Murder in the 'Couve

This is the time of year when a lot of people do their income taxes and realize, "I've got to get the heck out of Oregon." Portlanders who emerge from their winter cabins only to see crime, drug addiction, garbage, and graffiti wherever they go feel that same push, even if they don't notice how bad their taxes are.

If they're unwilling to go far, Vancouver, Washington seems like it might be a nice alternative. A suburban scene, laid out for cars, way fewer obnoxious planning types to deal with. But I don't know. The wisdom has always been that if you move to the 'Couve, you have to live in the 'Couve. May the mover beware.

This past weekend's news hasn't exactly been an advertisement for peace and happiness up there. Four people were shot, one fatally, after a beef that erupted at the Safeway late Saturday night. One or more shooters followed the victims' car as it sped to the hospital, and shot it up some more. The hospital was fully locked down for a while.

That terrifying incident followed a deadly fight over some personal belongings at an apartment complex a couple of miles from there on Friday. One man was beaten to death.

Lately I've noticed more than a few rough customers driving around Portland late at night in cars with Washington plates. And so maybe the 'Couve is not the answer on crime. Although it sure is looking good on taxes.