Today [Jan. 16] there were the “no-maskers,” an aggressive group of less than 20 young men and women shouting at people walking by Market of Choice. I was active in the protests of the ’60s in the Bay Area, and the wrong person to shout out a derogatory statement to. I was asked how long I would wear a diaper on my face. I said as long as I feel I might be protecting you from a deadly illness.
As I walked away this protester shouted out at me about my weight. Now what does that have to do with wearing or not wearing a mask? Nothing. It is a reflection of the self centeredness of these few individuals displaying a pathological need to be right by attempting to intimidate me. I am disabled with an illness that has caused me to gain a few extra pounds. I am also a senior citizen.
These protesters failed today, by cruelly bullying a disabled senior citizen and revealing a nature not about bringing positive change but about needing to be seen. Because I kindly disagreed with them, they attempted to pull me into their narcissistic fury. I hope these young men and women will learn decency and discover the joy of focusing their need to bring about change, by championing worthy causes that help those who are in need.
I could have really used someone to bring in my groceries today. None of them thought to offer. Why would they? They had already judged me as inferior.
Amie Williamson
Eugene
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519
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