I’m writing in response to Arthur Waterbridge’s Sept. 26 letter (“Get Out Of Your Tree”): He states that he “cares deeply about the environment… and wants to work with you to protect Oregon and its amazing wildlife.” He asks climate activists to stop shaming and shouting at him, and cite at least one scientific study to back their claims so he can decide whether to support them.
I did a simple Google search using “peer reviewed climate change studies” and got about 71,700,000 results. Small wonder, then, that the protesters are not citing a single scientific study. How could they in the face of such overwhelming evidence?
The “brainwashed children” he refers to are not brainwashed. They are fluent in the uses of technology and have read many of these studies for themselves.
Reacting with anger toward protesters who are desperately and rightly defending their home and lives is not useful. If we are to take seriously Waterbridge’s claims of caring about the environment, then I recommend he inform himself.
I am 56 years old. If I can do a Google search, so can he. So can we all.
It is our duty as U.S. citizens and inhabitants of the Earth to educate ourselves about the danger we are in and take appropriate action. Be a responsible adult and do it.
Leigh Rieder
Creswell
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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