Mr. Nolan Nelson (no relation) appears to have a theory (Letters, 5/28) that “the state” does not have its citizens’ health in mind when it sets out one-size-fits-most rules based on science in the face of an emergency. It’s not clear what he thinks the real motive is, but perhaps he is sympathetic with those who hope the virus will wait while they sort out their resentments. As a microbiologist who spent most of her career in public health, I never met a microbe that cooperated that readily.
I do remember the hepatitis A outbreaks plaguing Oregon before a vaccine was available. “The state” had to enforce rules of sanitation that inconvenienced everyone, because it only took one clueless or dismissive food handler to send hundreds of men, women and children to clinics for gamma globulin shots. Sorry, but it is a fact that when people use bad judgment as self-styled epidemiologists, they put everyone around them at risk.
Anyone can hold up examples of squirrelly regulations. Clever clickbait. Unfortunately, since we lack the leadership and discipline of countries like New Zealand, we will probably have more opportunities to fine tune closures as this virus goes on about its business. What can you do now? Follow the spirit of the rules by doing your utmost to respect each other’s safety.
Nola Nelson
Cottage Grove
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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