In the 1950s, when the tobacco industry realized that the link between tobacco use and serious illness was a threat to their profits, it embarked on a campaign of using disinformation, astroturfing (the practice of hiding the sponsors or funders of messaging by making it appear that the messaging was originated by grassroots groups), intensive lobbying and an emphasis on personal choice. Later, this same strategy was used by the fossil fuel industry to hide the effects of fossil fuels on the climate. Does this all sound familiar?
NW Natural, heedless of the proven harm to human health and the environment, is using the same strategy to protect and enhance their profits. They are funding a “grassroots” organization and a PR firm to push the idea of “choice” to overturn the Eugene City Council’s decision aimed at protecting our people and our planet. They are betting that they can outspend supporters of cleaner air and healthier children. Let’s hope that Eugeneans are not so easily fooled.
David Funk
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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