Opinion: Will Nader Elect Bush? Our sovereignty and democracy are at stake in this election. Editorial: Look Behind the Door: Election 2000. Living Out: No on 9: It's the good fight, baby, we're doing it again. Letters: EW readers sound off. Will Nader Elect Bush? Our sovereignty and democracy are at stake in this election. Is George W. Bush for Ralph Nader? Although the Republican Leadership Council is using clips of Nader's criticism of Al Gore for their own advantage, I think the corporate media's refusal to honestly portray Nader's positions on the full range of issues shows that most corporate conglomerates really are afraid of Nader, right now, and for good reason. They know that if Nader gets 5 percent of the national popular vote, the Green Party will qualify for Federal Matching Funds for the next election, and that will inspire the Green Party and the non-voting electorate so much that Nader could win in 2004. In a three-way race it will only take 34 percent of the vote for Nader to win. Furthermore, a close race between the two major candidates is just the sort of situation they can exploit to frighten people away from voting for Nader. We even see people who previously supported Nader pleading with the rest of us through the media to vote for Gore. They say it's pointless to support a "losing candidate" when there is so much at stake. But this argument fails on at least two counts. One is that Nader needs our support to get that 5 percent. It is not a wasted vote. Every vote counts and it is crucial to support what you really want right now. Secondly, while Gore may talk the progressive lingo, he has a long record of supporting corporate interests. The corporate juggernaut to which he is indebted will continue. Though he wrote Earth in the Balance, Gore has not acted on its environmental vision. Commercial logging on public lands persists, though he may be willing to protect a parcel or two. The gas mileage of American automobiles dropped from 27 mpg to less than 25 mpg during the Clinton/Gore administration, despite their own stated "requirement" of 40 mpg by the year 2000. Gore has done nothing to promote alternative energy and continues to support nuclear power. Gore and Bush are both indebted to corporate contributors whose "profit at all costs" agenda is wreaking havoc on our environment, subverting our sovereignty and concentrating ever more wealth and power into their own hands. But some say we should vote for Gore because, well, isn't Bush worse? In some ways, yes. But there is something scarier than a known enemy, and that is the one who pretends to be a friend. Gore says on TV that he is for the common people and he will fight the big corporations on our behalf. He may make a few widely publicized concessions to progressive causes, but do you think he would be getting millions of corporate dollars if he really opposed their agenda? Some say we should vote for Gore because abortion would become illegal under Bush. However, The New York Times reported that George W. Bush appointed moderately conservative judges in Texas who have upheld legal abortion and struck down some cases that would restrict a woman's right to choose. Furthermore, Gore was 84 percent anti-abortion in his congressional voting, including confirmation of Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. Gore also supports the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO's secret and completely undemocratic tribunal has ruled against every environmental protection law which has been challenged before it. It is a corporate-run organization that uses treaties to have authority over the governments of the world. According to Public Citizens Global Trade Watch, Gore personally pushed the bill through congress which environmentalists nicknamed the "Dolphin Death Act" allowing "dolphin safe" labels on tuna cans, even though the tuna was caught with dolphin killing nets. Why? Because the WTO ruled that the dolphin-safe nets were an "impediment to trade." So Gore went to work not only to implement their decision, but to do so in a way that let us believe the dolphins were still protected! Some friend. We believe that because of the critical nature of the issues that face this nation, the stakes are too high to waste your vote on either of the two corporate sponsored candidates. Our sovereignty and democracy are at stake in this election. These problems are not going to go away or get better by continuing to vote for the lesser of two evils. Until we stop letting corporations choose our candidates, it will only get worse. We are building a movement. We are taking back our country. That begins with each of us voting to stand up for what we really believe in. Getting 5 percent of the vote is a major victory in this movement and we need your vote. If risking a Bush presidency is what it takes, it is worth that risk. It's our country, our democracy. Make a real difference. Vote Nader. Nader has clear, strong and sensible positions on all issues including health care, taxes, foreign policy, labor, crime, the military and government reform. For more information go to www.votenader.net or call locally: Victory 2000 at 681-9774. Eli Dumitru of Lane Victory 2000 is a Cottage Grove resident. This commentary is co-signed by Kathy Jones of Eugene and Linda Lee Charles of Springfield. Back to Top Hold That Ballot Half the people who can vote don't vote, which means those of us who do are taking on even more responsibility and power. This ballot has more than 40 choices on it, many of them on vitally important issues and candidate races. Let's use that power to make a positive impact on our world. The Rev. Jesse Jackson doesn't show up on our doorstep for just any election. He came because the future of the nation is at stake Nov. 7 and Oregon is a pivotal state. As you well know by now, this election could go either way nationally. In the face of an emotionally charged Nader/Gore split on the left, Jackson calls on us to "close ranks" against a right wing that has set its sights on control of the White House, both houses of Congress and the Supreme Court. The right wing is taking extreme positions that would set back the progressive agenda for decades. Jackson says we must make "mature political decisions" based on the options that are available to us for leverage. "We can vote to make a statement," he says, "or we can vote to make a president." He reminds us that "no perfect options" exist on the national ballot, and he compares looking at Gore and Bush to looking through a keyhole. Don't forget to look behind the door. Behind Gore's door are leaders in labor, public education, health care, women's rights, the environment, and a dozen other progressive movements. Behind Bush's door are leaders in outlawing abortion, killing affirmative action, depleting natural resources, and quashing legal actions against corporations. We are voting for (and against) package deals. Likewise, control of the Oregon Legislature is up for grabs. We must support our progressive House candidates: Bob Ackerman, Phil Barnhardt, Vicki Walker, Francisca Johnson and Al King. Every seat is important if we want to stop the attack on Oregon's environment, organized labor, education and human rights. The ballot measures we outlined last week are also extremely significant to the future vitality of our state. Do your homework and vote! On this page are our endorsements from last week. Write-ins should be in this form: City of Eugene. Mayor. Michael Glownia. Our endorsement of Democrat Francisca Johnson in House District 43 was inadvertently left out of our election wrap-up issue last week. Our apologies. Johnson works as a human rights specialist for the city of Eugene and has served on the Fern Ridge School Board for many years, along with the LCC Foundation Board. She is a solid and effective facilitator and problem solver and would serve the district well in Salem. Republican and Eugene dentist Cedric Hayden is running once again with an unimaginative, conservative agenda. Can religion play a stronger role in environmental protection? We saw church groups rallying with environmental, social and labor groups at the WTO protests in Seattle, and now a coalition of Oregon's religious leaders have made a welcome statement in defense of the environment just as 160 nations prepare to meet Nov. 13 to finalize an international global warming treaty. The Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon drew about 100 people to Silver Falls State Park last weekend for a conference on global warming. The ministers represented Jews, Catholics, Protestants, Greek Orthodox and Unitarians, and they resolved to carry their concerns for global warming to their congregations. The statement says, in part, "With great humility we accept our responsibility as stewards on behalf of the Creator to protect and preserve the natural world in which we live. ... Global warming affects the delicate interdependence of the Earth and its animal and human inhabitants, posing great threats for future generations." This issue sees a return of wine and food connoisseur Lance Sparks to our pages after an "experimental" run writing restaurant reviews for the R-G. Welcome back, Lance, you wild and crazy guy. His multi-talented spouse, Kat Chinn, carried on in his absence and will continue to write food columns for us. Also, this issue sees the final panel of Jesse Springer's "Emerald City" cartoon strip after a four-and-a-half-year run. Will, Barry, and the perpetually 9-year-old Katie have taken on lives of their own, and Springer assures us they will "always exist on some level, even though the strip no longer continues." Springer, a professional illustrator, is pondering a new cartoon format for the future, or may revive "Emerald City" at some point. Meanwhile, he continues to draw political cartoons for our news section and occasionally our front cover, such as last week's "The Usual Suspects." -- TJT EW Election Endorsements Back to Top No on 9 It's the good fight, Baby, we're doing it again. Excitement rolled over me when the news flashed on my computer screen. I rolled my chair back from my desk and right over my bare toe. Oregon's latest anti-gay initiative had just made it onto the ballot and was assigned, supposedly at random, the same number as the measure defeated back in 1992: number 9. We may never know if that stroke of luck was a cosmic coincidence, divine intervention, or the sly maneuver of a mild-mannered state government clerk. I relished the thought of Oregon Citizens Alliance homophobes fuming over this early advantage for their opponents. My big toe throbbed in unison with my escalating pulse. "Honey, honey, it's nine, it's nine!" I hopped into the den where she had dozed off in front of "Jeopardy." "Already?" She blinked herself awake and squinted at the clock. "I must've ... what's wrong with your foot?" "It's the good fight, Baby, we're doing it again." I lunged into the back storage closet and promptly banged my shin into the tool box. I rummaged through eight years' accumulation and emerged with our old No on 9 lawn sign. It was in perfect shape, except for the missing stake which is out in the back yard propping up my delphiniums. "No on 9! No on 9!" I chanted, waving the corrugated plastic sign over my head. It was a good omen. We'd be energized, reaffirmed, vindicated. We'd smash the OCA with a resounding defeat of their evil little measure. We'd be done with the OCA's Lon Mabon once and for all. He'd melt like the wicked witch. The lifeblood of money from the Christian Coalition would dry up. His legislative attacks on our sexual orientation would stop forever. We'd put him out of a job. Maybe then we'd have the time to attempt even a fraction of the "immoral behaviors" on Lon's list. But for now, amorous urges throughout the state will be quelled by, "Not tonight, dear, I have a rally/a meeting/a canvass/a shift on the phone bank." "Sit down, let me put some ice on that." My beloved scowled at the bump rising on my leg. For months we've known this next OCA initiative was coming. They've been gathering signatures at shopping malls and grocery stores, and convincing the ignorant that gay people are using public schools to teach children how to accessorize. I had already zoomed past the denial, anger, bargaining and depression about having to face another campaign, and leaped joyfully into acceptance. We wouldn't have to memorize a new slogan. We could wear our old No on 9 buttons. And we could recycle my song! "Ballot Measure Number 9" had been a love potion that raised spirits and got out the vote to defeat the OCA in '92. It could do it again. This time around I'd record it and make a CD. People all over the state would be singing along before the OCA could say "pedophilia." I slipped into a reverie, imagined angelic harmonies admonishing us to beware 'cause your rights are on the line, and you'd better vote no on: ballot measure number nine. "Ow!" "Sorry." My sweetheart rearranged the bag of frozen peas on my swollen shin. The toaster oven beeped and she went to fix our baked potatoes. I hobbled to the book case and pulled out the gallon jar that holds all our collection of political buttons. Question Authority, Workers Control, Mobilize for Women's Lives, I'm Pro-Choice and I Vote, Lesbian Rights are Women's Rights, March to Fight the Right. These treasures are the modern-day petroglyphs of our eternal struggle for equality and justice. Celebrate Diversity, Lift the Ban, This is What a Lesbian Looks Like, Out Is In , There's A Whole Lot More Of Us Than You Think, We Are Everywhere. I spread the loot out on the floor like a kid examining her Halloween candy haul. A subtle pattern emerged. Stop the OCA, Oregon Said Stop the OCA, Pro-Choice/Stop the OCA, Stop the OCA Again, No on 51, No on 8, No on 20-08, No on 13, Victory Over Bigotry, No on 9, No on 9, No on 9. I sifted the clattering badges through my fingers like pirates' gold and jabbed my palm with the pin of a vintage What Do Gay People Want, Ask Me button. How about a Band-Aide? Of course, my little injuries caused by clumsy excitement are nothing compared to the damage caused by anti-gay campaigns. We are already seeing increased taunting, harassment, and general hostility. The recent history of anti-gay burnings, beatings and shootings threatens to repeat itself. More teens questioning their sexual identity will contemplate suicide. People will fear for their lives. After dinner my lover and I write big fat donation checks. I lick the envelope closed with a flourish. Ouch! My commitment to No on 9 is sealed with a paper cut. Sally Sheklow has been a part of the Eugene community since 1972 and is a member of the WYMPROV! comedy troupe. Her column, which began at EW, is currently running in newspapers in Palm Springs., Cincinatti, Duluth, Seattle, Chicago and Denver. Back to Top EDITOR'S NOTE: We have received four or five times more election letters than we can print, so please bear with us if we were not able to print yours, or if it was heavily edited for length. A Citizen President I was very disappointed that Eugene Weekly did not endorse Ralph Nader for president. From a progressive standpoint, he is clearly the best candidate, with a proven record of commitment to the interests of American citizens. Urging voters to vote for Nader at last minute if a Gore victory is certain undermines the goals of the Nader campaign. Part of the reason why I am voting for Nader is because I feel the Democrats no longer represent the concerns of ordinary people. Like Ralph said, the two major party candidates are merely "corporations disguised as people." So, why should we legitimize this corrupt two-party system by voting for the lesser of two evils (which IS still evil)? We will never elect a leader we want if we don't vote for that person. Sure, Nader is not likely to win, but that doesn't mean we should waste our votes on Gore simply out of fear. Don't get me wrong; I shudder at the thought of four years of Bush. However, that might be exactly what the American public needs to wake up and finally vote for a citizen president. Please vote for Nader for president! Sabrina McNamara Eugene Squandering Power I took part in the founding convention of a national scale Green Party in Elkins, West Virginia in 1991. In 1996, I was one of the primary organizers of the Ralph Nader campaign in Eugene. In 1998, I co-authored and coordinated the first initiative in the country to assert local democratic control over corporations -- a measure which merited both a visit and national newspaper column from Nader. I have great news for Green Party enthusiasts: We have already won a victory beyond the wildest imagination! Nader is speaking to rallies of 10 to 15 thousand, we have crossed the threshold into being taken seriously, and have become a real factor in this election! My urgent appeal is that Greens not squander the power that this close election is placing in their hands. The long term goal of building the Green Party is far larger than the personality of Nader. If Bush is elected, the progressive movement will be forced back into crisis mode. There will be zero breathing space and almost zero energy for the pro-active work of building the Green Party. We must quickly learn from the European Greens -- who use their power as a voting bloc to push their countries in more progressive directions and create optimum conditions for the further growth of their parties. Be smart and hold your vote until election eve. A vote for Gore is NOT an endorsement of every position he has taken! But it could very well create the breathing room and the conditions for the real flourishing of the Green Party that has now become possible! Spruce Houser Eugene Empty Homes Ballot Measure 20-37 will fund activities for youth during non-school hours; after school, weekends, and summer months. Funds generated from this measure would be awarded to existing agencies and organizations through a grant process coordinated by the city of Eugene. As a student teacher at UO, I witness everyday the need for enhanced after-school programs. I see children whose parents do the best they can to provide out-of-school enrichment, but lack the time and money to provide after-school activities for their children. Three out of four mothers with school-aged children work, and as a result many children need support, supervision and direction during non-school hours. Measure 20-37 will assure that no child has to retreat to an empty home. It will foster the development of young children and give teens the opportunity to participate in programs that capture their interest and challenge their abilities. Today's children are tomorrow's leaders, and they need programs that encourage them to learn, develop social skills, and become good citizens. I am impressed that the city of Eugene is trying to address the challenges confronting our youth. Voters have the opportunity this November to enhance the youth services already available, instead of merely increasing the funds distributed. I urge you to support Measure 20-37. Amy Briggs Eugene Prioritize Prevention Born in the summer of 1950 in the small town of Eugene, I was the product of a home filled with love and support. My mom was always there to talk to me after school and dad came home every night anxious to hear all about my day. Most parents are still trying to fill those roles -- but they are finding themselves stretched beyond belief by the demands and stresses of needing to work to make ends meet. There are many single parent homes who are even more challenged to find positive alternatives for their children before and after school hours. As a lifelong Eugene resident and a graduate from the UO school of Community Services and Public Affairs, I have long believed that we as a society need to prioritize prevention programs. That means spending the money up front to teach life skills and not waiting until a young person makes a really poor decision so that we are forced to begin their connection with the juvenile justice system. Measure 20-37 is the first true prevention measure I have ever seen on the ballot. It was developed by a very thoughtful and caring group of non-profit agencies who worked closely with the City of Eugene Recreation staff to plan, survey, document gaps and develop a proposal that would reach out to as many youth as possible. It definitely put the young people first...right where they belong! Please join me in voting "yes" on Measure 20-37. We need to start prioritizing youth right now. Marilyn Kalstad Eugene Risking the Gains I am a member of the Green Party voting for Al Gore because I believe he will make the best president. To those voting for Ralph Nader I say, you are doing the easy thing. It's easy to be a dissident, to pin your hopes for change on some very dubious assumptions and very big ifs; if Nader gets 5 percent of the vote, and if he is the Green Party candidate in 2004 and if he gets in the debates, then you assume a viable third party might mount a viable campaign by the year 2008, and then you assume that a third party might have some national influence if not by 2008 then by 2012, etc. etc. What kind of political efficacy or acuity is there in that? And why are you willing to risk every gain progressives have managed to salvage during the last eight years of the most right-wing, obstructionist, partisan Republican Congress in the history of this country? If it weren't for Clinton's veto pen I shudder to think where we would be today. This isn't fear people, it's hard, cold reality. It is absurd to think that substantive reform in this country will be from the top down, and why would we want it to be? How many recent presidents are ex-governors? Three out of the last four! Kitzhaber is term-limited; let's elect a Green Party governor of Oregon. Work to elect Greens to city councils, county commissions and state legislatures. If you care about what happens in this country in the next four or eight or 12 or 20 years, vote for Gore. Then demand that he appoint Nader secretary of commerce and LaDuke secretary of the interior. Charles Lefevre Eugene Ship of Fools What's disturbing about the George W. Bush phenomenon is that such an obvious patsy and front man is being embraced by half the country -- talk about a ship of fools! The richest nation in the world? More like the stupidest. Everyone's so distracted by dot-com mania, TV drivel, stock market fluctuations, credit card debt, wealth management seminars and mountains of useless toys there's no time or energy left for serious political reflection. In the vacuum, this third rate hustler is rising to power, a guy who'll do exactly as he's told. Who's telling him, that's the question? My guess is every crypto-fascist in the country is lining up behind this man's smirk -- "If they'll buy Bush, they'll buy anything." Soon there'll be "special agents" on every corner checking ID, mandatory drug testing at supermarkets and everyone's phone and e-mail automatically screened for "key words." Then Bush will pop up on TV with his pseudo-serious grin explaining that it's all in the public interest. But who's the public, apocalyptic fundamentalists? Rick Marcus Eugene Real Anarchists Lurking under the guise of fiscally responsible and self determined Oregonians, the Bill Sizemore and Don McIntire anti-government, anti-land-use-planning, special interest groups, are the real anarchists hiding beneath the latest fashions of contempt-for-government-slogans. These groups and individuals have launched a project of initiative petitions which overwhelm our Voters' Pamphlet. If you were a citizen who was disgusted with the protests and demonstrations of the self proclaimed "anarchists," you should be aware that the real anarchists are these anti-government activists who wish to dismantle our government: our educational system, our social program system, our police and law enforcement system. And they are representing themselves as honest hardworking Oregonians who have a righteous ax to grind with unfair taxation by the state. They want chaos and, like Scrooge, feel their greed in isolation is all they'll need in this world. It's every dog for himself. They don't get it that every great civilization has had a strong central government or that good fences make good neighbors. They don't visit or volunteer in our classrooms, they don't deal with drug and alcohol addiction on our streets, they don't work in offices supporting the needs of the disenfranchised, disabled, or dispossessed. They don't consider the needs of families to maintain the farm when neighboring lands are sold for housing projects, making farming and ranching no longer an option. These groups are the Californicators. Don't be Fleeced. Vote a resounding "NO" on ballot measures: 91, 92, 93, 96, 98, 2, 7 and 8. Susan Applegate Yoncalla Nobody for President As a flyer around Eugene states, "If it is humiliating to be ruled, how much more degrading is it to choose our masters?" We are not part, nor will we ever be a part of the decision-making process of the U.S. government. Elections are only formalities the powers go through every year to have us believe we are living in a democratic society. Those who control our lives will do as they please. If the cops don't get more money from a ballot measure, they will get it from the feds. If Bush does not get elected, Gore will. Either way our real needs are never met and the much deeper questions, like where our food comes from, how we interact with each other, and why our lives and the planet have been placed under this suffocating order to begin with will never be addressed. It is time to reject this whole rotten system. I am discouraged by the fact that so many well intentioned people are regaining hope in the political spectacle, because of Ralph Nader. Voting for Nader is like ordering a veggie burger at McDonald's. You are still supporting the same illegitimate system, but you feel better about yourself. Of course I don't want to see Measure 9 passed, and also hope Measure 11 gets repealed. But the amount of time, energy, and money spent running campaigns could be much better spent creating communities of mutual aid based on our needs and desires. And when we become strong and independent from their institutions of control, their laws will become meaningless. We should not petition the state. We should smash it! Robin Terranova Eugene Anti-Cop Bias Eugene Weekly's anti-cop bias was demonstrated again. The need for new police stations all over Oregon is a simple result of decades of population growth and two property tax limitation measures. Salem, Bend, and Gresham are all seeking additional space for police officers. Comparing Eugene to these only means that they are all overcrowded. The First Baptist Church, The Register-Guard, and Symantec's decisions to move are perfect examples that the private sector would not live with the overcrowded conditions that exist in Eugene's police station. EW is wrong on costs. Remodeling City Hall for police will cost $19.3 million to $21.6 million. After spending millions, there still won't be enough space. Architects who have built numerous police stations determined that Eugene needs twice as much space for existing police. Eugene has an unacceptably high crime rate and total crime is increasing. Of the 100 U.S. cities our size, Eugene had the 15th highest index crime rate in 1999. That's only half of the story. Index crimes dropped in 1999, but Part II crimes (assault, bad checks, small thefts, prostitution, drugs, and DUI) increased by 10 percent. The county jail and Eugene Police Department have not kept pace with growth and that's one reason our crime rate is so high. When compared to 10 NW cities our size, Eugene has the second smallest police department. EW is wrong on building code seismic standards. Earthquake standards for Eugene have increased twice. There's no building downtown to move police into that meets seismic codes for public safety agencies. There is no cheap way to solve these problems. I urge you to vote yes on 20-36. At $45 per year for the average taxpayer, it's the most cost effective. John Brown Eugene Lame Arguments Despite paying over $90 million annually for "public safety" expenses, Eugene and Lane County taxpayers are being asked for another $105 million through Eugene Measure 20-36 (new police station, land/design for fire station) and county measures 20-38 and 20-39 to expand the jail, kiddy jail, Forest Work Camp (which uses inmate labor displacing working men and women). Eugene Mayor Torrey states in a pro 20-36 brochure that there's "no better time to build because construction has slowed." So we should dig even deeper to fund these "Contractors' and Bankers' Full Employment Acts"? (Almost half of the $47.5 million tax for Eugene Measure 20-36 will go to interest payment.) Arguments pushing the new police building are lame. They claim "overcrowding," yet the 911 Center just relocated to the new multi-million dollar police/fire complex at 2nd and Chambers. City-retained engineers report that City Hall can be earthquake-reinforced for as little as $500,000. (Other engineers report estimates of $2 million to $4 million.) That's a fraction of the proposed tax (EW, 10/19). We expect fiscal responsibility from those to whom we entrust our tax millions, not this careless attitude that the public trough is bottomless. Last May Eugene voters rejected tax increases for a new police/fire station. Last November nearly 75 percent of county voters rejected a similar measure to 20-38 and 20-39. What part of "no" are these bureaucrats not understanding? Additionally, a county survey reports that only 17 percent of respondents prefer more jails/police, whereas fully 67 percent prefer focus on crime prevention as a more affordable means to reduce crime. And crime rates, both adult and juvenile, are steadily dropping. Proponents of these three measures simply do not have a case or warrant our increased financial support. Carol Berg Eugene Out of Reach As a parent, KIDSPORTS coach, and recreation services professional, I see firsthand the power of meaningful, structured, after-school activities for children. Sports, dance, music, theater, arts, crafts, outdoor pursuits, clubs, scouting, 4-H, open gyms provided by caring adults can all create magic in a youngster's life. Unfortunately, for too many of Eugene's children, the magic is out of reach because of cost, lack of programs, and transportation issues. Ballot measure 20-37 can be a significant part of a strategy to reduce those barriers to participation. The measure's funds will be used by a wide range of youth service agencies to expand existing programs, create new opportunities and broaden their scholarship systems. Eugene needs 20-37; it's an investment in prevention. It's an investment in our children. Studies show that juvenile crime rates triple between the hours of 2 and 8 pm. Help create positive alternatives for Eugene's kids. Tim Patrick Eugene Judicial Experience Judge Paul de Muniz is the only candidate for the Oregon Supreme Court with judicial experience -- 10 years on the Court of Appeal. He is fair, thoughtful, and well-respected. These qualities have led lawyers throughout the state to support his election. Supreme Court justices are non-partisan, but Judge DeMuniz has the support of leaders of both political parties -- former Gov. Neil Goldschmidt, former Attorney General Dave Frohnmayer, and former Senator Mark Hatfield. I urge a vote for the most qualified candidate, Judge Paul DeMuniz. Wayne T. Westling UO Professor of Law Vicious Blather Not really all that long ago -- thanks, friends -- I had the opportunity to make a fairly in-depth study of "Third Party Political Movements" with Ms. Munroe at SEHS. One of the pleasures of that study included meeting and getting to know another local treasure -- Tonie Nathan. But to the point: the evidence was clear: in this country, dating from as far back as the late 19th century, third parties, when able to demonstrate strength and persistence, have had a genuine influence, albeit indirect. Because a strong third party, and this has happened several times, will get the attention of the two dominant parties to the extent that running scared, they will adopt (or co-opt, I suppose) positions and planks they perceive to be gaining popular appeal. So all this apparent dilemma (voting either conscience or for effect) is a red herring. The Greens and Libertarians are here to stay. Thus a vote for either will actually help push things in the optimum directions of freedom and ecology (even if their candidates aren't actually elected and as much as any single vote may), whereas voting Democran or Republicrat will only encourage them in their usual vicious blather. Incidentally, Greens and Libertarians will agree in many areas perhaps not readily apparent -- that the "war on drugs" is a murderous fiasco for one. Kyle Christopher-Courier Eugene Objectionable Ads In the 9/28 EW, one half of the page 5 Letters to the editor page was filled by a corporate superstore advertising "Everything in the Universe Adult," including a "20% student discount." Page 5 of the October 5 issue featured Mary O'Brien's fine article subtitled "How do we regain hope in the face of ongoing destruction?" and, again, an adult "superstore" advertising a "finish the limerick" contest that began, "There was an old Queen from ____." On Oct. 12th that same "adult superstore" was relegated to page 7, where it was coupled with the EW editorial page, which included an unfriendly probe pointed at its "friendly rival," the R-G. Although it is well understood how deep a marginal, progressive-minded business has to reach to make ends meet, common courtesy and respect for the local community should at the very least guide proper placement of what might be generally considered objectionable ads. We respectfully ask, is it possible for the EW to consign its "adult" and/or conscienceless corporate advertisement to its own page(s), so that we of a different outlook can feel safer and more confident in using your paper as a voice for our community? Scott Landfield & David Rhodes Tsunami Books Write in Glownia Jim Torrey is the only candidate on the ballot card for mayor of Eugene. I don't understand how or why the system is set up to shrink our many choices in the primary down to one (no) choice in the election. I am disturbed that the EW has not mentioned a thing about this since the primaries. There is a choice. [See EW, 10/26.] Michael Glownia, for one, is still running. I do not know about others because of the media "oversight" of this important race. Instead of abstaining, I would suggest a write-in vote for Glownia. You will at least be showing support for the Green Party. I'm glad there is a choice so I don't have to write in Mickey Mouse for mayor of Eugene. Go Greens! Michael L. Yaeger Eugene 'Yes' for Springfield The Springfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors endorses both Measures 20-40 and 20-43 proposed by the City of Springfield and Springfield Public Schools. This action follows studies and recommendations by the Chamber's Legislative Issues Committee and Education Committee. The Chamber recognizes the seriousness of adding to the tax burden. However, we must maintain a healthy community in order to provide a thriving business environment. Public safety is critical for the future of business in Springfield. We need adequate police and fire departments to maintain an acceptable level of protection for both the businesses and the residents of our community. As Springfield continues to grow, its public safety services must keep up. Measure 20-40 would also provide Springfield with a source of revenue to maintain the current levels of city services. The city is currently using funds from its reserves to balance its budget and provide services. Those reserves are limited and soon city services will need to be cut to continue to balance the budget. Adequate city services are a key to the economic vitality of our community. Having a good education system affects all of us, whether or not we have children of our own. It is never easy to vote in more taxes, however, we believe a "yes" vote on these measures is best for our community. Join us in supporting 20-40 and 20-43. Jim Christian, President Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Your Vote Counts When America's founders voted to declare independence, was that a vote of conscience or a strategic vote? A vote for Ralph Nader is as strategic as that vote for independence. While major parties get us to bicker about who will cut this forest or pay for that prescription, a global corporate hegemony is tightening it's noose around all forests, all plants, animals, people, their genes, all land, water, air, all jobs, governments, freedoms and rights. Democracy is based on the free flow of information. Nader's messages are largely ignored while he is misrepresented without the opportunity to respond. CNN reported that several major newspapers in California were even refusing to run Nadar's paid political ads. While the total forest cut in the world continues to rise, the total amount of petroleum burned continues to rise, the total number of species still alive continues to fall, the total number of fish caught continues to rise, the total amount of top-soil lost continues rise, the total amount of chemical pollution continues to rise, and on and on. Al Gore focuses our attention on a few "hot-button issues" while not challenging the basis of corporate control. In fact he continues to support the World Trade Organization which is imposing it's "profit at all costs" value system on governments around the world. Nader needs our support to at least get the 5 percent of the vote which will entitle him to the federal matching funds in the next election. Your vote counts. Vote Nader. Terrisa West Cottage Grove Glib & Cutesy We knew it was coming. Those of us who worked so hard on Measure 97 were aware that once people saw the graphic televised images of animals struggling frantically in sadistic traps and snares, a "yes" vote would be a no brainer. So it came as no surprise to us when the livestock industry, the NRA, and other "feel good" groups began their "smokescreen campaign" designed to confuse voters (and editorial staffs), and address anything but what Measure 97 was actually about. No surprise that the "bought and paid for" The Register-Guard fell for it. And the glib and cutesy, yet clueless editorial stance of the Willamette Week was disappointing. I held my breath before taking a look at this morning's Eugene Weekly, fearing that Oregon's journalistic world had been turned on its head. To your credit, EW saw through the rhetoric and money-slinging, and has urged a "yes" vote on this very simple, carefully crafted, humane Measure 97. As a perfect complement, Lois Wadsworth's review of the brilliant, thought provoking film Killing Coyotes was right on the money! I commend the independent and thorough journalism displayed by EW. Robert Hermann Eugene Blame the Process Sick and tired of the Nader vs. Gore decision? Don't blame the candidates, blame the voting process. There is a simple solution that doesn't involve overhauling the unfairly-maligned electoral college system. It involves each state instituting a modified Borda Count, or an "instant runoff" system. Here's how it works. Each voter ranks their candidates in their preferred order. They can include one write-in slot if they wish. A sample ballot might look like: 1. Ralph Nader, 2. Al Gore, 3. John Hagelin, 4. A Potted Plant, 5. George Bush, 6. Pat Buchanan. Then when the votes are tabulated, everyone's first choice is counted up. If no one gets a majority (greater than 50 percent), then the lowest vote-getter is eliminated. Everyone who voted for the eliminated candidate instead has their second choices counted. The effect? In most battleground states, Buchanan would be eliminated first, but would not have enough support to push Bush over the 50 percent mark. But when Nader gets eliminated, it would cause Gore to win the state and take all the electoral college votes. To calculate popular support, give each candidate points on each ballot - in this ballot, Nader would get 6 points, Gore 5, and Buchanan 1. Then each candidates total point score nationwide would be added up and compared to the overall point total. A win-win-win scenario -- Nader gets his 5 percent to qualify for funding, Gore wins the white house, and voters are enabled to vote their hopes. Sound like an ideal solution? Convince your congressman to draft a bill. Curt Siffert Eugene Invest in Youth The citizens of Eugene have a great opportunity to invest in our youth with ballot measure 20-37. The two-year local option levy will provide needed funding to create additional structured services for youngsters during the after-school and weekend hours. A survey conducted by a task force of youth service agencies this spring clearly showed that too many children in Eugene don't have access to -- or can't afford -- programs that can mean the difference between development and delinquency. John Crane Eugene Threat From the Right Oregon is a truly special state, home to many ideological types. We've no sales tax, don't pump our gas, home to the original bottle bill and a public coastline; we've ranchers, farmers, environmentalists, high-tech businesses, etc.; all of which shows the diversity and independent spirit of Oregon and that we can live together, but not always agree. I feel an Oregon for everyone is being threatened by the politics of the far right, who in this political season is most exemplified by Lynn Snodgrass and her bid for secretary of state. A look at her political record and her contributors will show that her interests will benefit a small minority at the expense of most Oregonians, regardless of their lifestyle or political affiliation. Voter apathy is her biggest ally. Take an interest, find out the facts and then please vote. Dave French Eugene Measure 6 Needed For 30 years Oregon has tried to pass a campaign finance measure that would avoid objection by making limits voluntary. Measure 6 will help reduce the power of special interest groups. Because it provides public financing limits to those candidates who do not accept private contributions during the campaign, those candidates won't have to answer to big contributors once they are elected. Measure 6 will not increase taxes and costs are legally capped at less than $5 a voter, which is a small price to pay for a real democracy. Also, the candidates who choose to participate in the system can receive "clean money" and will be accountable only to the people. The lobbyists hold on politics will substantially be diminished. That is a good thing. Measure 6 will allow voters to participate more fully in the election process, gain access to their representative, reduce the power of special interests, limit the length of the campaigns, and increase disclosure requirements for all candidates. Vote "yes" on Measure 6. Penny Anderson Eugene LETTERS POLICY: We welcome letters on all topics and will print as many as space allows. Please limit length to 250 words, keep submissions to once a month, and include your address and phone number. E-mail to editor@eugeneweekly.com, fax to 484-4044, or mail to 1251 Lincoln, Eugene 97401. Back to Top Table of Contents | News & Views | Arts & Entertainment Classifieds | Personals | EW Archive