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GET ACTIVE An open letter to all liberals, progressives, radicals and positive social change activists of Eugene: Now is the time to get active in our city government. Now is the time to make change. The fact that we have a potentially great mayor and progressive city council is NOT reason to relax and become complacent; it is time to fight for your vision of what Eugene could be and should be. Here in Eugene we no longer need to be on the defensive; we can push forward, be proactive. Let's learn one from the Republicans — when you are in power is the time to make change. It is the time to demand what we want, not ask for what we think we might be able to get. Want an independent police review board? How about park land acquisition and some new bike lanes? New school programs or alternative education sources? Health care for the homeless and the poor? Stop sprawl by reforming the Planning Commission? Stop pollution? Save downtown? Hire a new city manager or police chief? Now is the time to get it all. Now is the time to fight for what we want! Get active! And then we need to get some good people on the next County Commission! Jim Flynn, Eugene
SIDEWAYS BUSH The list of film titles vying for the Best Picture Academy Award could easily have been not only Oscar nominees but also a commentary on President Bush's first term in office. To wit: Finding Neverland — a fantasy story about WMD's in Iraq, smoking guns, and mushroom clouds told and retold by the White House troupe of storytellers Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Rice. The Aviator — a tragicomedy, subtitled "Mission Accomplished," featuring a faux-flyboy on an aircraft carrier whose memorable line in the film is, "Bring 'em on!" Million Dollar Baby — Bush's Operation Iraqi Liberation (OIL) war that goes way over budget and needs to be renamed the Trillion Billion Million Dollar Baby. Ray — blinded by ideology, arrogance, and power, the president marches his troops into Neverland without a "ray" of hope for bringing them home for years and years to come. Sideways — where truth, civil liberties, and the Geneva Conventions have gone under the Bush administration. Unfortunately for us and the rest of the world, the bad political movie playing in the West Wing and East Wing of the White House will continue to run for another four years, long after the Academy Awards ceremony on Feb. 27 for the five films nominated for "Best Picture." Wake me when it's over. Karen D. Myers, Eugene
CHEMICAL TSUNAMI For the last 50 years, a veritable tsunami of synthetic chemicals has flooded over us and the global environment. Toxics are found in our blood, body tissue, breast milk. At least 500 chemicals have been found in human blood and body tissue so far. Many of these chemicals accumulate in our fat cells and then pass through a number of our organs when we use the energy stored in those cells. Meanwhile, chronic diseases and conditions affect more than100 million Americans — more than a third of the population. Cancer, asthma, Alzheimer's, autism, birth defects, developmental disabilities, diabetes, endometriosis, infertility, MS and Parkinson's are becoming increasingly common. In the 1940s, the lifetime risk of breast cancer was one in 22. Today's risk is one in eight and rising. It is claimed that Eugene's Toxics Right To Know law is duplicative of other regulations. If so, then complying with it can't possibly be the kind of burden that some businesses claim it is. To the extent that it's not duplicative, it is essential if we have any respect for the ultimate property right, the sanctity of our bodies. Keeping our bodies inviolable, especially for health and reproduction, should be among our most basic assumptions and values. Yet human and environmental health are being violated daily by the trespass of tens of thousands of chemical substances. If we have any rights at all, we have a right to know what those chemicals are, and who is using them, in what quantities, for what purposes. Only thus do we have any hope of ultimately assessing where the chemicals in our bodies come from, and whether we will permit such chemical trespass to continue without the recompense required of other forms of trespass. Right now, some people are profiting from the use of toxic chemicals. And the rest of us are paying the price, in more than money. Robert Roth, Eugene
NOT IN VAIN Whew, I'm relieved. I was afraid that no one had read my 12/30 letter giving Democrats advice about how to regain the White House. Well the responses from Steve Johnson, Gibral Gillard and Bill Durst solved that. Too bad all three are so angry that they can't think straight. Of course Republicans care about the brave American soldiers and Iraqis who have died in that conflict. We all should. But we should also know that those deaths have not been in vain. Is the freedom of 25 million people worth nothing? Is creating a democracy in the middle of the troubled Middle East worth nothing? Did you not see the young Iraqi woman hugging the U.S. soldier's mother at the State of the Union address? Did you not see the photographs of the Iraqis defying the terrorists and voting? Those pictures said it all. Oh, and you are still whining about the election and the exit polls. Hello! Did you not read the news about the research done by the polling companies? They concluded that their polling was flawed and that the election results were accurate. And why no outrage about the Democrats who slashed the tires of vans that were to be used to transport Republican voters in Wisconsin? Oops, I forgot. Wisconsin went for Kerry. Your hatred of our president does nothing but cloud your own judgment. You've been sulking for four years. Get over it. Our country is strong and the wisdom of the voters should not be so readily dismissed just because you don't like the election results. Remember, a mind is like a parachute. It only functions when open. Randy Kolb, Eugene
STRIP AWAY The recent debate over the appropriateness of having strippers at a bachelor party is getting silly. People need to lighten up. A bachelor party stripper should not be a prerequisite for male bonding, but neither should it be an issue of fidelity or commitment. If it is, then the relationship in question is likely in serious trouble for bigger, more important reasons, such as insecurity and/or compatibility. Guys, if your partner is the type of person who would be truly bothered by you seeing a stripper, but you're the type of guy who sees it as a last chance at freedom, then you might not be compatible. If your partner is more than bothered, perhaps even feels threatened, then you ought to seriously ask why she feels so insecure in your relationship. What really gets me is Alby Thoumsin (2/3) calling it immature, as if the activity of watching a stripper were actually taken seriously by the participants. Of course it's immature — it's a form of adolescent fun, like women reading romance novels or watching Lifetime network movies. When my time comes, I hope to marry someone who encourages me to have fun — and I will wholeheartedly support a male stripper at her bachelorette party, too. Brian Stutzman, Eugene
NATIVE SPECIES In response to Pamela's letter (2/4) about the return of the gray wolf to Oregon, I would like to point out a few facts about gray wolves. First, Defenders of Wildlife has put together a compensation plan for any ranchers who suffer any livestock losses due to wolf depredation. Second, in Montana, where there has been a successful reintroduction program, 10 cattle and three sheep were killed by wolves in 2003. In comparison, 3,400 sheep were killed by domestic dogs during a recent year. Third, wolves are not being released into Oregon, they're returning from successful reintroduction programs in Idaho. On another note, the balance of the eco-system benefits everybody, even ranchers. Oregon and many other parts of North America have a lot of healing to do from past mistakes. Having the wolf return is a big step in that healing process. The Native indigenous people of Oregon didn't view the wolf as a problematic animal; they viewed the wolf as equal, valuing all that could be learned from this magnificent being. I really don't see any reason why it should be different for us right now. They gray wolf is a native species to Oregon, whereas European cattle are not. One of my biggest wishes is that someday maybe we will be able to live in a world where it isn't "us" against "them." That is how I felt at the last wolf hearing I attended. There is compromise to be found, and the only side seeking it is "us." Amy Sonntag, Veneta
SLUG REPORT If anybody has been on slug patrol, I must admit, I have been underground — the Baja, that is. Bringing in the New Year celebrating with the dowager herself, my mom's big 8-0 in Mexico. After returning to our lovely community, I caught up, or should I say down, with a gnarly bug that certainly justified my being truly deserving of the title "Queen of Slime." But, as they say, "The show must go on." Why, it was such a pleasure to perform with Prince and Princess Peace at "Dance for a Reason." We got many accolades at the two-night sold-out event, which is most gratifying. I can only wonder how much better the act might have been if I hadn't been under the weather. Oh, fiddle-de-dee! If you missed it, well, you missed some downright up-lifting talent benefiting the Young Writers Association. Now with all my rested senses back, I am ready to share my new vision. Yes, the slime shall rise again! Ya'll want to have fun? I am throwing a Queen's Ball April 9 to help benefit FOOD for Lane County. Look to EW for more details. And remember, between the pain and the ecstasy, you know you are alive. Oh yes, I just adore the slimy cover of the Weekly's Love issue (2/10). It's simply subslime. Queen Scarlett O' Slimera,, Eugene
SOLAR JUICE Congratulations to the UO on the completion of their solar electric system (News Briefs, 1/27). The students and faculty involved in the project have much to be proud of. The student body could have elected to take all of the money and throw a block party. Instead they choose to create something of enduring value that will benefit the community for decades to come. The picture that was used in the article was the wrong one. I sent a picture of my students at LCC installing a solar electric array on the Science Building, along with the UO solar pictures. Most of the people who worked on the UO solar project have graduated from LCC's Renewable Energy Program. The solar equipment that we use at LCC is in an area set up as a classroom, and it is not tied into the building's electrical system. The solar electric system at the UO Student Recreation Center was designed and built by our company, Energy Design Co, in collaboration with Solar Assist, and LR Brabham Electrical Contractor. This system provides electricity for the building. We would like to thank all of those that worked so hard to get the project off the ground. It was a pleasure to see the dedication of those that donated their time and effort to turn the UO into a green campus. Vincent McClellan, President, Energy Design Co.
EYE FOR TYPOS In defense of Alan Pittman ("Word Abuse," 2/10), I would like to point out the obvious; EW apparently does not employ a proofreader. There is rarely an issue in which I don't detect a glaring typo. Often, there are several. It makes me wonder if the editor is too busy editing for content to pay attention to grammar and spelling. If that is the case, then there ought to be a proofreader on staff. Yet, in the seven years I've been reading the Weekly, not once have I seen them recruit for such a position. Having earned a degree in English (in addition to possessing an overly sensitive eye for typos), I'd like to apply for the job. All I ask in return is a morning bagel and strong cup of coffee. Sabrina McNamara, Eugene EDITOR'S NOTE: We haven't had a proofreader on staff since the last century, choosing instead to blow that budget item on beer. Well, not really. We traded our excellent proofer for a seasoned journalist. We poof each other now and catch 99 percent of the errors. But in cranking out 12,000 words a week, we occasionally stumble — might even be a typo in this paragraph. Also, thanks for the free proofing offer but state labor laws tell us we can only exploit interns.
REIGNING COPS What is Ken Warren complaining about (letters, 2/7)? He disapproves of Alan Pittman's choice of words: "One does not 'reign' in abusive cops; one does not 'rein' over a divisive council." I hate to reign on Warren's parade (Crown me. I'll take the rains on the ceremonial carriage, but it's been so dry!). However, why can't one "reign" in (or at least over) abusive cops? Some benevolent dictator should do so. Why can't one "rein" over a City Council (turning them left, I hope, with a deft flick of the leather)? After all, the words are being used figuratively whichever spelling is chosen. I'm glad that Pittman eschews trite metaphors and attempts original ones (however unintentionally)! Best of all, if anyone quotes Pittman's column to a group of hung-over conventioneers who have just unanimously approved some measure, it will be a cite for sore "ayes." Bruce Schennum, Eugene
END THE MONOPOLY To say that school choice is affecting 4J schools negatively, and that minorities have less opportunity to utilize these choices, is absurd. It's a distraction from the real problems in 4J schools. Perhaps it is that parents are seeking alternatives to our failing public schools and some parents just don't, or can't, prioritize it. My son started his schooling at Adams Elementary, the school you pointed out as having the highest turnover and weakest in-neighborhood population (cover story, 1/27). After kindergarten and one term of first grade, we pulled him out. He went to three different 4J schools before we made the decision to home-school. There are more than just funding and diversity problems within 4J: incompetent, unsupportive administration, burned-out teachers, large class sizes, special education and medications as a form of income, inappropriate discipline. Nancy Willard may want to take a harder look at why Adams is not as successful as other schools. The biggest problem with Oregon schools is the management of funds, but it will never be admitted. In a 2002 Secretary of State audit compiled by Citizens for Oregon's Future, Oregon's school districts received $7,242 per student in the 2002-2003 school year; 80 percent of which was spent on personnel. That's $181,050 for one 25-student classroom per year! When I see these dollar figures, I question how it is possible that teachers aren't making enough money, programs are continually cut and availability of educational tools and supplies is limited. A recent article by John C. Lundt, Learning for a New Paradigm for Education, states, "What education needs is an end to the public-school monopoly on funding," and until then, there can be no reform. Pamela Simons, Eugene
DIFFERENT MINDS To all of the kids who feel confused, hurt, angry, misunderstood, punished, and disgraced, I want to let you know that there are adults who care about you. I support the kids who are made to feel inferior and incompetent and are always under attack. I respect the kids with stinging smoke in their eyes from the fiery stigma of mental health and disability discrimination still alive in our schools. I respect "troubled," "disturbed" or "oppositional" children. Cheers to the kids under constant scrutiny, while many, "highly qualified" teachers and administrators view children with ADD, learning disabilities or mental illness as unstable "burdens." I respect the kids who face school each day all alone. It's hard to focus, stay awake, or feel optimistic when home is hard and school is only harder. Sometimes it's tough to function when you're different and intelligent, invisible and silenced. I respect the child next door, in another town, or the one sitting right next to you. I want to assure these kids, Life is worth living! Respect yourself! Empower each other! I was you, and I'm still fighting for my education rights. Just remember this truth: You will succeed. Never give up and always be you. I respect the kids with different minds. You are the reason I continue. To those who lie, mislead, judge, and harm people's lives, we will only become stronger. A great educator once wrote, "I never let schooling get in the way of my education." Mark his words. Jon Young, Veneta
NOT SO PARANOID Kalin Hlavinka's (1/27) "Profit Motive" letter may seem a bit paranoid at first glance, but with recent revelations that major drug companies, with the acquiescence of the FDA, knowingly committed mass murder by heavily marketing "prescription" drugs secret studies showed to be highly dangerous, it is clear that corporate greed is quite into committing atrocities on a grand scale for fun and profit. The same fun/profit disease is behind the Bushies' mass murder of tens of thousands of Iraqis and thousands of Americans in their Iraq atrocity, not to mention their diseased addiction to human torture. These diseased and morally challenged creeps need to be removed from power ASAP and prosecuted for war crimes and health crimes. Bob Saxton, Eugene
MISSED MESSAGE Over the last several years Lois Wadsworth has become my great (anti) herald of new and important works of film. "This one is a DUD," Wadsworth commenting on The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. I knew right away that this film must be great! And it was! Masterfully executed and acted, beautiful cinematography, art direction, animation, and locations, it was a very new and interesting flavor of comedy/action/drama. Life Aquatic is a very funny, soft-hearted, sharp minded portrayal of a man's journey to honesty, sensitivity, to maturity, to self-embodiment, to fatherhood — through an absurd existence. There are layers of sub-text going on as well, which will become clearer on second viewing. Wes Anderson is giving us a new way of looking and seeing/feeling ourselves with humor, a bit of detachment, yet psychologically aware and loving, and noticing that we are often caricatures of ourselves. And so it continues, this pattern with Lois's reviews as it has been times before with such works as The Russian Arch (one of the greatest masterpieces of film ever made and to come to Eugene! A cultural critisim about art and enlightenment), Bob Dylan's Masked and Anonymous (another profound multi-leveled and highly allegorical film), and David Lynch's Straight Story (which she thought was a "straight story"), to name a few of the best. With all concern and compassion, I must say that Lois Wadsworth's reviews are a great cultural disservice to our community and are as obscene as those pornographic ads that run towards the back of the Weekly. Just as those images repeatedly imprinting on our minds and our children's minds are damaging in their playing a role in the conditioning of a limited, superficial, immature, patriarchal, objectifying, and a cold misunderstanding of sexuality, Wadsworth's reviews promote a similar practice of misunderstanding in the arena of art. Sabrina Siegel, Eugene
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