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FICECK QUALIFIED Qualifications. Perhaps voters should think more about them. They didn't in 2000, and almost elected George Bush. The consequences have not been happy ones. I live in House District 14; the current representative for my district is Pat Farr. But Pat is leaving, and reminding us of his short House tenure by running his wife, Debi, in his place. She has never held an elective office. She did work for her husband for two years as a staff person. But that qualifies as nepotism, which has little or no relevance as a qualification. Other than chief of staff for her husband, I find Debi Farr's qualifications (debifarr.com) to be more relevant for a Toys 'R Us position than one that will undoubtedly deal with serious budgetary matters and other contentious legislation in the next few years. Debi says she attended UO, but does not mention graduating. She also states that she has fund-raised for "playground equipment" and was "co-chair of the all-night graduation party for Willamette High School," worked with the Girl Scouts and the Oregon Junior Miss Pageant, and sang with a music team at the Eugene Mission and in nursing care facilities. Farr's opponent is Bev Ficek. From her website (electbev.com) I see she has run for elective office at least twice, and won — once for a seat on the City Council, and once for mayor. She was also on the city Budget Committee. She was also a board member with Habitat for Humanity, Lane ESD, the Lane Council of Governments, president of the PTA and the Sacred Heart Foundation Board. She holds a BS degree from UO in geography. I am concerned about Oregon's funding of public schools. In that respect, I find no mention of school funding by Debi Farr, but I do find endorsements for Ficek's candidacy by both the Oregon and Eugene Education Associations. And she has other notable endorsements. I hope voters can navigate to these two candidates' websites and examine qualifications while dismissing presumptions. We need all we can of the former, and no more of the latter. Tom Erwin, Eugene
DON'T BE FOOLED Despite it's deceptive ballot title, Measure 37 presents a clear choice: To keep a land use planning program that for more than 30 years has protected Oregon's farms, forests and neighborhoods. Or to turn them over to what former Gov. Tom McCall called the "grasping wastrels of the land." Measure 37 proposes "just compensation" if a property's market value is reduced by land use regulations. But its real purpose is to extort local and state governments into waiving land use protections by promoting a feeding frenzy of selfish, irresponsible and bogus claims. Supporters spout the "do what I want with my own property" mantra as if it were a divine right, forgetting that our rights — our original deeds — to land in the West were granted by governments the measure vilifies. Property rights without responsibilities — without regulations that protect the common good — are a self-serving recipe for chaos. Who really stands to benefit from passage of this measure to destroy Oregon's land use planning program? Follow the money: 72 percent of its funding has come from big timber and the real estate industry. Travel to California or the East Coast and experience for yourself the consequences of growth without restrictions. See why so many have fled to Oregon from these areas to enjoy the fruits of 30 years of foresight. While promising to allow you and your neighbors to "do what you want on your own property," Measure 37 will pick your pocket and offer you fool's gold in return. Don't be fooled. Vote No on Measure 37. Robert Emmons, Fall Creek
DISSING KEANE It's one thing for our friends at EW to take a shallow and somewhat paranoid approach to the presidential election and not even mention Green Party candidate David Cobb in your endorsements (10/14), but to treat Pacific Green Party U.S. Senate candidate Teresa Keane so dismissively is inexcusable. Even David Cobb and vice presidential candidate Patricia LaMarche, acknowledging Bush as the greater evil, are campaigning strategically to ensure his removal. But puh-leeez, let's at least acknowledge Kerry for what he is — a political hack who supports wanton American militarism or, as he said a half a dozen times during the sham debates, "killing" the enemy. Kerry and Bush must both consider Iraqi children "the enemy" because, as anyone who has seen Fahrenheit 9/11 can attest, they're a significant percentage of the "casualties" of this unnecessary, immoral and repulsive war. Incumbent Sen. Ron Wyden, another hawk masquerading as a liberal, has a $5 million campaign war chest courtesy of the timber and insurance companies whose bidding he does. Wyden has been in Congress for 24 years claiming to protect our interests while ancient forests are clear-cut and 47 million Americans go without health insurance. Keane, a nurse practitioner, union member and mother of two, supports single payer universal health insurance to cover every citizen, an end to commercial logging on public lands and an end to the war in Iraq. Keane's right-wing Republican opponent has a snowball's chance of winning. So why does EW cast Keane as a "protest" candidate and the right-winger as a legitimate one? Bush I bombed Iraq, Clinton bombed Iraq, Bush II is bombing Iraq and so will Kerry if he's elected. Nothing will ever change unless people vote their consciences and demand instant runoff voting. Nov. 3 won't be the bright, shiny day you envision, even if Bush is re-defeated, unless people join with the Pacific Green Party to work for peace and genuine democracy. Otherwise, the president you worked to elect will interpret your vote and your silence as support for his deadly and misguided "plan" for the war in Iraq. Blair Bobier, Corvallis
DO ALL THE BALLOT We face a long ballot this year, but don't let that deter you from fully exercising your right to influence our direction as a nation, as a state, and as a city. After you cast your presidential vote, keep working your way to the end of the ballot. And when you mark your ballot, please be sure to give a resounding "no" to Constitutional Amendment 36. This discriminatory measure would enshrine unequal treatment for gay and lesbian Oregonians into our fundamental legal document, the Oregon Constitution. Friends of mine who are as committed to each other as any heterosexual couple could be denied any possibility of health care benefits, inheritance rights, and medical decision making for their partner if this biased amendment passes. Please join me in voting no on Measure 36. David Kelly, Eugene City Councilor
PROZANSKI A LEADER I am writing this letter because Sen. Floyd Prozanski is working hard to address the problems facing the state and people in his district. When I went up to Salem to talk to our legislators about legislation affecting solar energy, he was the only one to personally take time to see me instead to shuffling me off to a staff member, even though I had appointments to meet other legislators and just dropped by his office to drop off some information. In addition, I was working with a small group to discuss how to promote hydrogen as an alternative fuel, and Prozanski, our representative at the time, took his time to come to the evening meeting and participate in the discussion and provided very intelligent input. Prozanski is interested making sure that Oregon is able to address the tough problems facing Oregonians today and in the future. I am supporting Floyd Prozanski because he is a leader in our state Legislature, is working hard to make state government accomplish its tasks in an efficient and economical manner and has a heartfelt desire to make Oregon the best that it can be. Frank Vignola, Eugene
DEATH TO 37 Do not be fooled by the pro-"property rights" bilge spouted by proponents of Measure 37. If you follow this nonsense to its logical conclusion, I should be compensated by the government for not being allowed to grow dope on my property. Or, the same government could waive the offending laws that make it illegal and I can quit my job and get busy on a multi-million dollar crop next year. Measure 37 is not meant for little people. Only the big boys have the necessary incestuous relationships with local land use departments to make it work. They have full time minions working with the supposed civil servants in Lane County. While attending yet another meeting on highly questionable land use practices with Lane County's Land Management Division last month, I asked for the county to supply legal counsel. I was told by the head county planner that "There were plenty of lawyers here." True enough — the only problem being, they all work for developers. If a developer could legally burn your house down and make money doing it, you would come home to a pile of ashes. This mentality would carry over into Measure 37 should it pass. Heaven forbid! The big developers would make millions upon millions of dollars with their connections (incest is best) and we the little people, would wind up subsidizing the infrastructure needed for their grand plans to turn Oregon into North L.A. Death to 37. Norm Maxwell, Lorane
KEEP ROADLESS RULE In January 2001 the Roadless Rule was finalized, declaring 58.5 million acres of national public forests safe from most logging and road building. Now, President Bush is preparing to repeal the rule after the election, which would allow millions of acres in Oregon, Washington, Colorado and New Mexico open for logging. Shouldn't the fact be questioned that Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Rey who oversees forest policy spent 20 years as a lobbyist for the timber industry? Or the fact that he worked for timber companies such as National Forests Products Association, American Forest Resources Alliance and American Forest and Paper Association? Oh, or how big timber companies contributed over $1.2 million to candidates in the 2000 election, and continue to filter money into the White House? Wake up America! This is not an issue of our forests' safety; it is the safety of your children's planet. In Oregon our remaining 1,965,000 acres of roadless national forest are at stake. Please, don't let the Bush administration ruin our last chance to protect this land. Anna Gordon-Norby, Eugene
CRIMINAL BRADBURY I'm outraged that you would support Bill Bradbury without making any mention of how he used "unwritten rules" to keep Ralph Nader off of the ballot this November! His actions were criminal. I think he should resign! Ken Silverman, Eugene
RIPE FOR LITIGATION Speaking of caps [Measure 35], I put on my thinking cap the other day (the one I saved from the pre-property-tax-cap era), and looked up the word "iatrogenic" in Google just to see what the latest statistics were. It seems those in the know say iatrogenic has come from third place in 2000 to first place as cause of death in the U.S. I'm sure the numbers are debatable, especially since the medical industry is responsible for reporting their own faults. But even if they are in fourth place as some numbers say, it's still a situation ripe for litigation if the slumbering masses start looking up words like iatrogenic. Should we put a cap on all that possible litigation? I mean, this is the industry where it isn't uncommon to hear, "Do as I say or you will die," and what if they start tightening up on the "controlled" medication they hand out so freely? Greg Daugherty, Eugene
EXPENSIVE MEASURE Have you noticed that proponents of Measure 38, which would abolish SAIF, have stopped touting it as the answer to all of our funding problems? What happened to their initial assertion that voting yes on this measure would help fund schools, give law enforcement a big boost, and help the economy of our state? What happened is that the financial impact statement painted an entirely different picture of the future of our state if this measure passes. Before you vote, please examine the financial impact estimate on page 133 of your Voters' Pamphlet. The cost of abolishing SAIF would do massive damage to our state's economy at a time when we simply cannot afford it. The end result would be less money for schools, less money for law enforcement and infrastructure, less money for job development, less money for desperately needed social services, not to mention the thousands of Oregon jobs that would be lost due to SAIF's closure. The only people who stand to make more money from the passing of this measure work for a private insurer out of Boston, who doesn't understand, or seem to be concerned about, the bleak fiscal situation our state faces currently. When you cast your vote, please join me in doing the only fiscally responsible thing — vote no on Measure 38. Kirstin Parmeter-Nusser, Eugene
MONEY-GRUBBERS How dumb does Liberty Insurance think Oregonians are? Right, were really going to vote to abolish SAIF, the company we all own, so Liberty can send an extra $100 million of our money back to the moguls in Boston every year? Their money-grab campaign would be funny if it weren't so insulting to our intelligence. Who's going to be fooled by advertisements so transparently false and misleading? Not the editorial boards of all Oregon's major newspapers. Not our major business and labor organizations. And certainly not the 46,000 employers and their 530,000 workers who depend on SAIF for workers comp insurance. Its a shame, really. Liberty could have chosen to work for Oregon, and collaborate in helping SAIF make Oregon the safest workplace in America. Instead they're trying to pick our pockets. Don't be fooled. Visit the websites. Read the editorials and the Voters Pamphlet. Defeat corporate greed and vote a loud "no" on Measure 38. Steve Robinson, Eugene
HAMPTON'S THE ONE I recently moved from West Lane District to East Lane District. I am pleased with the responsiveness of Don Hampton as the new East Lane County Commissioner. His experience as mayor of Oakridge and appointed commissioner is impossible to replace. Please join me in voting to keep Don Hampton as our county commissioner! Linda Corcoran, Lorane
RESOUNDING PROOF As I left the John Edwards rally in Eugene, I was greeted by the usual handful of stalwart young republicans. Two of them were clad in body-sized foam rubber flip flops. I immediately thought of the old saying "If you can't change your mind, are you sure you still have one?" In the face of resounding proof that all of his prewar intelligence on Iraq was dead wrong, Bush refuses to admit even the slightest mistake. Now, I know how much we value steely eyed bullheadedness in this country, but I'd much rather have a president who looks capable of thought than one who looks just plain stupid. Those foam-swathed students had a point. The time for change is here. Vote Kerry. Vote for real change. Christina Lay, Eugene
A CARING COUPLE I recently moved from a great neighborhood. People there are friendly and kids play in groups just like when I was young, too many years ago. Often they gather at one house in particular where there are always snacks and gentle supervision by the creative and caring couple living there. One young boy, Sam (for privacy, not their real names), had a tough life at home and was often at this neighborhood gathering place. His mom had real difficulties, and things went from bad to worse after he found his father dead, hanging from a tree in their backyard. Sam had problems and clearly needed more help than he could get from his mom. When she had to move into a motel, the young couple stepped up and took Sam in. They drive him to school, cook his favorite meals, arrange play dates with his friends, and love him. For the first time in his young life, when they tuck him into bed at night, Sam feels safe. So who is this young couple that has literally saved this boy's life? Mary and Dianne. That's right – lesbians. A couple we are asked to amend the State Constitution for, to forever restrict their access to the same legal rights Sam's "real" parents have. This young couple deserves our thanks, our deepest appreciation – not our cold shoulder. Just ask Sam. He knows now what real family feels like. Please vote no on Measure 36. Tim Mueller, Eugene
NOT PUSHING AGENDA Recently I saw a commercial encouraging Oregonians to vote yes on 36. The message was that children would be confused if we allowed same sex marriage. I know this is a difficult issue for many fervently religious people in our community. Please try to understand that the GLBT community is not trying to push anything on anyone. It is a frightening, confusing and lonely childhood for GLBT human beings. These children are the ones who have been hurt and continue to be by those who would create ballot measures like 36. All that a no vote will do to children is that when they reach sexual maturity they can relax in the sane notion that they will not be discriminated against or hated for whatever sexual preference they choose. Most children will naturally choose heterosexuality. Those few that choose homosexuality, if allowed to grow up without prejudice and hatred, will have a better chance to reach their full potential. Voting to continue to ostracize millions of American citizens by denying them equality under the law, simply perpetuates a society of fundamentalist ideology no different than the extreme fundamentalism found in the Middle East. Vote for inclusion, vote for tolerance, vote for a more enlightened society, vote no on 36. Mark Mazza, Eugene
CLEAR WIN NEEDED Now that the election is only a few weeks or days away, I wish to clarify some of the reasons we should vote for John Kerry. We need to vote for Kerry so that there will be enough votes to win despite a likely repeat of the kinds of election rigging that occurred in Florida and elsewhere in 2000 and to counteract the new factor of riggable voting machines in many states. We have the wrong president because we have wrong laws (electoral college, etc.) and our wrong president started the wrong war (Iraq): kick the Bush's ass and kick the electoral college's ass. It is theoretically true in the U.S. that all adults have the right to vote but the bigger truth is that only rich people and rich corporations have the right to buy votes/media/frauds wholesale and thus determine the outcome of most elections: that is why we have so many criminals and liars at the top of the government. The overlord of the world is the corporations and most U.S. politicians are whores being wined, dined and fucked by the overlord. Most ordinary persons are barely visible pawns brainwashed by bought medias and bought politicians and bought commercials and bought political ads and bought schools. Unregulated corporations are a curse and an abomination which leads to the savagery called war, the savagery called torture and the savage called George W. Bush. Bob Saxton, Eugene
FLOYD MEETS RUSH After the spectacle of the first presidential debate, I tuned in Rush Limbaugh the following day to see what the "official" spin would be on one of the most one-sided debates in U.S. history. Rush was his usual fatuous, arrogant self, of course, but what was extremely disturbing about the show had nothing to do with Limbaugh. There, at the 11:44 am commercial break was an advertisement for Sen. Floyd Prozanski. I really haven't known quite what to do with this. Our supposedly "progressive" Eugene senator advertising on the radio show of the sworn enemy of all progressive ideas seems astonishing. Worse, cynically handing over the hard-earned contributions of his supporters to literally help enrich this craven demagogue bespeaks an astonishing lapse of judgment that I cannot reconcile, try though I have. If, on the one hand, Prozanski intentionally advertises on Rush Limbaugh, it bespeaks a horrific political cynicism. On the other hand, if he's not aware that he's doing it, I have grave questions as to the senator's prudent management of his own resources. I don't think anyone handed Floyd money expecting it to go to Rush Limbaugh. Having spearheaded an effort to boycott hate radio advertisers, I now find progressives sponsoring hate radio. So, I have a dilemma: I do not shop at or patronize any business that advertises on Rush. Mainly because I don't care to support his brand of McCarthyism (Joe) with my hard-earned cash. Now I wonder what I'm supposed to do with my vote. Hart Williams, Eugene
SEX IN THE CITY While we at Planned Parenthood appreciate EW's endorsement of our services, "Being There & Being Safe" (Back to Campus, 10/7), we must take this opportunity to share some education about "sex in your new city." Planned Parenthood respects each individual's right to make decisions about sexuality and relationships. However, the tone of the recent article implied objectification of sex and a lack of deference for mutually respectful relationships. Our focus is on helping people make lifelong responsible choices. We believe that you have the right to information and services to protect yourself, that you must respect yourself and your partner, and you have a responsibility to act in a manner that is consistent with your values and beliefs. In light of this, we are here for everyone. We are here as a reliable source to turn to in confidence — with confidence. We strive to provide access to quality, affordable heath care as well as comprehensive education on issues relating to sexual health. As a reminder to students at the UO, you also have access to reproductive health care services at your own student health center. Regardless of where you choose to access services, do so to protect yourself and your partner. This will make for much better "youthful memories" to keep you sane in your future, protecting you from unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Kellie Shoemaker , VP for Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood
THE REAL CAUSE Measure 35 is a change to our Constitution being bankrolled by the insurance companies, HMOs, and pharmaceutical companies as a cure for high medical malpractice premiums for doctors. But anyone in the financial industry can tell you that the real cause of high premiums is the slump in the stock market — that we all experienced — beginning in 2000. The insurance industry is covering its losses by jacking up the rates for doctors. Now the insurance companies want to limit Oregonians' rights to a fair day in court. Constitutional Amendment 35 won't help doctors and it will hurt Oregonians. I urge Oregonians to vote no on 35. Mardel Chinburg, Eugene
WHERE'S MY JOB? It has become abundantly clear that President Bush is completely out of touch with the working class. When asked what he will do for Americans who have lost their jobs, he says "We will educate them. We're improving education so Americans can have better jobs. College degrees lead to jobs." Obviously education is of the utmost importance. It may be that in 16 years, today's kindergartners will have high-paying jobs; however, Americans need help now. Higher education is rapidly moving toward becoming a privilege only for the wealthy and for many who do manage to earn a college degree, the job market consists of mostly low-wage jobs that barely pay a living wage, let alone cover the outrageous amount of student loan debt. I have a bachelor's degree (and $35,000 dollars in student loans) which I earned with an A- average. Despite this, I work a low-wage job and can barely afford groceries. I have had no luck finding new work, yet according to the president, I have done everything right. I do have a college degree, after all. Where is my high-paying job? Where are the jobs for thousands like me who either have a degree but no job or those who have lost jobs they've worked in for decades and are now being told "more education and training" will help them? Americans deserve a President who is interested in the welfare of the working class. George Bush has failed us in the worst way. Jobetta Hedelman, Eugene
BURYING IT ALIVE Oregon: Things look different here! This old promotional slogan summarizes why many of us live in Oregon. If Ballot Measure 37 passes, however, Oregon will begin to look just like everyplace else, with suburban subdivisions replacing farmland, speculative strip malls generating traffic snarls, and wildfires increasing as rural homesteads pop up throughout forestlands. Proponents of Measure 37 realize they cant pass an initiative to repeal the land use system. They've already tried three times, and failed. Oregonians believe in the regulations that help limit urban sprawl, protect farm and forest land, reduce infrastructure cost, and protect property value by restricting incompatible development. Since they can't kill the land use system directly, proponents of Measure 37 are trying to bury it alive under a mountain of red tape and paperwork. Measure 37 requires elected officials either to pay property owners to comply with land use regulations, or to abandon those regulations. Since the measure would cost up to $344 million dollars in administrative costs alone, governments would run out of money before any property owner received a dime. Their only choice would be to stop enforcing the land use regulations that protect farm and forest land, prevent sprawl, and protect property value. Measure 37 is not about compensating property owners. It's about ending land use planning in Oregon. Vote no on Measure 37 to ensure that Oregon isn't Ore-gone. Susan C. Wolling, Eugene
ARE WE SAFER? U.S. arms inspector Charles Duelfer has again confirmed that Iraq possessed no weapons of mass destruction well prior to the 2003 American-led invasion. Nonetheless, George Bush and Dick Cheney continue to assert that America is safer today with Saddam Hussein in custody. In reality, Bush's poorly conceived war has had the opposite effect. Insurgents have flooded into Iraq in Saddam's absence, creating the very terrorist training ground that previously was just a Bush/Cheney fiction. And we've learned that while Iraq had no WMDs for years, Saddam's evasiveness was likely a smokescreen aimed at keeping its historic enemy Iran at bay. So rather than removing a global tyrant with supposed weapons of mass destruction, America removed a regional tyrant who was keeping the balance-of-power with Iran in check. Regardless of what Bush says, his actions have made the world a more dangerous place, while costing thousands of American military plus Iraqi civilian lives and defocusing America from the real war on terror. These are not the actions of a competent military leader. Randall Omel, Eugene
NO TIME TO BICKER I finally found reasons to vote for Kerry instead of Nader, if it isn't too late. One reason is a very impressive list of 113 members that Nader selected for his "Nader 2000 Citizen Committee," who say this time we should support Kerry, "even though we strongly disagree with Kerry's policies on Iraq and other issues." The other reason is a recent report that the main cause of global warming (excess atmospheric CO2) seems to be accelerating, most likely due to positive feedback effects. It begins to look like we no longer have time right now to worry about things like reviving democracy. We need to take more immediate action to get rid of the main barrier to saving the world from global warming. Once again, we need to vote against Bush rather than for what we really believe. Dan Robinson, Eugene
SORRY, GEORGE An open letter to President Bush: If you can't handle Sen. John Kerry in a debate, how can we expect you to protect us from terrorists, who, as a rule, are a lot meaner and deadlier? This time, trying to put a label on a Democrat won't make him run and hide. John Kerry has stood up to people who were shooting at him with real ammo and your spoiled rich frat boy scowling just makes him more determined. Labels don't make policies, people do. I trust Kerry to represent the interests of me, my family and working Americans everywhere far better than you could ever dream of. You have made it abundantly clear to all Americans that you care about four things only: yourself and your family, your rich and powerful friends, the almighty dollar and getting re-elected. On Nov. 2, the American people are going to make it plain and simple for you: "George, you're fired!" John Jordan-Cascade, Eugene
BRING IT HOME How can Bush paint Kerry as a tax-and-spend-liberal when Bush has never — never in four years — vetoed a single spending bill crossing his desk? Bush took the U.S. credit card and ran it up over its limit, transforming the largest surplus the U.S. has ever had into the largest U.S. deficit. Bush gave the top 1 percent of Americans a whopping $87 billion tax windfall while shifting the tax burden onto those making less than $87,000 a year. Bush also presided over the largest loss of good-paying jobs in U.S. history over 70 years. Do you have a good job with security which promises you will be working there next year or next month? Does your new job bring you low-cost health care for your family? Do you have a secure retirement? Do not count on Social Security if Bush and Cheney wins — they have no plan to save it. Don't be fooled by Bush and Cheney into voting against your own best interest! Take away this man's credit card and stop our country's headlong flight into middle class misery! For the country's sake — and your own — bring it home and vote for Kerry and Edwards. Stephanie Hampton, Corvallis
DIFFERENT WORLD George Bush is sending mixed messages. Mission accomplished: What was accomplished? And we're still there with more people dying than before. Or was there some other mission all along? America is safer. How, with so many Americans dying and wounded in Iraq, are we safer when a singer (Cat Stevens) and a senator (Ted Kennedy) aren't allowed onto airplanes? Or, shouldn't we vote on which singers and senators are excluded? The world is safer. More countries suffer from terrorism, and children are dying in Iraq. Or is Mr. Bush's world different? Leadership: Bush wants us and the troops to follow his leadership. This leader has refused refused military orders for a physical exam. He wants to lead, but couldn't follow. Or is his motto "Do as I say, not as I do?" Stay the course: but the course is wrong. Perseverance requires vision and willingness to examine realities. Or is it better to be "strong" than right? Spreading liberty. Does the PATRIOT Act spread liberty? We have less liberty than four years ago. Or is liberty like peanut butter — can we spread it at will? America's economy is getting stronger. Really? We're sending jobs overseas. Unemployment and underemployment are high. Gasoline costs $2 a gallon. Or is Mr. Bush talking about Halliburton's profits? John Kerry is right: This is the wrong war, the wrong place, the wrong time. No mixed message there. David Mandelblatt, Eugene
BE VERY AFRAID The "home of the brave" has been quivering under an endless barrage of "be afraid — be very afraid" messages of terror from the Bush campaign. I have been embarrassed to see my countrymen quiver in fear and suggest, "Save us Mr. Bush. Save us." Like Olive Oil pleaded to Popeye. Is Bush going to "save us" with his proclaimed decisiveness under pressure. We'll lets pull our frightened little ostrich heads out of sand and peek at Bush under real pressure: On April 13, 2004, Bush stated at a press conference, "And the answer is that had I had any inkling whatsoever that the people were going to fly airplanes into buildings, we would have moved heaven and earth to save the country." But when the most horrific, unprecedented attack on American soil did occur, Bush did not even "move" his rear end off a chair to do anything at all! He continued reading, "My Pet Goat." The rest of us at least ran to the TV. He claimed he was "appearing" calm. It was time to "be" decisive and act. He didn't know what to do then. He doesn't know what to do now. Candy Neville, Eugene
WARPATH As a full time bicycle rider, I tell you its asymmetric war out there! Cell phone drivers in tanks and kamikaze bicyclists. As I've retreated to the sidewalks, Mr. squirrel has almost become collateral damage. Battle worn, I was hoping to grow old with electric scooter grace. Endless war on the streets of Eugene is frightening. I would not want to be in the lawsuit that Roy Lemke mentions (R-G, 9/30). I was hoping to detour onto the Amazon Bike Path (ABP.) It disheartens me to hear the command decisions of those in authority (R-G, 9/16). Sgt. Schulz said, "police would have a tough time distinguishing between gas powered devices and electric models." I know he is not talking about the rank and file. I can hear the sound of "in coming!" gas scooters a half-mile away. Councilor Kelly asked the council to make the distinction between electric and gas engines — an enlightened view based on an understanding of the technology. An electric scooter is more likely to run out of power, than to death race on the ABP. Those who neglect understanding technology are doomed to be abused by it. Motorists who curse bicyclists do not understand conservation of motion. Cell phone use in cars is the natural progression of Telematics. Hydrogen powered vehicles are years away and there will never be a solar powered tank. Therefore, we will need a pragmatic solution if we want to win the global warming war. Brian Gallagher, Eugene
WHO'S DOING BETTER? Does anyone ask themselves why they should feel safer with an administration that allowed Sept. 11 to happen, while ignoring numerous intelligence reports warning them it was coming? Bush says that Kerry will not protect us. How much worse could he possibly do? George Bush's record is readily available to all those who really want to know the truth. Beyond the lies and the sound bites, it's a horror. The only people doing better now than four years ago are the wealthiest among us. The only places doing better are the playgrounds for the wealthy. And the only things doing better are all owned by the wealthy. How many among us actually see things improving in any fashion whatsoever? Do you see more jobs, with better pay, breath better air, drink cleaner water, have a better quality of life than four years ago? Has your "tax cut" covered all of the increases in fees and hidden taxes you're now paying? I doubt it! Bush had his shot at it, and he bankrupted and abused us just like his other businesses. I urge you to vote for John Kerry, before Bush gets to appoint two or more Supreme Court Justices, and we (and our children) have to live with that extremist legacy for 30 years! Love your children, and vote for Kerry. Love your country, and vote for Kerry. Love the world, and vote for Kerry. Richard Baynton, Eugene
THE DOMINATOR Thank God — I thought that Kerry completely dominated the debate, except for a couple of small mistakes. Bush's denial of ever saying the quote about Osama is going to haunt him up until the election. I'm sure there will be a commercial contrasting the debate denial with the actual phrase. I was very surprised that Bush did not seem as empathetic as I thought he would be. Especially on that softball question about what he would tell a worker who lost their job, he seemed controlled and robotic instead of compassionate. So did Kerry, but a draw for Kerry on that type of question is a win, because it means Bush missed a golden opportunity to score points. Bush was very good for the first 15 seconds of his closing, but then somehow the compassion and concerned vibe just fell off and he was just giving a stump speech. I thought Kerry's closing was remarkably good and much, much better than his closing after the first debate. Dharam Singh Khalsa, Eugene
STRONGER AMERICA After three debates between John Kerry and George W. Bush, the differences between the two candidates could not be more clear. John Kerry has laid out a plan to make America stronger: make health care affordable for every American, reduce the federal deficit so we don't leave future generations with huge debts, engage our allies and train Iraqis to win the peace in Iraq, eliminate tax breaks for large corporations and wealthy individuals, and make America respected in the world and secure from terrorist attacks. George W. Bush and his administration continue to lie to the American people. They think that a folksy attitude and a mention of religious faith will blind American voters to their failures and greed. I don't think the American people are that stupid. The choice is clear. America needs a new direction. I'm choosing strong leadership. I'm choosing John Kerry and John Edwards. Moira Kiltie, Eugene
VOTE FOR ME Ralph Nader is still lurking in the dark, tempting us with his Halloween candy, and I'm trying to understand how some readers of this thoughtful paper can base such an important dietary decision on an appeal solely to the sweetness receptors on their tongues, oblivious to the obvious danger to their overall nutrition. My bewilderment goes beyond his obvious unelectability. Even if somehow he won, our government has three branches, not one, and none of the things he promises could possibly be achieved by a president alone. And what are his goals, exactly? He tells us in excruciating detail what's wrong with the other guys, but only in vague generalities what's right with him. He has all the appeal of a Snickers bar. To whom, other than children, does this sort of thing appeal? And why him? Why is there no comparable movement to vote for the Dalai Lama or Sinead O'Connor? I guess it's because they're not declared candidates. Therefore, I want to announce my candidacy for president of the U.S. I offer a plan much like Nader's, only more so. If elected, I will cure cancer and AIDS, erase the national debt in a month, guarantee women equal pay, and cause all the nuclear weapons on Earth to drift up into space and float harmlessly into the sun. Oh, and I'll also find a way to make a diet of pure candy nutritious. Thank you for your support. Steve Downey, Eugene
WRONG FOCUS Despite claims by its supporters, Constitutional Amendment 35 does nothing to fix the problem of medical negligence. The National Practicioner Data Bank reports that only 5 percent of doctors account for 54 percent of malpractice cases. If we really want to do something to improve patient safety, we should be cracking down on those very few negligent doctors instead of limiting Oregonians access to justice by amending the Constitution. Vote no on Amendment 35. Nancy Garboden, Eugene
RETURN DEFAZIO As an Oregon Republican and a U.S. Vietnam combat veteran who is a life member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans, I do so urge other Republicans in this area to vote and return Congressman Peter DeFazio to office this election. The only thing Peter DeFazio can be accused of is being a very good Democrat, it is easy to understand that if he had been a Republican that he would have been a good Republican also. I think that at this time it is a foolish concept to throw away all the senior Congress weight the man has worked for years to establish. And I also point out that the National Rifle Association was forced to rank him a "B" class defender of the Right to Bear Arms — a reluctant but honest admission. Vote for the right veteran to return to Congress; Peter DeFazio. Our troops know him and need him. Daniel J. Moore, Springfield
DON'T LIMIT RIGHTS If approved, Constitutional Amendment 35 would unfairly hurt the most vulnerable in our society—children, the elderly, stay-at-home moms and others who contribute to society, but do not earn big paychecks. For medical malpractice victims who do not qualify for economic damages like lost wages, non-economic jury awards can be all they have. Don't limit your rights. Join me in voting no on Constitutional Amendment 35. Robyn Gathright, Eugene
RESISTING AGGRESSION Imagine America as weak and brutalized by a much stronger nation. Imagine being forced into camps and unable to support our families. Imagine water, food supply, roads, and electricity cut off, paralyzing our schools, hospitals, and dreams. Many Americans would hope other nations would come to our aid. Some would form militias to resist an aggressor that shoots even those who defiantly throw rocks at tanks. Certainly, those militias would never say die, even when armed with a handful of missiles against the world's fourth largest military — one bankrolled by the so-called leader of the free world. Of course, the "leader of the free world" is America. We bankroll Israel's slow extermination of Palestinians. We arm and send our most extreme religious Jews to homes in new settlements amid Palestinian land (90 percent of settlers are Americans, their outpost homes largely paid for by American "Christian" organizations). Then we turn our eyes away from the one-sided slaughter. How can this happen when Americans claim to have become cognizant of and sensitive to the tragic genocide that occurred while settling the American "frontier"? How can we call ourselves great while repeating the same disgraceful injustice? Why are Palestinian suicide bombers considered terrorists when the now-honored pro-Israel suicide bombers of WW II London are not? The only thing that threatens Israel's existence is Israel's brutality. And the same goes for America. Greatness comes from wisdom and humility, and we exhibit neither. When conscience displaces fanaticism and hope replaces desperation, we'll live in peace instead of fear. Brian Bogart, Eugene
ARROGANT TEXAN It's amazing and almost surreal to daily watch Karl Rove and the high financed republican machine manipulate the truth to the television fed public. Yesterday however was different, we the people got to see the candidates stand on their own two feet. Even with the best coaching money can buy and hours of rehearsed lines, Bush showed his true nature and intelligence. The president has always been sheltered from harm's way and he "watches on TV" how tough it is. Does he really know? I would rather have John Kerry in a fox hole with me anytime over the arrogant tough-talking Texan, he's been under fire and served our country with honor. What has George Bush done for the average American in the past four years? Sent the price of gas out the roof and our children to war all the while plundering our environment to the highest bidder and spreading the gap between rich and poor. I'm proud to be American and proud to kick Bush out of the white house. The man in charge has got to go! John Swan, Dexter
BUSH EVASION George Bush again evaded the question posed in the second debate whether he had possibly made a mistake in the thousands of decisions he has made in his term as pPresident. Rather than admit responsibility, the best he could do was to say: "Let history be the judge." This might be possible if not for Bush's secretive governing style used since his days as governor of Texas. Additionally, one of George W. Bush's first acts in office was to expunge his daddy's papers which were set by law to enter the public domain at that time. Denied our history of George I by George II might lead a skeptic to believe that history as Judge can only be DOA. Richard Gross, Deadwood
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