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REAL ARTISTS DON'T PLAY GAMES As an artist in Eugene for more than 40 years, I have seen many true artists go under cover in this area to avoid the uncomfortable circus-like atmosphere that is created by art councils and the sycophants that want to rub elbows with artists in the hopes that they can vicariously become "artists," too. The last thing a true artist wants to do is spend his (her is implied) valuable time attending gallery openings, street shows, free talks/demonstrations, and art walks so the public can get to "know" him and supposedly support him by buying his work. Every artist is driven to create; it isn't a choice, and all these activities cut into his creative time and make him more frustrated than he already is. Anyway, the public doesn't want to pay the real price for an original piece of art. Rather, they want "affordable, decorative" art so it isn't long before artists who go out on this commercial, socializing trail end up compromising their creativity to make art that will "please" the public, both in content and price. So, Eugene, have your art walks, blood-sucking galleries, and academic-influenced, non-reality organizations that tout "integrated art" as high art, then sing and dance and make murals for each other thinking that you are creating an enlightened artistic community but, just so you know, real artists don't play these games. We don't come out of our shells to "please" anyone. What you all are seeing as you stroll through the "Art Mecca of Lane County" is acceptable mediocrity or saleable art: "Oh, isn't that pretty," or "That bowl, painting, weaving ... will just match my curtains," or "Will you make me one in red?" and "You want how much?!" Solution: For the masses, there is none. Our culture is not educated enough in creativity and how to revere the "specialness" of the artist, so they will always be content to hold up the mediocre as being the standard. For the sensitive and enlightened: Keep your distance. Approach any true artist you meet with caution; he may be having a "moment." Don't offer to buy any art, offer to pay his rent! That he'll understand. If you think real artists are "normal" (whatever that is), you're wrong. They won't be seen at any art walks but, anyway, good luck, Eugene. I hope you all can create this "Art Mecca." The Walmart crowd will be "shocked and awed," the UO art academics will feign support while gratefully collecting their government paychecks, and the participating artists will grin and bear it while contemplating the urge to go back to their hovels to be creative rather than exploited. Ours is a theme culture. Other cities (Sisters, Leavenworth) have found commercial success. I wish Eugene all the best. After all, an "art destination," even if all you can buy is good interior art decoration, can't be all bad. Disney did it with "wholesome family fun." Annie Kayner, Eugene
ZERO COVERAGE IN R-G I have to take exception to Jerome Garger's letter (6/3) praising The R-G for improving its performance and coverage. A case in point is the complete absence of any mention or coverage by the R-G of Al Gore's courageous speech at New York University for moveon.org, in which the former vice president blasted the Bush administration on Iraq. After all, Gore only received 50 million votes in the last election, why should anyone care what he has to say? Oh, sure, the speech was mentioned several days later in a few syndicated op-ed pieces. But there was no next day coverage by the R-G. This is indicative of the stranglehold the GOP has over the mass media, including, apparently, the R-G, when a major address by a major leader of the opposition gets zero coverage. Mark Mitchell, Eugene
QWEST RESPONDS Qwest is committed to providing outstanding customer service and doing what's right on behalf of our customers. For that reason, I am compelled to comment on your article "City receives $9.1 million windfall" (5/20). Your article correctly outlines that Eugene received $9.1 million resulting from an Oregon Supreme Court ruling in the city's favor ordering Qwest to pay the city's 2 percent telecommunications tax. You also state that Qwest "had balked at paying the tax since 1997." But your article fails to tell the whole story. In the spring of 1997, the city of Eugene passed an ordinance imposing a tax on certain telecommunications services. Because these local taxes are a direct pass-through to Qwest customers, and Eugene citizens are already paying a 7 percent franchise fee to the city on their local phone bills, we tried to avoid having customers incur this additional tax by litigating the issue. In March of 1999, the Circuit Court declared the tax invalid. However, the city of Eugene appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, this time the court ruled against consumers and declared that the 2 percent tax on telecommunications services could be imposed on citizens living in Eugene. As a direct result of the city's actions, Eugene customers can expect this additional tax to show up as a line item on their June phone bills this year, on top of the city's current franchise fee. While Eugene City Council members certainly have every right to raise revenue for the city, Qwest believes raising revenue through a tax on telecommunications services should require a vote by the citizens. Accordingly, Qwest is working to place a measure on the November ballot to ask citizens in Eugene if they want to repeal this tax and to require that any future taxes of this type go to a vote of the people. In the spirit of service, Qwest is willing to pursue the ballot measure in order to protect Eugene customers from these additional taxes and fees on their phone bills. Judy Peppler, Qwest state president for Oregon
PASSIONATE ACTIVIST June marks the fourth year that Jeff "Free" Luers has been imprisoned. Sentenced to 22 years and eight months for burning three sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to protest ecological destruction, Jeff has continued to be active in prison and fight oppression with his words and inspiration. Jeff has been labeled an "eco-terrorist" but many consider him to be a committed "eco-defender" who acted in desperation. I don't think what he did was admirable, but I do think his punishment is excessive, especially when compared to the light sentences given to rapist cops, corrupt government agents and others who pose more of a threat to the public than a passionate activist like Jeff ever could. Brendan Avakian, Eugene
LACK OF RESPECT In the course of the life of the average American, it is unlikely that he or she will ever be required to rely upon any of our most basic constitutional protections; the right to be informed of the charges, the right to confront the accuser, that one is innocent until proven guilty, and the right of legal representation. However, the terrible injustice recently imposed upon an Oregon lawyer, Brandon Mayfield, by our government, should remind each of us of the critical importance of these rights. Shockingly, President Bush continues to assert that he can deny any of these most basic rights to any of our citizens simply by accusing that individual of being a terrorist. Bush's conduct displays a total lack of respect for basic human rights and worse, a total lack of understanding of their critical importance. This is one more reason why Bush must be defeated. Each of us should feel terror when the leader of our country makes such assertions that he can deny to any of us at any time, the very essence of our constitutional rights. Art Johnson, Eugene
GLAD REMINDER With the amount of negativity being reported in today's media, I felt moved to share a brief positive experience I recently had. I was spending time with my 6-year-old sister over by the UO campus when I lost my wallet. I was distracted. The following day I received a phone call from Smith Family Bookstore saying the wallet had been found and returned by a patron. Everything was intact. With all the negativity in our world I think we need to all take time to remember honest and loving people are still around. To you who returned my wallet, thanks for reminding me of this truth. Tamar Mali, Eugene
BEING GAY IS A CHOICE I read "The Gene Divides" (5/20). Mr Robinson's argument is absurd. California voters (half of whom are women and many Hispanic and black), voted overwhelmingly in favor of marriage between a man and a woman. He is trying to deflect from himself and homosexuality by trying to link his issue to women and minorities. If one is born black or female one can't do much about it. I have a good friend that lived the gay lifestyle for many years and found it unfulfilling and elected to leave it. In other words, he used his power of choice. Mr Robinson also has this option. As do all gays. Some do it cold turkey, some use alternative therapy methods, past life therapy, etc. I do not claim to be expert in these avenues of therapy. I am merely pointing out that these people have options that minorities and women do not. Steve Twede, Salt Lake City, Utah
LETTERS POLICY: We print as many letters as space allows. Please limit length to 250 words and submissions to once a month. All letters are subject to editing for length and clarity, and must include address and phone number. E-mail to editor@eugeneweekly.com, fax to 484-4044, or mail to 1251 Lincoln, Eugene 97401.
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