What’s up with all the people celebrating their group’s pride? Not only is the LGBTQIA+ community gearing up for even more pride in August, but Eugene pagans are sanctifying their pride on Aug. 4 in Alton Baker Park.
It appears that every subdivision of humanity receives support to honor their group’s pride, except for one.
George Carlin (a deceased, religious white guy) describes pride vs. happiness: “I could never understand ethnic or national pride, ’cause to me, pride should be reserved for something you achieve or attain on your own, not something that happens by accident of birth.”
Being Irish isn’t a skill. It’s a fucking genetic accident. You wouldn’t say I’m proud to be 5’11”. I’m proud to have a predisposition for colon cancer.
So why the fuck would you be proud to be Irish? Or proud to be Italian or American or anything?
But hey, if you’re happy with it, that’s fine. Do that. Put that on your car: “Happy to be an American.” Be happy; don’t be proud. Too much pride as it is.
“Pride goeth before a fall.” Never forget Proverbs, OK?
Robert Simms, 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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