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PUZZLING CHALLENGE John McVickar (3/16) claims my disdain for Mr. Urhausen's Tax Court victory brought against the 4J and Bethel School levies was a case of liberal angst when we don't get our unconstitutional way. Unh-uh. 4J's levy was fashioned after a similar one in Ashland which cited (Measure 5's) ORS 310.155(3), banning property levies over Measure 5's limits "only if the sole purpose of a particular levy is for educational services." Like Ashland, we had a percentage (7 percent) of our levy dedicated to services apart from the school district. Ashland's levy had stood for several years without being challenged, even with the scrutiny of anti-tax activists. A bipartisan group of politicians, led by former Eugene Mayor Jim Torrey, vetted the levy here; put it to a vote; and, had it approved by a majority of our citizens. Pretty democratic so far. And, I must add, so is Mr. Urhausen's challenge. His initial victory in the Tax Court is now being appealed to the Oregon Supreme Court, in keeping with the constitutional process. Where I must concede a personal frailty is my inability to fathom why a citizen who had his own children educated in our district (pre-Measure 5), which prepared them sufficiently to progress on to colleges, would seek an outsider to finance a nuanced challenge to a local school levy. The levy was an added tax burden this community voluntarily placed onto its shoulders because Eugene nearly always supports the schools — Democratic Eugene, Republican Eugene, independent Eugene, whatever Eugene. I'm also guilty as all get out for resenting the direct consequences Mr. Urhausen's actions have caused for our students. When it comes to education, I'm a tax-and-spend liberal. I freely admit it. I wish these neo-cons would have the grace to allow some ad hominem responses when their agenda triumphs over kids. And when we respond with anguish and emotion at the damage done, I wish they would not insult us, saying we were idiots not to have seen their worldview from the beginning. Joseph H. Alsup, Principal, Crest Drive Elementary
BACK OFF & RELAX On the drive home from work the other day, I noticed the traffic in front of me starting to slow down. Peeking around the cars, I saw a large cluster of bicyclists riding in the street. Knowing a bike has the same legal right to the road as a car, I just shrugged my shoulders and kept on driving — albeit somewhat below the posted speed limit. I figured I might be a few minutes later getting home, but knew it wouldn't amount to much. While I, myself, and most of the other motorists were resignedly driving along, I observed a few cars toward the front blaring their horns at the bicyclists, revving their engines, and tailgating them dangerously close. One of the cars even swerved right through the middle of the group, nearly running over several panicking bicyclists in the process! I personally felt threatened by that sort of reckless driving (I'm sure most of the other motorists did too), as any resulting accidents would cause a pileup that I might not be able to avoid. Had I gotten the license plate number of that particular reckless driver, I would've immediately reported it to the police. It's just plain foolish for an impatient driver to risk the lives of these bike riders — not to mention the lives of other drivers — when all one has to do to avoid the whole situation is simply turn off on the next side street and bypass the entire group with ease. I, on the other hand, chose to reduce my driving speed for what couldn't have been more than a few minutes, until the bikes turned off onto another street. I didn't have to risk anyone's safety, and I still made it home on time for dinner. Paul Hilbert, Eugene
SAME OLD COPS Within the last year there have been more than a dozen burglaries in my neighborhood. Broken booze bottles and hypodermic needles litter the sidewalks. Cars screech by in the middle of the night, running over pets, lawns and fences, and there are often tussles in the street. The question my neighbors and I always have is, "Where are the Eugene city police when you need them?" Several shocking scandals have rocked the EPD in the last few years like: sending a tank through a Whiteaker neighborhood to bust a non-existent pot-growing operation; several incidents of racial profiling that tarnish Eugene's reputation of embracing diversity; and the real-life nightmare of rapists equipped with badges and guns. So should it surprise the EPD that the citizens of Eugene are not interested in buying them a brand new building? Keeping in mind the lack of trust between the EPD and the citizens who employ them, as well as the increase of property and violent crimes occurring in our city, you'd think the Eugene police would be concentrating on improving relations by cracking down on hard crime and being respectful toward the citizenry. But the absurd spectacle I saw in front of my house, with the Eugene city police using what looked like the entire police force to box in some bike riders on a Critical Mass bike ride, and then knock them off their bicycles, makes me realize the Eugene police haven't changed one bit. I'd much prefer my tax money go to having the police protect me and my family from people who are out to harm us, rather than brutalizing a group of peaceful bike riders who aren't a threat to anyone. I've personally complained to the EPD, and if you're a Eugene citizen who feels as if the police department could use some improvements, I urge you to call them as well at 682-5111. Talia Delman, Eugene
ESSENTIAL DEBATE Catching up on local news after a couple weeks out of town, I'm struck by the high quality of the discussion concerning the Whole Foods Market proposals carried in EW. A genuine vision of what Eugene's urban core can and should become seems to be emerging. In a sense, this paper is conducting the process of deliberation essential to enlightened and responsible self-governance. It's regrettable that our officials remain mired in the time-honored process by which land speculators determine development patterns based on motives of personal greed. Far from rewarding "investors" whose strategy is to destroy the value of property so it can be acquired cheaply for great profit at a much later date, citizens might consider ways to keep land in productive use and out of the hands of speculators. The single tax system of Henry George has been shown to be effective at accomplishing this goal by taxing property itself instead of improvements on it; speculators can't afford to hold unused property so it passes to its most productive use — and tax receipts grow! EW's good work will bear fruit — if not now, then in another election cycle or two. There is nothing more powerful than the creative vision of the people. Fergus McLean, Dexter
VOTE WITH DOLLARS There's been a lot of negative sentiment about the development of Whole Foods in Eugene lately. What people should realize is that we can bicker, complain and protest endlessly to no avail. If you oppose Whole Foods detracting from local business and culture, don't just complain, do something about it! Large corporations are not going to listen to bickering. If you want to speak to them, you have to communicate in a language they will clearly understand: the almighty dollar. If you believe in local business, support local business. Spend money locally and encourage your friends to do the same. These companies may not listen to your voice, but they will listen to your wallet. Remember, Whole Foods can only stay in business here with our support as a community. Without enough of our money to sustain it, Whole Foods would have to concede their bad investment and take their business elsewhere. Michael Kurcsics, Eugene
EXPLODING HEAD Did anyone but me feel a whole lot of cognitive dissonance at the March 18 peace rally? CD is when two incompatible ideas fight it out in your mind, leading to the exploding head syndrome. On March 16 our Rep. Peter DeFazio voted for another $68 billion for the wars In Iraq and Afghanistan. You can find the roll call vote at http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2006/roll065.xml Two days after his pro-war vote, DeFazio was one of the main speakers at the peace rally. Apparently the leaders who organized the rally wanted to send a message that no matter how DeFazio votes on the war, he is still one of us. Well he's not one of me, and I don't believe his vote represents his district. I'll vote against him next November. If Eugene peace leaders, otherwise known as Democrats, want to maintain their credibility, they should leave DeFazio off the invite list next time. Having him speak was dishonest. Lynn Porter, Eugene
FRIDAY'S RIDE I am a peaceful kind of guy. I enjoy hanging out with environmentally and socially conscious folks, but I get along with most everybody, in almost all social situations. I live simply so that others may simply live. By that I mean I don't consume more than I need to stay alive and care for my loved ones. I choose to ride a bike because I believe that I have an obligation to be part of the solution and I view automobiles as part of the problem. I will be taking part in this Friday's Critical Mass bike ride (17th and Charnelton at 5:30 pm). I do not intend to break any laws. This is not because I believe that the law is set to protect the best interests of the public. I know that it is not. I am simply a careful person and I don't intend to give the EPD any excuses to violate my right to the road. I have asked friends to keep a close watch on our local law enforcement and I encourage anyone else who intends to participate or witness the ride to bring video cameras as well. I hope that they will not need to be used, and if they are, I hope that anyone filming will be respectful of individuals who prefer not to be on tape by filming from behind. Gee, wouldn't it be nice to live in a town where you didn't have to worry about being harassed or killed just for riding a bike? Robert Forest, Eugene
SWITCH TO WIND EWEB residential customers: The latest EWEB rate increase offers you an opportunity to save money and help the environment. How? By switching to wind power. In all of EWEB's rate increases since 2000, wind power rates have remained unchanged. Check your latest electric bill: if you use more than 2300 kWh per month in the winter (November through April) or more than 1900 kWh per month in the summer (May through October), you can actually save money by switching to 100 percent wind power. Call EWEB today at 484-2411. Ask to switch to 100 percent wind power to reduce your power bills and your impact on the environment. Chris Jones, Eugene
NO BOIL FOR OIL I saw something the other day that really made my blood boil. It was a bumper sticker that read "No Blood for Oil." I've heard the slogan used by peaceniks all over this country who like to blame everything on our president. I figure it's probably pretty familiar to readers of your paper here in Eugene, so I figured this would be the place to address it, if you are willing to allow space for an "alternative" viewpoint. When are people going to wake up to the fact that George Bush is doing exactly what the American public wants? He is securing the resources that we need to maintain our beloved American lifestyle. If you don't want the war, then you better stop using the oil. There are plenty of red-blooded Americans who would be happy to take your share. Taylor Pierson, Springfield
SMOKING GUNS I would like to alert you to the introduction in the House of Representatives of HR635. This resolution would create a select committee to investigate the administration's intent to go to war before congressional authorization, manipulation of pre-war intelligence, encouragement and countenance torture, and retaliation against critics, and to make recommendations regarding grounds for possible impeachment. Please devote some coverage to this piece of legislation and to the evidence found in the Downing Street documents as well as the more recently revealed White House memo. This memo — reported by British scholar Phillipe Sands in his book Lawless World — is a smoking gun exposing pre-war lies. It reveals that President Bush and Prime Minister Blair agreed on war in January 2003 — not March 2003, as they have insisted. It also reveals they knew there was no legitimate case for war, that Bush was hoping to assassinate Saddam Hussein, and that Bush was so desperate to provoke a war that he even proposed painting U.S. planes to look like U.N. planes and flying them low over Iraq in hopes of getting shot at — which he thought would be grounds for war. I understand that the level of corruption that has become apparent over the last few months leads to what I have heard referred to as "smoking gun fatigue." But you are an integral part of this democracy, and an overabundance of facts should not make them irrelevant. These facts and more, updated daily, can be found at www.afterdowningstreet.org Don Swenson. Coos Bay
NEIGHBORS UPSET? Regarding the neighbors protesting the proposal to build a new hospital on the site of River Ridge Golf Course: A little bit of research on the Lane County Elections website reveals that the precincts surrounding the golf course voted 59-41 in favor of Measure 37. Bummer, dudes. Looks like your karma just ran over your dogma. Doug Hintz, Eugene
WHO IS NEXT? The current persecution of those who allegedly vandalized and/or burned down buildings in the name of animal rights or ecological defense is the latest attempt by the neo-fascists to marginalize and demonize a group of ideologues who oppose the agenda of the ruling elite. Some defendants are being threatened with life imprisonment plus 300 years! You should be asking yourselves, "Who will be the next target of these neo-fascists: the peace activists, civil rights attorneys, environmentalists, journalists, student groups, Muslims, unions, or anyone who believes they or people abroad have a basic right to justice, due process and a clean environment?" These neo-fascists still depend on a positive public image to accomplish their agenda. As I see it, the people must expose their blatant tactics and agenda, acting as a shield for groups and individuals targeted by these neo-fascists. We are sliding very quickly toward a totalitarian regime. We don't have much time to reverse it. With another 9/11 event or pandemic we could see our Bill of Rights and Constitution suspended. Congress could be dissolved, not that that matters much currently. The people need to stand up and speak now for those who are currently the target. Even if it's just with neighbors, friends or relatives. The people are the ultimate check and balance to unyielding power and absolute corruption. Shannon Wilson, Eugene
SHARKING FOR PARKING Give me a break! Its the same old "welcome to Oregon, now go home" attitude. If the same situation presented itself, except with an Oregonian behind the company wanting to build, we would welcome it with open arms. This whole town would love a farmers' market, but because the company is from Texas it's vetoed. We are diverse as long as they don't stay too long or take our cheese. As far as garages half full, I spent "time" looking for a parking spot in those garages. It didn't matter if the garage was by the DAC or at the hospital, we have all "sharked" for a parking spot. One last thing: this isn't the first time the City Council has disregarded what the city that voted them in wanted. Besides, someone has to build the City Hall parking garage. Joel Stephens, Eugene
THE BRAT FACTOR As a former preschool teacher, referring to a difficult child as a "brat" would be deemed unacceptable as well as unprofessional. However, now I feel freer to call things as I really see them. Whole Foods has threatened to not come to Eugene if it doesn't get its demanded parking garage (at the city of Eugene's expense to the tune of $9 million, of course). The parking garage would exclusively be for the Whole Foods' customers when parking downtown can be scarce. Certain city officials have agreed to give in to these brats' — oops, I mean Whole Foods' — demands. This $9 million is what our city needs for a crumbling City Hall, crappy city streets and lighting and our public schools ,amongst many of our city's needs. If I were part of the decision-making process, I would calmly but firmly inform Whole Foods that they are welcome in Eugene, but if they want their own parking garage, they need to pay for it themselves. If Whole Brats — I mean Foods — decides not to come to Eugene, well, that's their choice. This sounds a lot like a common situation that I have dealt with professionally in my years of working with children as well as my own two kids. The city officials didn't need to cater to Whole Foods' demanding tantrum. Patricia Lakin, Eugene
THE IRK FACTOR Your stories regarding Whole Foods are making me more and more angry. I find myself having to write you and hope that perhaps you can listen to another point of view. • A Whole Foods customer is not a Kiva or Sundance customer. It is an entirely different demographic. At Whole Foods you pay $2 for an organic apple. No Kiva or Sundance customer is going to do that. • Whole Foods uses most of the same suppliers that Sundance and Kiva do, i.e. Mountain People's Warehouse, and both local and national natural food distributors (like Nancy's Yogurt, Toby's, etc). • Whole Foods pays excellent wages, better than any natural food store in town, has a better health plan, and those shareholders you constantly refer to are the employees. Every employee gets shares as part of their benefits. • The person who started Whole Foods is still the CEO and he does not give his money to the Republican campaign. • Whole Foods would bring money into this town not only by employing more people with decent jobs, who need housing, clothing, and other goods (i.e. money spent in the Eugene community), but by getting people who are traveling on 1-5 to drop in and spend some money. Kiva and Sundance are not going to do that since you can drive on to Portland and get a much better selection. • Whole Foods has also done more for organics than probably any company in the country. It's probably fun to make Whole Foods a monster and hold our own local natural foods stores up as model stores, but it is not true. Both the above-mentioned stores have not been updated since the '80s, have very little selection of foods (since they keep kicking out anyone who is not local) and are destined to keep going downhill unless they wake up and smell the coffee. Yona Riel, Eugene
THE WATER CRISIS A U.N. report warns that 17 percent of the planet's population (1.1 billion people) lack access to safe drinking water and 40 percent (2.6 billion) lack basic sanitation. This accounts for the loss of 1.6 million lives annually. Essential to life itself, water is also a key resource of agriculture and manufacturing industries. Serious conflicts over shared water supplies have arisen between neighboring countries. It won't be long before water replaces oil as a root cause of international conflict and terrorism. Between 70-80 percent of all available water is used to grow animal feedcrops and to process animal carcasses. Most of America's surface waterways are used as sewers for runoff from feed crops and animal factories. Concerns for world peace and protection of aquatic habitats are rapidly joining traditional concerns for consumer health and animal welfare as compelling reasons for kicking the meat habit in favor of vegetables, fruits and grains. Elijah Hennison, Eugene
BUSH'S BOYS Sometimes all you can do is write a letter to the editor. Wake up, middle America! He's the boy who cried wolf. Why on earth should we believe him now? "I'm an uniter, not a divider." The first big lie. He's lied about almost everything. Do you feel safer and secure? Do you understand your Medicare and Medicaid benefits? All of the lies about why we needed to invade Iraq. Mission accomplished, a lie. "But things are getting better, trust me." Yeah right! And now he wants to invade Iran because for sure they're making weapons of mass destruction. The same ones Iraq had? We won't invade, we'll just send in our henchman, Israel, to bomb Iran's WMD using our fighter jets and our bunker-busting bombs. Swell. Way to make friends in the Middle East. Who else can we get to hate us in that region? And what will happen to Israel when she no longer serves our purpose? Does anyone remember how we forced Russia to keep up their military spending until they were broke? They were in Afghanistan also. And now they're broke, no longer a power. Does anyone see a similarity? We borrow from China to stay afloat. He has bankrupt our country, sold us out to the highest bidder, Halliburton. Bush's boys make billions while our boys die by the thousands. We won't be out of Iraq until Halliburton turns a profit and not a minute before. I could go on, but ..... Philip L. Dietz, Springfield
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