Democracy and Education
Vote yes on Measure 97
Just Do It. Vote Yes on 97 Tax cheats back No on 97 As we approach Election Day, we are being faced with historic decisions. … Continue reading
Viewpoint: Page 47
Cities, Climate Change and City Council Elections
What can you do to change household emissions?
In the last week of September, we passed right by 400 ppm (parts per million) of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a major milestone on … Continue reading
Voting Problems
Redistributing ballots can affect results
As Benton County prepares to vote on whether to adopt ranked-choice voting for county elections, Oregonians are presented an opportunity to explore different voting systems. … Continue reading
I Got It Wrong
The $7 million giveaway, part II
Sooner or later it happens. You write or say something and then you have to come clean and admit that you just got it wrong. … Continue reading
Believe Survivors
An open letter to students of University of Oregon
Dear University of Oregon students, You don’t know me. But there are thousands of people like me on your campus. In January 2013, I was … Continue reading
Bloomin’ Lawnsigns in 2016?
Records Matter!
Two things happen in Oregon in even-numbered years. We hold a general election, and invasive alien biennial weed species (Lawnsignicus obnoxicus) appear in the Willamette … Continue reading
Unfurling Freak Flags
National Coming Out Day
National Coming Out Day is a great time to come out, whether for the first or umpteenth time. It’s a day to remember the importance of being open about your true lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, polyamorous, pansexual, asexual, two-spirit, nonbinary, genderfluid, agender or otherwise beyond-the-old-norm self. Continue reading
Oregonians: Is this Bud for You?
No voting record, no plan
I don’t know about you, dear reader, but the political season always makes me nervous behind the steering wheel. Every two years here in the 4th Congressional District, I used to have an involuntary fight-or-flight reaction to any vehicles sporting an “Art Robinson” bumper sticker. I’d slam on the brakes and elude, just in case the driver was preparing for the Rapture at any moment. Continue reading
Schools Need a Dose of Democracy
As we celebrate and reflect upon another year “back to school” and brace ourselves for the upcoming election season, we are reminded of George Washington’s words in his 1797 farewell address: “… as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion be enlightened.” Ours is a much different world, but Washington’s logic is just as sound today as it was then. The government we have reflects the state of public enlightenment. Continue reading
Defending Old Hazeldell
In her Sept. 15 column entitled “Quarry on Native Lands,” Kayla Godowa-Tufti argued that the Old Hazeldell Quarry (OHQ) site, which is currently the subject of a public land use process with Lane County to allow quarry mining, is culturally significant to local Native American tribes. There are a number of factual inaccuracies that merit a response. Continue reading