I have always enjoyed Nick Kristof’s editorials. I like to think he was speaking for me. And I’ve always enjoyed his compelling backstory — what he has shared of his bio as part of his public persona. So I was surprised to read his response to being ruled ineligible to run for the governorship of Oregon. Our Secretary of State, Shemia Fagan, stated that Kristof hadn’t been a current resident of Oregon for the required three years.
Kristof was not pleased that anyone would dare to question his credentials. Letters in support of Kristof also took umbrage in righteous tones. Fagan was dismissed as just one more “career Democrat.”
Is this an instance where venom and self-righteousness greet any who seem to dare to challenge whatever successful white men choose to do? Fagan has a compelling backstory, too. I voted for her because it was clear that she intended to use her brains and her heart to do her best for the people of Oregon. For what it’s worth, being a less-than-successful white man, I continue to support Fagan in her efforts.
We will learn more about Kristof as he appeals his disqualification. I might vote for him in the future if he ever qualifies to run.
John Parrott
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
Comments are closed.