly established statutory or constitutional rights, and there is no question about their conduct violating a clearly established law. While the DOJ's investigation confirmed the sharing of the intimate images, it concluded that this act did not constitute a clear violation of established law, thereby triggering the qualified immunity protection.

  This conclusion leaves the woman, whose privacy was so egregiously violated, without a clear legal recourse against the officials who allegedly perpetuated the dissemination of her personal photos. The case highlights the complex interplay between privacy rights, law enforcement procedures, and the scope of qualified immunity, raising questions about the adequacy of existing legal frameworks to address such breaches of trust, particularly when perpetrated by those sworn to uphold the law. The fact that the photos were obtained legally during a seizure does not excuse the subsequent misuse and sharing of highly personal and sensitive material, raising ethical concerns alongside the legal ones. The situation underscores the potential for abuse of power even within the confines of legally obtained evidence and further highlights the vulnerability of individuals whose personal information comes into the possession of law enforcement.

  • Oregon
  • crime
  • District Attorney
  • Sheriff
  • Nude Photos
  • Privacy Violation
  • Cell Phone
  • Data Privacy
  • Misconduct
  • law enforcement
  • accountability
  • Qualified Immunity

  Summary of Comments ( 77 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43049174

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters largely discuss qualified immunity (QI), expressing frustration with the legal doctrine that shields government officials from liability. Some argue that QI protects bad actors and prevents accountability for misconduct, particularly in cases like this where the alleged actions seem clearly inappropriate. A few commenters question the factual accuracy of the article or suggest alternative explanations for how the photos were disseminated, but the dominant sentiment is critical of QI and its potential to obstruct justice in this specific instance and more broadly. Several also highlight the power imbalance between citizens and law enforcement, noting the difficulty individuals face when challenging authority.

  The Hacker News post, titled "DA, sheriff, who shared woman's nude photos on phone are covered by QI," linking to an article about an Oregon woman whose nude photos were shared by law enforcement, has generated a moderate amount of discussion. Several commenters focus on the legal concept of qualified immunity (QI) mentioned in the title.

  Some express frustration and disbelief that qualified immunity protects the officials involved. They argue that such protection shields government officials from accountability for clearly inappropriate and potentially illegal actions. One commenter highlights the perceived absurdity of the situation, noting that the officials' behavior seems like a blatant violation of privacy and trust, yet they are shielded by QI.

  The discussion also delves into the specifics of the case and how qualified immunity applies. Commenters dissect the legal arguments, explaining the criteria for qualified immunity and debating whether the officials' actions meet those criteria. Some question whether a "clearly established right" was violated, a key component of overcoming qualified immunity. There's a back-and-forth about the nuances of legal precedent and how it applies to this specific scenario.

  Another thread of conversation centers on the implications of this case for digital privacy and the handling of personal data by law enforcement. Commenters express concern about the potential for abuse and the lack of adequate safeguards to protect individuals' sensitive information.

  Finally, some commenters offer practical advice, suggesting potential legal avenues for the woman involved, such as pursuing a civil suit against the county. They also discuss the political dimensions of qualified immunity, with some advocating for reform or abolition of the doctrine.

  Overall, the comments reflect a mix of outrage, legal analysis, and practical considerations. While some commenters delve into the complexities of qualified immunity, others express a more general sense of injustice and concern about the implications for privacy and accountability.