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BENEFICIAL MIX It almost seems like common sense to locate public relations and advertising majors in business schools, not journalism schools. After all, those majors are about representing businesses and other organizations, not about gathering news for the public. Apparently, that's what George Beres believes (8/4). That's a simple-minded view of the question, however. Students heading for careers in public relations and advertising need to learn how the media operate — their standards, their methods, the ins-and-outs of the business. The place they can get that knowledge is in journalism schools, not business schools. There's another advantage, too. Through journalism programs, the public relations and advertising students learn about the ethical principles that govern the news media. That's a big benefit to everyone. Many of the best journalism schools in the country, including the UO, offer majors in public relations and advertising. It's a no-brainer. Arnold Ismach, Retired dean of UO School of Journalism & Communication & former daily newspaper editor
SIGNIFICANT OTHER When I first read Jeff Lansing's (7/28) letter about his OCF refugee status, I rolled my eyes: Here we go. Now, with Alba Lindquist's (8/4) letter, I feel as though it is only "fair" to speak up. When my family moved here to Eugene and first attented the OCF (as paying ticket-holders) we fell in love with the spirit, energy and creativity of the fair. We knew we wanted to become a part of this energetic and dynamic community. My partner volunteered on the construction crew and the first year, after having worked well over 80 hours in the month before fair (most construction crew members work an average of 150 hours a year!), he was given a weekend day-pass. It was OK, though, we knew that it took time and dedication to earn a permanent spot on a crew — they see so many who volunteer to get a pass, but don't do the work involved. The next year, he got a full-access pass and an SO (significant other) pass for me. Of course, my child was always welcome — there is no charge for kids under 11 on any level. As for myself, I have fallen so in love with the history and preservation efforts of the fair, I volunteer on a non-existent crew — just helping out to share my love of the land and the community — I will never have a pass of my own, and I'm OK with that. I also pay $55 every year for my SO. What I want to know, Lansing and Lindquist, is what makes you so elite that you should be allowed to remain during camping hours on a $16 day pass? Or to be lovingly allowed to sneak in without working to put the event together? We have children here — should we allow any random person to have access to our sleeping areas? And no — it's not some big-drug crazed party after the sweepers close out the gates. For most of us who have been working all day, it's a chance to finally get some food, or rest quietly at camp with friends we haven't seen all year, or take a quiet stroll past a small group of musicians playing an impromtu jam. And especially regarding Lindquist's complaints, you should be glad you don't have to (gasp) sleep nearby those filthy heathens — right? Kristina Mullins, Eugene
DENIAL'S NO RIVER It's been 60 years since the U.S. made a calculated decision to incinerate tens of thousands of civilians by means of atomic weapons (WMDs, folks). Now Pakistani nuclear physicist Pervez Hoodbhoy tells us (R-G Commentary, 7/17) that Islamic extremists are preparing "briefcase bombs" for delivery to some of our major cities. Various commentators say it's practically a "fait accompli." Reasons why? According to Hoodbhoy, "The United States has bombed more than a dozen countries since 1948, and recently killed tens of thousands on the pretext of chasing weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. It claims to be a force for democracy and the rule of law despite a long history of supporting the bloodiest of dictators, rejecting the International Criminal Court and continuing to develop nuclear weapons." I have two words for the current American lexicon: denial, and karma. We always want to believe we're special, but the grown-up news for Americans is that we incinerate just as quickly (and painfully) as anybody. And the way we've been playing — only fools buy the trumped-up rationales — we've got a little something coming. Sorry. Elephant. Living room. Vip B. Short, Eugene
TWO NEW HOSPITALS? In the last five years the increase in annual overall inflation has been 2 to 4 percent. During the same period health care costs have accelerated by 10 to 14 percent per year. The cost of real estate has increased over 10 percent in just the last year. If we build two new hospitals, one in Springfield and the other in Eugene, will this result in a reduction in health cost to the consumer? Is this action in the community's best interest? Sacred Heart Medical Center has decided to move to Springfield, further challenging McKenzie-Willamette Hospital's viability. Problems seem to continue to surface. In the July 23 R-G it was revealed that moving the EWEB building would cost between $60 to $90 million. This might make this site not possible as a site for the "downtown" hospital. Also missing from all of these discussions is the fact that Sacred Heart is leaving an existing facility in the "downtown." An emergency room, surgery suites, ICUs, all support departments and some of the most talented health care professions in the state occupy this building. Many of these employees have relocated to be close to their place of work. In addition, much of the cost of this "downtown" hospital has been paid for by the federal government Hill-Burton Act funds. This money came from our taxes. It belongs to us. Let's be efficient and reclaim our natural resource. It was built with public funds, it should continue to serve the public to the highest degree possible. Doing this would give us a downtown hospital at a bargain price, because much of it has already been paid for by us. Angelo Jackson, Eugene
FLYING HIGH This is a letter of recognition and praise for the recent production "Flying High," a series of plays by Bjo Ashwill that were performed at the Hult July 26. The whole evening was a celebration of the 15th anniversary of ADA (American Disabilities Act). Hats off to LILA (Lane Independence Living Alliance) and friends. The evening started with a Gala where words were given (including Mayor Piercy) in praise of the many people who are working to make this community friendly and usable for those whole live and visit here. The fun continued in the Soreng Theater where we were treated to four one-act plays which entertained and educated us TABs (Temporarily Able-Bodied) to the world of limitations and possibilities. How great to see so many have a chance to shine on stage and to have so much fun as well. Thanks to all who made it possible. My wish would be that it could be an annual event. What a creative opportunity that would offer. Martha Snyder, Eugene
PAID VACATION President Bush was recently given a complete physical exam and was found to be in extremely good health. Maybe if I had free access to the best health care and 10 vacations a year, I could have better health too. President Bush is on track to set the record for the most presidential days off. He is just starting a five-week vacation on his private ranch, which has me worried because just after the last time he took a long break at his ranchero, 15 Saudis were able to attack us. Michael T. Hinojosa, Drain
SMOKESCREEN I am infuriated about the smokescreen the White House is putting up around President Bush's Supreme Court nominee, John Roberts. The fact that Roberts is a member of the Federalist Society is only dwarfed by the fact that he lied about his membership in this ultraconservative legal group and about his role on its steering committee. I also am enraged about the White House's decisions to withhold Roberts' tax records and his legal record. The citizens have a right to know more about who might serve on the highest court in the land for the rest of his lifetime. I will do what I can to oppose this nominee. I hope many others will do the same. Marie A. Vitulli, Eugene
DEATH AND TAXES Below is the text of a letter I sent to the IRS on Nov. 10, 2004 and an excerpt of the reply I just received. Dear IRS: I acknowledge that I owe the taxes shown in your records. As long as President Bush is waging an illegal war in Iraq, I will not be paying this amount voluntarily. The money is in the bank and you can come and take it. But I will not voluntarily pay for the execution of 100,000 Iraqi civilians, nor the maiming of over 10,000 American soldiers. Dear Taxpayer: We have determined that the arguments you raise are frivolous and have no basis in law. Federal courts have consistently ruled against such arguments and imposed significant fines for taking such frivolous positions. Frivolous? Not wanting to sanction the illegal and wasteful use of nearly 140,000 American solders, frivolous? Not standing silently by as nearly 1,800 young men and women have lost their lives, frivolous? Not wanting to be complicit in the deaths of more than 100,000 Iraqis, frivolous? Protesting an administration which has taken us to war on lies and manipulation, frivolous? What could be more significant? Carol Horne, Eugene
TERRIBLE IDEA Selling or leasing our Lane County Fairgrounds is a terrible idea. Having grown up enjoying this historic location, the Lane County Fair and all the various events during the year, I am annoyed that a tiny handful of county commissioners are maneuvering to auction off this popular facility. Keeping the fairgrounds within the city is a big bonus, giving great convenience to the county's population center. The gem shows, 4H Fair, microbrew festival and numerous youth programs mean a lot to thousands of citizens. The Fairgrounds has been a pleasant memory maker for almost 100 years. Placing a hospital on this site is a short-sighted idea; we already have a hospital nearby. There is no reason to dismantle this facility that gives so much pleasure to over a million visitors a year. Having grown up in rural Lane County and then resided in Eugene during my studies at the UO, I appreciate the unique connection between urban and rural cultures that the Lane Events Center provides. Call your County Commissioners and tell them not to sell out Lane County citizens by selling this priceless facility to narrow special interests. Shouldn't the public interest come first? Molly I. Halpern, Eugene
TWO-SECOND RULE After having lived in several large cities, I moved to sleepy little Eugene where I planned to spend my retirement years. However, I had no idea how dangerous Eugene could be for walkers and bikers. Since living here, my son was hit and knocked off his bike by a driver pulling out of a downtown driveway. Though my son was lying on the street, the driver kept going and did not stop to help him. While walking in crosswalks downtown, on two occasions I was nearly run over by drivers who didn't see, or ignored, the signals and crosswalk rules. On one occasion I ran for the curb to keep from getting run over by a driver who slammed on the brakes and skidded into the crosswalk. While riding my bike on 5th Avenue an Amtrak bus once turned sharply in front of me and had I not been alert and with good breaks I would have slammed into the side of him and been run over. Since living in Eugene I have developed my two-second rule. When my light turns green, I always wait two seconds for those drivers who are running the red light to make it through the intersection. In all my years of living in other cities, never once did I experience the hazards from drivers that I have experienced and read about here. People usually break the rules that are not enforced, so I can only attribute our hazards from autos to poor controls by our police department. Wayne Pierce, Eugene
RAMPANT HYPOCRISY Lance Jacobs' letter (6/21) states Jeff "Free" Luers was indoctrinated into anarchism, as if he was weak-minded, having no direction of his own. I've only seen evidence that Jeff is one of the most intelligent young people breathing on this earth, quite capable of coming to logical conclusions. Not only that, he's refreshingly honest about his motives and his prevailing pride in his intent when torching those SUVs. In Jeff's letter (7/7), he points out that which should be obvious to us all in regard to property damage, asking, "what makes an individual act of sabotage more serious than crimes committed by governments and transnational corporations? Why is the destruction of an SUV more noteworthy than climate change and the accelerated rate of extinction worldwide?" To a large degree, well-informed people know who the most egregious criminals are, how the wealthiest, most powerful international corporate terrorists threaten the life of the planet and its inhabitants, and what actions need to be done to bring about change. Furthermore, I would like to say that I have grave doubts that Martin Luther King Jr. would be proud to have a street or a parkway named after him. I don't see any honor there. Perhaps MLK would feel insulted by these hollow gestures in light of all the heinous hypocrisy running rampant. I suggest Lance Jacobs become more knowledgeable about world events, look at the big picture, and express criticism where it's appropriate. There's plenty to do. Sherry Franzen, Eugene
AWKWARD IRONY Matt Hannigan's letter of suggestions (7/14) on how to socialize in a new town could be read at least two distinct ways — as a nice, PG-rated attempt at humor, which goes to show why he does not have a syndicated column like the increasingly clever "Too Much Coffee Man" or "Date Girl" (neither do I for that matter). Or, his letter was a Wonder Bready attempt at irony. Either way, if I dare open my cakehole after enduring 42 years of hard knocks, at least I try to offer views you can use or refuse. His final suggestion, "if all else fails, write to me. I'll be happy to be your friend," is about as substantial as the aforementioned bread with the crusts cut off in the rain (thanks to Gaylynn for that one). Where's his address and contact details? EW hung out my dirty Coolmax by printing my website, and I have since received some postings from folks who are relishing the chance to be Dr. Phil from the anonymity of their own Internet connection. Ah, everyone loves talk shows! Matt is a clearly a well-balanced individual who has a full address book of baseball buddies from his Thurston High School days on his mobile phone, but who has probably never traveled outside his own zip code unless it was on a package deal, well-insulated from brown and slanty-eyed people like me. Perhaps he's one of those Dr. Phils posturing away anonymously on my blog. The only thing I admire more than authenticity (in a land where "people pay money to do courses on how to be honest" — to quote a friend) is GUTS. We're all born with them, but they're stuck under folds of fat and flesh — no wonder they get underutilized. Lynette Chiang, www.galfromdownunder.com LINE OF FIRE I just wanted to offer a brief response to Clayton River's letter (7/14). I've only just recently learned about Critical Mass and the efforts of bicycle activists in this town, and I wanted to say to Clayton and all the participants of Critical Mass that I wholeheartedly support your efforts. I too have suffered a fair number of near misses with careless drivers. I too am greatly frustrated with the growing number of cars on our once peaceful streets. I too long for a day when responsible transportation decisions will not put you in the line of fire of the uncaring, self-centered and hostile drivers of SUVs and other large vehicles. I hope that those of you who do choose to drive will recognize the real threat automobiles pose to the rest of us, and for safety's sake, please hang up your phones! Rachel Jensen, Eugene Cyclist
SNEAKY ANNA Hats off to recent press reporting for exposing the June 1 secret conversation between Commissioners Anna Morrison, Faye Stewart and McKenzie-Willamette top brass. What part of the public's right to know don't these politicians understand? It is obvious that these talks included conversations about Triad's purchase and possible partial land swap of its old hospital building in a package deal with the county. A free press is the public's guardian against official corruption and secret deal-making. Open government protects the broad public interest over narrow special interests who prefer secrecy. Morrison has this bad habit of sneaky backroom deal-making that reflects contempt for the rights of the press and the public to know about key decisions. Along the same vein, she recently had undisclosed talks with development interests about the 80-acre Florence-Glenada dunes property sale. Before that, it was secret conversations with Eugene Sand & Gravel owners, again causing a public uproar. The Lane County Fairgrounds issue is too important and complex for political hacks to be cutting deals — leaving fellow commissioners, the press and the public totally in the dark. Marilyn V. Miller, Florence
LOVE THE VOID Like Gabriella Anelauskaite (7/28), I also enjoy going to the library and finding new DVDs available for free. I'm just sorry that she thinks the wide-screen format is her enemy. You see, since a TV screen is obviously shaped differently than a movie screen, a theatrical film usually has to be "formatted" in order to fill that entire screen. Unfortunately, that formatting inevitably involves trimming the image itself. While these trims are sometimes limited to the borders of the picture, there have been cases where 40 percent of a film's surface area had to be cut away in order to cram it onto a TV screen. Wide-screen, on the other hand, preserves the entire image as it was originally shot and meant to be seen. Comparing the wide-screen and full-screen versions of films like Pulp Fiction and 2001 clearly shows how much of the picture is lost with full-screen. The reason wide-screen is becoming such a dominant format on DVD is because people who know and care about film refuse to settle for anything less. As far as "special new TVs" go, my wife and I have a beat-up old set we bought from a neighbor for $40, and we're able to watch and enjoy widescreen movies without a problem. Hopefully, Ms. Anelauskaite with stop worrying and learn to love the "black void." All it means is that she can watch a film the way God (or Martin Scorsese) intended. Kris Bluth, Eugene
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