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DO THE DAMNED LAUNDRY I write in response to recent comments on gender disparity in letters to the editor, both at a City Club luncheon (11/14) and in "Slant" (11/20). Attempts were made to explain why only about 30 percent of all published letters to the editor come from women. Among the proposed ideas were that women want to avoid "harassing phone calls or other confrontations if they express strong opinions," that women's views have been traditionally marginalized, and that oppression is to blame. I think the answer is far less psycho-social, far more logistical: If you guys would do the damned laundry, write the thank-you notes and take the kids to soccer practice, we'd have time to write our letters! Seriously, though my intent is not to reinforce gender stereotypes through an off-handed joke, there is some truth to this. In two-career families, women are still the ones who do most of the child care and household chores. (There are, of course, exceptions to this.) Women are most often in charge of the emotional well-being of the family, and they are more likely to manage the social calendar. Additionally, in cases of divorce, it is still women who are given the lion's share of physical placement of children. Where wages for women are, as we read, still only 80 percent of men's, women are less able to hire any help. So let me backtrack: Perhaps oppression is to blame after all. But it is a more covert oppression than, say, the burning of witches or the invention of high heels. There are plenty of women who have no fear of expressing strong opinions (just look at Sally Sheklow, Mary O'Brien and Molly Ivins). But the majority may be too tired, too distracted, too logistically challenged to do so. The solution? For me, getting less sleep seems to be the only answ, r. I would welcome more constructive suggestions. Kathy Saranpa, Eugene
BODIES VS. THOUGHTS Here's one reason why I think my opinion is not regarded at EW: In spite of repeated pleas from women and men who are offended by the sexist portrayal of women both on the cover and in the sex-industry advertisements, EW has refused to change it's advertising policy. Clearly, EW is more interested in women's bodies than their thoughts. Perhaps if EW showed more compassion for the feelings of women, we would be more interested in sharing our opinions. Second, thanks for publishing the article about College Republicans (11/20). It showed a despicable lack of empathy for human suffering — I'm surprised at the obvious white privilege and classism demonstrated by the students. In this time of economic struggle, we need to pull together and help more, beyond our own family, because we are inextricably linked to one another. Third, as a regular bike commuter, I find myself subject to harassment by auto drivers quite frequently. Although I disagree with our car dependence, I don't think yelling at each other is going to change anyone's transportation style. And I don't find the yelling at all conducive to building community. Rose Wilde, Eugene
BRING BACK THE OAKS Large amounts of resources have been expended to restore the west Eugene wetlands and Amazon Creek, yet the city Parks Department is harming the Amazon's upstream water quality. The city should protect the open land in the Amazon Park. The city should commit park bond money to collaborate with the Army Corps of Engineers and BLM for creek restoration throughout Amazon Park. In addition, oak woodlands are currently under threat and are listed as one of the most endangered ecosystem types in need of re-establishment. Oaks could easily be planted in and around the park to beautify the area and accomplish an important ecological task. These efforts will go a long way in providing accessible natural areas. In order to create viable habitat for herons or beavers, areas must be planted and nurtured with proper buffer zones between high-impact usage (ballfields) and more low-impact (walking, jogging) use by humans. Amazon park is over-developed in its core acreage and has become a citywide sacrifice zone for developed recreation throughout the city. More centrally located areas should be developed in the future for citywide recreation. Further development in Amazon will require drainage of important waters and more encroachment on natural areas. Moreover, polluted surface runoff will increase. Additional development is antithetical to the commitment to restoring Amazon Creek. Dr. Randy Webb, Institute for Wildlife Protection, Eugene
ANSWERS NEEDED George W. Bush has misled and engaged our nation in an undeclared war of aggression against another sovereign nation. The Iraq war is escalating daily as evidenced by the call-up of reserves and National Guard. Deaths and casualties are mounting with no peaceful resolution in sight. The Senate minority leader has collaborated with the opposition party to deny a recorded vote on the $87 billion war package. Oregon's Senators Smith and Wyden failed to call for a Senate quorum on this matter of grave national importance. The Senate acted with deliberate secrecy in passing the measure. Every voting Oregonian ought to demand an explanation from Smith and Wyden as to why they acquiesced to this procedural manipulation that negates the democratic principle of being present and accounted for my voting on record. Cowardly! Pat Reilly, Eugene
FALSE TICKETING I read your article on regulating cops ("Profiled," 10/16). The other day a friend of mine was stopped for speeding. He was doing 45 in a 55 mph zone. The deputy pulled him out of the traffic and gave him a ticket for doing 70. He was in between two other cars. When he asked why, the deputy said "because I say so." It's time we all stand up and fight these over-paid and under-worked cops. Someone told me years ago that there're three jobs you can do if you can't find an honest one: car salesman, cop or work for the government Just because they claim there's a low budget doesn't give them the right to falsely write tickets. Les Shapiro, Cheshire
BUSH'S ISOLATION Bush lied, thousands died! Thousands wounded, many critically. Families mourn the thousands dead and maimed. Yet, Bush is able to isolate himself from the wreckage of life he has created around the world. How sick! How sick are the people who support the big lie! Jack Myreng, Jr., Eugene
DRESSING UP I read a glowing review of Ruthie's Tea Shop (Oct. 30). It intrigued me. A few days later I was in Springfield for a meeting, and afterwards a friend and I went to Ruthie's for lunch. She was pleased to learn that Ruthie's serves lunch, since the last time she was there, two years ago, they only served teas. We had a lovely time. It was truly as your reviewer described. I don't remember if the review included "dress up." We were shown racks of hats, feather boas, etc., and told to help ourselves if we wanted to dress up for lunch. I fell in love with the hat I wore during the meal, but unfortunately, it was not for sale. I am certain that your reviewer did not mention what I call Ruthie's PA system: She and her staff call each other from afar by screeching out their names at the top of their lungs. I loved it! It reminded me of my childhood home! We really enjoyed Ruthie's, and would highly recommend it. No need to wait until you're in Springfield, it's worth going there specially. We probably should have made a reservation, but were fortunate that they found a table for us. C. Murphy, Eugene
CHANGING COLORS We are informed that more people of color are imprisoned than caucasians. Mr. Pittman and Mr. Kyte (10/30) bring food for thought. Using the "per stop" formula, would the color of prison change if more caucasians were stopped? Thomas V. Aletich, Springfield
MUSICAL LIFT I went to a wonderful concert at the McDonald Theatre Nov. 12 with Holly Near and Chris Williamson accompanied by John Bucchino. Wow – what an amazing inspirational couple of sweet, beautiful, wise, rugged women. My heartfelt thanks to them. They filled my heart with a jumble of emotions, love, joy, peace, hope, strength and possibilities. I would highly recommend to those who haven't heard their beautiful words, music and voices to definitely look them up. In these difficult and trying times we could all use a lift. "I am open and I am willing. To be hopeless would seem strange. It dishonors those who go before us. So lift me up to the light of change," sings Holly Near. Thanks also to the McDonald Theatre. Tim Boyden, Eugene
SPONGE-WORTHY The media has been paying some scant attention to the Democratic presidential candidates recently. There are, as usual too many of them and they will beat each other up so badly that by the time the Democratic nominee faces Bush next November, whoever it is will be at a disadvantage. We also know the Democrats can't possibly raise the kind of money Bush has and can't buy the double-barrel advertising it will take to keep George in the White House. I'm so disgusted by Bush, the Democrats could nominate Sponge Bob and I'd vote for him. I used to spend a lot of time reading about the candidates. I used to study the issues. I used to believe that it was more important to elect someone who would do the right thing, regardless of their party affiliation. I did these things because I took my vote seriously. Sad to say, I think I must be in the minority. In California, Arnold Schwarzenegger won his election without presenting any plan or program for solving the state's problems. In Mississippi, Haley Barbour rode to victory wrapped in the Confederate flag. Here in Oregon, Multnomah county voters rejected a chance to make PG&E public again. Now it will be sold privately with no guarantee that the next owner will be any better than Enron. Is anybody paying attention? The word democracy is getting a lot of use these days but it's poorly understood. People can't make wise decisions about things they don't understand. Geez, I know it's tough fitting in all that reading between work and the kids and whatever else but if we don't, then our vote becomes about as important as our choice of cornflakes. Brook Adams, Eugene
TAXING PET FOOD Corporate America's relationship to the devious people managing our public relations industry has become a plague upon our nation in every aspect of government. On a local basis the combination of that alliance has now scraped the bottom of the barrel when it began attacking local efforts to reverse the inhuman treatment of dogs and cats in Lane County. Terminating the lives of 700 dogs and 2,000 cats per
year is hardly a commendable local government oversight, but having
Taxing animal food makes considerable sense! A 5 percent tax on the retail cost of food purchased by pet lovers would provide an additional $700,000 per year for the local welfare of animals. Most of us who own pets would have little objection to paying an additional annual cost of $3.05 per cat and $5 per dog. With two dogs and two cats, the cost to our pet loving family would amount to $1.34 per month. Our neighbors owning no pets would pay no animal taxes of any kind. But ironically, The Pet Food Institute has contracted with a Eugene public relations firm to defeat the proposal. They say people may resort to feeding their animals "table scraps" if a tax were imposed on pet foods. They claim table scraps are unhealthy, but promote the highest cost junk foods on the planet; dog and cat foods often contain rendered animals unfit for human consumption. The objectors to local control are the spokespeople for an $11 billion per year unregulated dog and cat food industry. America has more people in jail than any other nation in the world. I would propose the executives of the pet food industry and their public relations counterparts be made a part of the jailed population. I would also propose they eat their own food products they claim as being superior to table scraps! John Fluent , Eugene
HE'S MY HORSE In the article "Looking D Nominees in da Mouth" Dan Carol (11/20) gave us a glimpse of the candidates. My horse is Dennis, even though Dan says "the guy literally looks like Mo from The Three Stooges." He is single, and that could get him some votes. Dennis is not accepting any corporate campaign donations. No self-respecting corporation would give him a dime anyway. That is enough right there to get my vote. So other that being funny looking and a pauper, he has a message that is second to none on every issue. If we vote for our own best interest, there isn't anyone close to Dennis Kucinich. Ed Cooley, Elkton
VOTE FOR SUBSTANCE I was a little disappointed when reading a recent column (11/20) by Dan Carol regarding the prospective Democratic presidential candidates. The focus was completely on superficial matters such as physical appearance. Unfortunately, Mr. Carol is recognizing an all too pervasive truth in our society, i.e., that we judge so often based on appearances and not substance. After researching the candidates and their positions, I have decided to support Dennis Kucinich. Congressman Kucinich is on the side of the common people on every issue. In fact, a recent poll of nearly 150,000 people by selectsmart.com finds that 37 percent of those polled align most closely with Kucinich when it comes to the issues and how much he cares. No one else, including our president, gets more than 13 percent This should be a cue to all those who want to take back our country and make it work once more for the vast majority of us who are not billionaires. Let's show the media that Americans vote not for looks but for substance. David Turnoy, West Linn
SMASH AND GRAB The myth perpetually propagandized by those in power that the U.S. is a democracy has been accepted as such, if not by leftists such as I and others too disenchanted to do anything but withdraw into their private lives, by the mainstream boobocracy of voters and gullible Americans. Among other reasons why the U.S. is not a democracy is that from the start it has been smash and grab, or a country of the rich, by the rich, and for the rich. On this, see throughout Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States — 1492 to Present. But another important reason the U.S. is not democratic is something seemingly almost universally taken for granted and accepted. The U.S. House of Representatives is at least in conception democratic because it is based on proportionate population. If New Mexico has a sizeable increase in population and Oklahoma a sizeable decrease, New Mexico gains a House seat and Oklahoma loses one. But the Senate is not democratic at all, and for want of a better word, might be called an aristocracy and is our bequest from the states' rights agitating of the original 13 colonies become founding states. Why should California only have two senators and tiny Rhode Island also two senators? Likewise, why should New York state have only two senators and even somewhat larger Oregon and Washington states also have two senators? The U.S. Senate, and also the electoral college, should be abolished. Paul J. Green, Eugene |
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