NRPLUS MEMBER ARTICLE A s a native of Portland, Ore., I often find myself defending my forlorn city against the derision of my fellow conservatives. Yes, the police force is often unwilling to enforce the most basic of our laws — but the food culture is just excellent. Sure, the mayor is an ineffectual toffee-nosed dweeb — but the Trail Blazers are going all the way next season. It’s true we have the worst homelessness problem in the nation — but have you visited the Rose Garden? (It’s beautiful this time of year.)

I love all of Oregon — from the towering mountain ranges to …