#8 Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s Bow Tie

You don’t get more Portland than our patron saint, Congressman Earl Blumenauer. As our Federal representative for the eastside, Blumenauer has lead the environmental movement throughout Oregon. Public land rights, renewable energy and Global warming issues are on the forefront of Congressman Blumenauer’s political ticket. As long as he continues to be the voice of Portland in US Congress, E.B. will never lose his seat. Like Portland, E.B. is pretty darn awesome, but there is still something super sucky about him. The Bow Tie.

This ribbon of formal attire was introduced in the 17th Century. Originally adopted as a scarf, upper class Frenchmen would modify the configuration becoming our fave congressman’s clip-on regalia.* James Bond would increase the bow tie’s popularity in Western culture. As soon as clowns, male strippers and PeeWee Herman jumped on the neck garb band wagon, the bow tie would lose respect and relevance.

How Portland is that neck tie (or even more relevant, How does E.B.’s neck tie define Portland)? When you think about our city and the mass army of hipsters growing within it’s walls, E.B.’s choice in tacky throat covering sets him apart from other representatives. If he is to represent our dynamic city with his dynamite look, then I’m all for it. But generally, neck ties blow.

*We can now blame another thing on the French.

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