Eugene Weekly : Letters : 10.14.04
WHO'S BEHIND MEASURE 35?
Measure 35 is complicated. Although their arguments sound strong, I believe we are getting a lot of misinformation from the well-funded "pro" side. The "pro" side has doctors and nurses stumping in TV ads. Of course, because it is their jobs that they say are on the line. I believe the insurance companies are behind this campaign and misleading the physicians and the public in order to increase their revenues, which, by the way, are not hurting. Malpractice insurance rates are unregulated. Good doctors may be forced out due to unreasonable rate increases, which the insurance companies blame on frivolous lawsuits.
I have done a study on the number of medical malpractice lawsuits in Lane County in the last three years and have counted only three such suits. Were any of these frivolous? I doubt it. Is this representative of our state? I think so. That is not to say that physicians don't get "hurt" by lawsuits. They can get dragged into litigation with only minimal contact with the person suing due to a lawyer who wishes to involve anyone and everyone. This is where doctors need to be able to fight unreasonable rate hikes. Where is the insurance commissioner when you need him?
Caps on pain and suffering awards give insurance companies an unfair advantage in the courtroom. The individual will be limited to legal representation in proportion to the potential award amount. The insurance company will not be limited by this and can mount a defense without economic limit. The individual is at a deficit before even getting to court.
Studies have shown that in states that have levied these kinds of caps, insurance premiums have not decreased afterwards. Significant changes did not occur due to caps. Many states have tried this, yet we are still deceived into thinking that the legal system is to blame for outrageous premiums. Don't give up on your legal system because of insurance company mismanagement. And doctors, you should fight this, not join them. This will not change your situation. It has not worked in other states.
Some states have, however, set up boards of professional individuals, including physicians and attorneys, to "try" medical negligence cases before they actually get to a courtroom, and in this way ferret out the "frivolous" ones. The ones with real merit proceed to trial. I believe this system should be considered here.
The court system is supposed to allow everyone equal access. Have we given up on allowing a jury of our peers to try and fairly assess these cases? Are we going to give in to buzz words and the slogans of the insurance companies and permit another of our rights to erode? For more information, I refer you to Americans for Insurance Reform at the Center for Justice and Democracy at the website www.centerjd.org/Please read between the lines of the moneyed "pro" ad campaign and vote no on 35.
Gordon Nadel, Eugene
HAMPTON'S BEST
I heard my very first Faye Stewart for east Lane County Commissioner radio plugs today. He has the support of his wife. That's nice. And the support of Lane County's sheriff. That's something.
But Don Hampton has actual experience on the job. He may not have family fortune or developer dollars backing him but he does have experience as mayor of Oakridge before being appointed as East Lane Commissioner.
West Lane Commissioner Anna Morrison even voted for Hampton's appointment after passing over Faye Stewart on the list of wannabees when Tom Lininger resigned the post to teach law at the UO. Now there's an endorsement!
The upcoming commissioner election is very important. The board is composed of five commissioners who vote to decide many issues. Don Hampton has shown himself willing to vote against highly questionable land use issues that would make a lot of money for a few.
What is Faye Stewart's position on McDougal and Musumeci style development? Know before you vote. The big boys make millions but there's nothing in it for little people except urban sprawl.
I was out at the Short Mountain land fill the other day and looked down to find dozens of Cedric Hayden for CC lawn signs. Hopefully Faye Stewart's will soon join them and Faye can continue his work on the school board.
Keep Hampton!
Norm Maxwell, Lorane
RESPECT FOR ACKERMAN
State Rep. Robert L. Ackerman is running for re-election in the North Eugene area and I would urge voters in that area to return him to office.
I first met Mr. Ackerman when I elected to represent Springfield on the Board of LCC. At that time Mr. Ackerman was chair of that board. Mr. Ackerman not only earned my respect, but the respect of his other fellow board members and the members of the administration and union leaders with whom he interacted. He took his role as chair of the board very seriously and always had some thoughtful and insightful questions to ask regarding the items on which we were to make decisions. He was especially valuable to the board and to the college because of his legal background and his years of experience gained from his local practice in the legal field.
I think the citizens of Oregon, Lane County and Eugene have been well served by Mr. Ackerman and I, therefore, urge the voters of his district to retain him as their representative in Salem.
G. Dennis Shine , Springfield
A LITTLE RESTRAINT
Indeed, Waldo Lake and the surrounding landscape is a special place (Outdoors column, 9/30). So special, that, in the early 1980s, hundreds of Oregonians worked endless hours to make sure it was protected as an official Wilderness area in the 1984 Oregon Wilderness Act. And much of it was.
Ironically, Waldo Lake itself is not in the Waldo Lake Wilderness. In the political horse-trading that preceded passage of the act, Senator Hatfield decided that the trail around the west side of the lake should be the wilderness boundary, so that motorboats could use the lake and land on the western shoreline. That left us with two problems: two-stroke oil-spewing motors polluting one of the three purest large lakes in the world and mechanized use (bicycles) of land that qualifies as Wilderness.
It looks like the Forest Service, with our help, is about to solve the first problem. We can solve the second problem with a little self-restraint. Please honor the land for what it is, wild and untrammeled.
Get to know Waldo on foot, and ride your bicycle outside of the wild land around Waldo Lake.
Dave Stone, Founding member Waldo Wilderness Council
PREFERRED OPTIONS
Instead of considering voting for a candidate who favors preemptive strikes, or voting for a candidate who says he might invade a nation if the U.N. could be persuaded to approve that invasion, from an ethical if not also economic standpoint, wouldn't we be better served by a compassionate, fiscally conservative, commander-in-chief willing to make friends of those whose "weapons of mass destruction" could become as low-tech as that of fleas infected with the bubonic plague?
If the U.S. is unwilling to make friends by helping feed the starving children of needy nations, for our own protection from low-tech weapons as well as likely escalating costs of war, shouldn't the U.S. at least refrain from dropping bombs upon those starving children?
U.S. voters concerned about their vote being wasted could be able, if they might wish, to keep their archaic Electoral College democracy within a preferential voting system if Democrats and Republicans were willing to allow voters the freedom of that instant runoff system.
Helen Woodford, Eugene
TELL THE TRUTH
Here Peter DeFazio goes again wanting his constituents to believe what he says instead of what he does. Yes, Congressman DeFazio wrote a letter to his opponent Jim Feldkamp stating that in "every election season I have participated in debates with my opponents." Absolutely false. In fact, Peter did everything he could to avoid being near where I was during the 2002 congressional campaign when I was his opponent. I wish Peter would just tell the truth to the people of the district.
Liz VanLeeuwen, Linn County State Legislator
MORE DOCTORS NOW
Insurance companies want us to think that doctors are leaving Oregon to avoid paying high medical malpractice premiums. However, I just read about a study by Public Citizen showing that the number of doctors in Oregon is actually increasing. Measure 35 will not help doctors; instead, it will limit our rights by changing the Constitution. Voters should not be swayed by the insurance industry's slick campaign.
Please join me in voting no on 35!
Helene Montgomery, Eugene
CAP CEO SALARIES
The latest grand idea by the Bush administration is to cap liability suits. They claim it is to lower health care costs. I personally find it ironic that the wealthy are always saying we should allow the free market to sort things out, unless of course it is something that affects their bottom line (the insurance companies in this case).
A better idea to me would be to cap CEO salaries and perks, including their outrageous retirement plans. There is a minimum wage and, to be honest, most of us have jobs that have a ceiling –– in other words a maximum wage for that particular job. But corporate executives live in a different world — who sets their salaries?
This Labor Day I can't help but think of all those who labor extremely hard to create all this profit, only to have it skimmed off the top. While most people I know retire with very little for all their sweat, many can never afford to retire, period. Not exactly an equitable system in my mind. Once again I say cap CEO salaries.
Tim Boyden, Eugene
NO NEED FOR SACRIFICE
It's happened yet again. Several more hillsides in the Row River Valley containing trees for life, both human and wild, have been scraped clean, otherwise known as completely clearcut. Industrial logging employs huge machinery and only a couple of men, yet it is defended as good for the economy and schools. Who is responsible for the lie that we have to sacrifice the environment for education and jobs?
The unemployment in Oregon has recently spiked to 7.4 percent. The number of uninsured is up and Oregonians are making on average $3,000 less that they were three years ago. The continued clearcutting and opening up of our forests to industry will make our environment more barren. The environment is the long-term solution to Oregon's economy. In a country overly wrought with a decimated environment, Oregon still boasts beautiful places for people to visit, thriving farming communities and wild lands. When people visit Oregon they often remark on the loss of local communities and beautiful environment at home that they are able to find here. Do we have to accept ours going the same way?
The practices of industry sacrifice the commons of the many for the enjoyment of the few, many who do not live here. Growth of the resource industry won't be a positive thing for Oregon considering that its timetables are out of whack with soil and nutrient cycles. Proponents of industry can blame all the environmentalists they want. Environmental advocates did not write the laws of nature; but merely accept the existence of them.
If Bush wins in November, we will see an acceleration of resource depletion so fast it will make our heads spin. Our hopes of a healthy, diverse culture and economy will be even further out of reach.
Kerstin Britz, Cottage Grove
COPS ON THE PATH
I'm a Eugene resident and I like to walk and ride my bike in peaceful areas, away from the busy streets. One nice area of solace and spiritual relaxation is along the bike path, especially in the area of north Eugene along the Willamette river. However, when I was riding my bike down that path the other day, a cop car came riding up the path. I found this to be not only unnerving but disturbing.
Why do we allow police cars on bike paths? Not only did I have to move my bicycle out of the way, but it was frustrating and made me angry. Can we keep cop cars out of the bike paths and only on the streets? (it's annoying enough to have to deal with them there). Surely there are a few people out there who agree with my point of view. This is probably borderline harassment.
Dave Schlessinger, Eugene
PRIME MOTIVATOR
Sherylin York's last letter (9/16) regarding adult films appeal emphasized her "megabucks studio contract" and a healthy asset portfolio. I've never personally found money the prime motivator for risky behavior although I realize its primacy in the Western psyche. It affects many folks like booze, religion or narcotics. But, of course, to each his own.
It's just that being happy and liking one's work seems to be the purpose to working to me; whether you acquire an "asset portfolio" is secondary.
Some might think it a ridiculous question, but I'd rather know if she is happy and enjoys her "work." Maybe she is and does but she didn't say so.
Richard Sterling, Eugene
CLUELESS COUPLING
Marriage is about union, love and respect, not just a man and a woman. Before criticizing who should or shouldn't get married, one should really look at his or her marriage to see if it is really flying in harmony. Prior to signing their name on the marriage contract, too many couples seem to have no clue of what they're getting into because they haven't known each other for long enough, and they think the paperwork will force them to do so, thus taking marriage for granted.
Some of the most loving couples I know are gay. Most of them have lived together for more than 10 years, some more than 20, sometimes going through hell and back. How much more proof do you need to recognize a true union and a real sense of respect? Marriage is universal, and for any being in love with each other.
Quit being so self-righteous and look in the mirror, what happens behind the door is NOT your business!
Alby Thoumsin, Springfield.
VOTING FOR DEATH
In his letter to the editor, George Carlson (9/30) informs us, vote for John Kerry is a vote for death. I would argue that a vote for George Bush is a proven vote for death.
Although Kerry's ability to lead here and abroad is unproven, Bush's leadership is not unknown. His ends-justifiy-the-means mentality has dragged our country toward a collapse of morale and commerce. We cannot afford to waste one more life on this administration's irrational agenda; nor can we afford the necessary billions ($200 billion as of this date) spent to keep the war in Iraq going.
With Bush we can expect more of the same: nationalism in the guise of patriotism; fanaticism in the guise of religious conviction; and dishonestly and greed in the guise of compassion for the Middle East.
Four years ago, I voted for Bush. After observing his reactive behavior in the wake of 9/11 and the unconscionable subterfuge of he and his advisors, I have no qualms about jumping off the back of the elephant.
As the bodies of our loved ones continue to be flown home (more than 1,000 men and women), and as countless Iraqis (more than 10,000 civilians) are killed in their homeland, let's be honest about which candidate favors life over death. And let us vote for the one man who will lead from a position of strength and integrity: John Kerry.
Colette Jonopulos, Eugene
AIDING THE COLLAPSE
I'm still looking for sufficient reasons to vote for Kerry instead of Nader, but I'm also getting tired of voting against someone instead of for someone. I remember my parents talking about this maybe 60 years ago. It seems like in that time we could have adopted instant runoff voting, as several other nations have done, which would end the problem. We talked about it a lot more around 2000, but still no action.
I much prefer to vote for what I believe in. No, my vote for Nader is not a vote for Bush. My second choice might be to not vote. It strains logic to call that a vote for anyone. No, Nader isn't likely to win, but it's the message that counts most (and it feels a little safer since the first debate).
Voters are a lot like what's said of politicians and statesmen. Some are concerned with the next election and some with the next generation. To me, Nader represents concern for the (eternal) environment, a revival of democracy by giving us real choices, and honesty, which may be what keeps him from being a viable candidate. Kerry continues to represent business as usual, continued economic growth, which could mean global suicide through global warming. We shouldn't assume he intends good things that he's afraid to talk about at this point. Bush, with his excesses (who is very unlikely to win or lose because of my one vote, or my minor campaigning), could represent a collapse of the capitalist system, which could yet save us.
When business-as-usual people talk about what's good for the economy, do they really mean what's good for the average person, or for America or humanity, or just good for the rich, the capitalist and the corporations?
Dan Robinson , Eugene
FORGETTING POLAND
Of the many amusing things that transpired on Thursday, Sept. 30, during the presidential debate between John Kerry and George W., one thing stood out in particular to me. Several times Bush chastised Kerry for forgetting to mention Poland while discussing the countries involved in the war in Iraq.
Obviously Bush was attempting to paint Kerry as an insensitive diplomat, oblivious to the risks being taken by other countries involved in our war. However, in pointing out Poland, Bush was unwittingly admitting to his own diplomatic shortcomings.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Poland has come onto the scene as the leader of Rumsfeld's New Europe anxious to embrace neo-liberal capitalism, ready to stand as an example to other post-communist Eastern European countries, and overwhelmingly pro-U.S. There was hardly a question within Poland that they would be involved in the invasion of Iraq, and people from all sides of the political landscape were eager to participate. They believed that what the U.S. was doing was right, anticipated the windfall of aid, rebuilding contracts, and favor that would surely come their way, and hoped to become the U.S.'s biggest ally in the post-soviet sector, the England of New Europe.
A year and a half later, and opinions in Poland have drastically changed. The Oct. 4 issue of The Nation points out that Poland's goodwill has soured since the war's beginning. Poland is feeling neglected. Polish companies watched as their promised contracts went entirely to U.S. companies, the promised aid and military investment have failed to materialize, and the Polish government is frustrated at not having a voice in the re-building and governance of Iraq. Everyone from journalists to Polish officials, (again, of all political persuasions) are now regularly speaking out against their country's involvement.
This is a relatively small example, but a telling one, not only of the way the Bush administration has been treating U.S. allies and abusing international goodwill, but also of the sorts of cynical political games they are playing with the American people in their bid for re-election.
Jack Baur, Eugene
CHENEY OUT OF TOUCH
Tonight I watched the vice-presidential debate, amazed at the differences between the two men sitting at the table. Dick Cheney came across as angry, rude, and out of touch with the desires of the average American. Meanwhile, John Edwards, his opponent, appeared to be every inch the Southern gentleman, polite as possible, and definitely knowledgeable of the needs and wants of voters across the U.S. Thus I offer my support fully for the Kerry/Edwards ticket.
As a young American and student, I do not want my country to be run by an angry old man who proves to be rude to anyone who dares to counter him. I want someone who will reach out to foreign leaders, who can be expected to invite people to the table for a genuine discussion despite disagreement. I want John Kerry and John Edwards running the U.S.
Lindsay Jansen, Corvallis
PLAN FOR PEACE
At the vice-presidential debate, Sen. Edwards made the case that the Bush-Cheney regime has no plan to win the peace in Iraq, no plan to improve the economic life of the average American and does plan four more years of the same: more war, more unemployment at home, and less security in the world. Kerry-Edwards does have a plan to win the peace in Iraq by internationalizing the recovery, to employ Americans by securing our jobs at home, and to obtain homeland security by applying the resources needed to protect our people. It's time to change for the better. I will be voting for Kerry-Edwards.
Gerald R. Merritt, Eugene
POLITICAL DOGS
John Kerry has a long track record of supporting animals. He has regularly scored high ratings on the Humane Scorecard, most recently scoring 100 percent during the 108th Congress. The recent "Barney ads" prompted me to write this, disgusted the president would put his bred dog out there as a political tool. The Bush administration has recently attacked John Kerry regarding his support for animals and various animal organizations. including the Humane Society of the U.S. and the Fund for Animals. Kerry has successfully battled the mink industry, supported measures to combat cockfighting, bear baiting, canned hunts, puppy mills, the bear parts trade, the exotic pet trade, steel-jawed leghold traps, and the abuse of "downed" livestock.
He also has a real plan for our economy endorsed by 10 Nobel Prize-winning economists, and anyone volunteering with me in Eugene knows when the economy is bad any non profit rescue organization related to animals suffers badly. Bush appointed the former chief lobbyist of the Safari Club to be the deputy director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, advocated drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and he has reversed a ban on road building in 58 million acres of our national forests. With more roads blazed through our national forests, we'll see more poachers, more hunters, and more loggers despoiling our natural heritage. If you care — please vote for John Kerry.
Susan Day, Eugene
GOP'S SLIPPING
Ah, food for the heart! In editorials across the country recently Garrison Keillor shared an excerpt from his new book. He excoriates the Republican Party for the corners it has turned since it deserved the name of the Grand Old Party, the days when Eisenhower developed the Interstate Highway System and the American Dream flourished to an extent that it hasn't since.
Since Nixon and Newt, Keillor explains, the selfish interests of big money have overtaken the big ideas of "businessmen in steel-rimmed spectacles (who) ...supported the sort of prosperity that raises all ships." Keillor tells this sorry story with a passion and eloquence that thrill the heart of those of us who bemoan the kidnapping of the nation to which we were once so proud to belong.
As a canvasser in the current grassroots campaign to restore thinking and reading to the White House, I've spoken to many voters who cling to the Republican ticket for its long-gone ideals, despite the fact that its policies don't make sense for their own pocketbooks or personal interest. I urge readers to share Keillor's essay with acquaintances who need some additional persuasion that the GOP just ain't what she used to be. To find the essay go online with a search for "Not in Lake Wobegon Anymore."
Anna Sontag, Eugene
TRUE LEADERSHIP
I think it's important, in this rather ugly electoral campaign, to ask the question, "What would a true leader do?"
I want a leader who listens to all points of view and who will appeal to our higher natures, not to selfishness or fear; someone who will enlist citizens in the project to make this country great and emphasize our common values. The choice of keynote speakers at the recent conventions says a lot. The Democrats chose Barack Obama, who elegantly laid out our common ground. The Republicans chose Zell Miller, who mounted an angry personal attack on John Kerry.
A true leader protects our natural heritage, and air and water quality. Mr. Bush tried to loosen restrictions on arsenic in drinking water until public outrage forced him to back off, and he loosened restrictions on emissions of mercury, known to cause birth defects and other health problems, by power plants. States are suing him on this. He pushed the EPA to issue unfounded reassurances about air quality in lower Manhattan after the 9/11 attacks so business could return to normal quickly. Thousands are suffering severe health effects in the aftermath. Kerry has a strong environmental record.
A true leader crafts responsible budgets so that our children and grandchildren don't have to pay our bills. Bush is mortgaging our future for short-term political gain. A family of four had more than $6,000 added to the national debt in their name this year alone. Kerry has worked hard in the Senate for deficit reduction.
A true leader is very careful in assessing threats to our security, using military solutions as a last resort. Bush recklessly led us into a quagmire in a country that posed no threat, diverting critical intelligence resources from the hunt for bin Laden..
Vote for true leadership in November.
Michael Wherley, Eugene
MIDDLE SUFFERING
The middle class is usually defined as those of us making from $25,000 to $75,000 a year. Insurance premiums are going up and health care premiums are going through the roof. Increased gasoline and fuel costs at record levels. Saving for college is a lot harder. College tuition is increasing. Wages are stagnant, and in some cases going down. Jobs are being outsourced. Most of the new jobs being created are low-skill, minimum-wage jobs and not keeping pace with the jobs lost. Even college educated people are having difficulty finding employment. Inflation is low, but it is steady, whittling away at already strained budgets.
Bush points to record home ownership and a rising investor class, and is constantly referring to economic growth (I don't see it, especially here in Oregon) and says that his tax policies have put money back in people's pockets.
Over 1.6 million households in the U.S. filed for personal bankruptcy, up 33 percent when Bush took office. Many middle class homes are close to going over the edge. A $400 or $600 tax break is not helping much with spiraling costs and diminished income.
John Kerry proposes keeping these tax cuts for people making less than $200,000 a year, and restoring the previous rates for people making over $200,000 a year. That means under Kerry, the rich would pay an additional $5,000 a year more (what they paid before the tax cut) and this would fund new efforts to improve education and health care.
Bush talks about helping the middle class, but what has he done? The middle class suffers and the rich get richer.
Richard Davison, Reedsport
DIVISIVE CAMPAIGN
As a nurse working with Lane County residents I hear every day about lost jobs, lost insurance coverage and fears of no affordable health care.
Since Bush's election we lost nearly 2 million jobs, making Bush the first President to lose jobs since Herbert Hoover. Bush is beholden to his wealthy power base and must allow our jobs sent to cheap labor countries. Company CEOs are richly rewarded for outsourcing our jobs and they support Bush accordingly.
John Kerry will end tax breaks for companies moving jobs overseas; savings to give tax cuts to companies that keep jobs for Oregonians.
Please don't be fooled by Bush's divisive campaign. This election is about where the money goes and whether working people have any power.
Mary L. Thomas RN, Veneta
EVERYDAY WE VOTE
Most of us have been counting down the days to election day. After all it's the day we give our support to the people and the policies that we believe are the best. What most of us don't recognize is the fact that everyday is election day. Everyday we "vote." Everyday we are accountable! When you buy non-organic food, your voting for the pesticide industry and pollution. When you eat a Whopper your voting for extreme cruelty, unnecessary violence and pollution (agribusiness continues to be the #1 polluter of our waterways). When you shop at Wal-Mart you're voting for low wages, unsafe working conditions and the death of small business. Wal-Mart buys a large portion of their products from China which doesn't allow organized labor, has horrible environmental regulations and is communist. Is supporting communism patriotic?
We all must recognize our great responsibility as stewards of this amazing planet and begin voting for the health and well being of future generations of all living beings. Everyday we all cast our votes. Where to buy our goods and services. What career to pursue. What mode of transportation to use. How are you going to vote today?
Joshua Welch, Eugene
THE LONGER VIEW
The campaign between the two front-runners has been sidetracked on two issues that are not our most important or long-lasting problems — the past war in Vietnam and the present one in Iraq. What happened more than 30 years ago had a huge impact, but it is over with and we cannot change what happened. The present war in Iraq is equally tragic, but it has already commenced, and probably must be brought to some kind of a conclusion by whoever is in the White House.
There are, however, several issues that have longer lasting implications for the U.S. and the world as a whole on which the candidates have widely differing records and plans. One of these is the environment, which of all the problems we face is the one with the most potential long-term impact.
For environmental concerns, the record is clear: Kerry has a long and good record as Senator of fighting for the environment. Bush's record is one that is favorable to corporations and that under the guise of "Clear Skies" has instead relaxed pollution controls and undercut protection from distinctly unclear air. Kerry supports policies that seek alternatives to current energy sources and that close loopholes for corporate polluters. Bush, if re-elected, will continue to try to change laws that protect federal land, water, and wildlife; Kerry will fight for them. He will re-join the Kyoto Conference and work with nations that take the threat of global warming seriously and are trying to do something about it, instead of questioning, as Bush does, its very existence.
To the list of issues that loom large in the near and far future, I would add civil liberties, the deficit, health care, social security, the right to choose, and a number of others, but certainly the environment is the one thing where damage done now can never be reversed. Wars end; our Earth must continue. I urge undecided voters to think about this.
Anne Dhu McLucas, Eugene
ACTS OF GOD
Hurricane Florence slams Florida while people still clean up from Charlie. Ivan's winds reach hurricane strength over the Caribbean Islands, and it, too heads for Florida. Governor Jeb Bush calls it an act of God. Southern Japan takes a hit from Typhoon Songda while tropical storm Sarika strengthens over the Northern Marianas.
Hot sea water drives hurricanes and typhoons: same storm, different names. Today sea surface temperatures range above 85°F around the Caribbean's Outer Islands, and up to 88°F in the Western Pacific.
The oceans have been absorbing a lot of heat over the past decades, and now they're giving it up by means of a very efficient process — you guessed it: hurricanes and typhoons, more of them and with greater severity. And how did the oceans get so hot? You guessed it again: global warming, to which we each contribute through our burning of so much fossil fuel to drive, transport, manufacture, fly, make plastics, heat, farm, etc.
Jeb Bush nearly had it right. But it's more likely a reaction of God to our arrogance and ignorance: assuming we can make and consume whatever we want; burn fossil fuel to fly and drive wherever we want; populate as much as we want — all this without concern that the Earth might be damaged. The Earth is damaged, and I'll bet that God is really ticked off.
Eldon Haines, Ph.D. , Eugene
HOME ECONOMICS
The Bush economic policies affect "us." For "us," we can't seem to pay off our debt. We've paid off two cars in three years adding $600 in monthly income. I went from part-time to full-time last November. But two measly credit cards still remain. We're following a budget, trying hard to plan and make the right decisions. Why can't we do this?
According to the Census Department, 1.4 million more people are on welfare (no job and no more unemployment insurance). And it costs us $1,500 a year more per person to meet basic needs. OK, the money I need to pay off MY debt is now going to George Bush's debt! The money for my bills now pays for Halliburton and Saudi oil at almost $50 a barrel. It was $25 for me to fill up, now it's $40. Milk was $1.98, now it's $2.78. Butter was $1.31, now it's $3.. Plywood was $6.79, now it's over $18!
Our economy is so tied to the oil industry that every American suffers every time the price of oil goes up even slightly. Interest rates are low. But the cost of building materials soars due to shortages, processing, and transportation costs. Housing is skyrocketing. Sure, sell your house for more. But pay more for the next one.
George Bush ran three businesses into bankruptcy and he's doing the same with this country. I'm voting for John Kerry.
Bernadette Hrabak, Eugene
THE BUCK STOPS THERE
President Bush finally took terrorism seriously on 9/11. He recently said the war on terror cannot be won. Then he said if he had to do over, he'd go to war again. In his convention speech, he implied that Saddam Hussein was linked to 9/11. He describes himself as resolute, steady, and unwavering. But after three years, where's the one responsible for 9/ll, Osama bin Laden?
We've now lost almost 1,000 honorable American soldiers. Their caskets can't be photographed, but what we can't see still hurts us. An admittedly violent leader has been ousted, and Iraqi cities are now war zones. I wonder which the Iraqis view as worse?
Prisoner abuse, failure to fund education, record deficits, tax cuts for wealthy, middle class tax increases, skyrocketing health care costs, non-bid contracts awarded to Cheney's pet Halliburton subsidiaries, and unemployment are evidence of bad management by our commander in chief. The buck stops there.
John Kerry believes Americans deserve truth, and should not be asked to fight a war without a plan to win the peace. He has the credibility to bring our allies to our side to share the burden. He'll bring health care to every American child, fund education, rescind tax cuts for those earning over $200,000.00 and bring tax cuts to the middle class.
Under President Bush, I see a long grim war, and manipulation through fear. Under Kerry, I see truth, a hope for peace, and better management of our country. Please join me in voting for John Kerry/John Edwards.
Debbie Parker , Eugene
SAVE SAIF
What happens when SAIF is abolished? SAIF covers 60 percent of the small business in Oregon and is required by Oregon law to keep rates as low as possible. If it is abolished, 46,000 small businesses in Oregon will be scrambling to find other workers' compensation coverage at double the premium price, or they will do without or, worse yet, they will go out of business. Oregon small business have always had the ability to choose their worker's compensation carriers contrary to the negative Liberty ad media blitz you are now seeing on TV.
Liberty has spent upwards of $3 million in efforts to get Measure 38 passed. They know that with the passage of this measure and privitization of workers' comp insurance, SAIF will be out of the picture and they will be able to charge highly escalated rates, double or more, for premiums to our Oregon businesses. SAIF, being a state program, cannot fund any advertisements to repudiate Liberty's outright lies to defend itself at taxpayer's expense.
It is not fair that a large insurance company from Boston has the ability to buy your vote and that vote will cost Oregon business more than $108 million a year! Those costs will be passed along to you, the consumer, in services rendered.
Why would you vote to abolish the much needed SAIF program, when SAIF has never (and never will) cost the taxpayer's a dime? Voting yes on Measure 38 will cost you plenty and will gain you nothing. Passage of Measure 38 will cost Oregon many, many jobs and all of the money will be sent to Boston!
As a small business owner with just a couple of employees, we were policy holders with Liberty and were paying extremely high premiums. We switched to SAIF as our carrier over Liberty 13 years ago and have been extremely happy with SAIF.
Please vote no on Measure 38.
Kathy McCartney, Eugene
