It is a fact, though not a popular one, that homeless people both exist and need to poop occasionally. It seems that those who build public restrooms think that if they make their facilities unpleasant enough to use — maybe even keeping them permanently locked — no one will have to use them.
Not only is this not true, it dehumanizes the human beings who have no other choice.
At the very least, I would hope the people of Eugene could find it in their hearts to provide the most basic of sanitation at such facilities. I mean, no soap? Not even an empty dispenser, but no washing of hands after defecating?
Is one or two discourteous (watch out for the ‘N’ word) junkies worth depriving everyone, even affluent people who visit parks, of the most basic of sanitation? And what do you think someone who used the restroom does next? Probably touches the door handle to get somewhere they can wash their hands. A door handle you might grab hold of.
I would ask those responsible to rethink the values and purpose for which these restrooms exist. And perhaps acknowledge that a few bad apples should not be allowed to subvert this purpose into what I can only call “poor-hating.” Hate solves no problems. Never seen it work once.
Russell Kerns
Brownsville
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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