PAGE A4, KEIZERTIMES, OCTOBER 23, 2015
KeizerOpinion
KEIZERTIMES.COM
Preventing sports injuries
Australian gun laws have worked
fi eld. Concussion symp-
By JULIE JACKSON
toms include headache,
PT, ATC/R
dizziness—loss of con-
Standing on the side-
sciousness, balance or
lines, I have an excellent
memory—blurred vi-
view of soccer games. In
sion and nausea.
a recent match, a player
The key to recovery
jumped to hit the ball
is what neurophysiolo-
with her head, when her
gists call “complete cog-
opponent lost her balance
nitive rest”—when your
and swung her elbow
brain rests from all ac-
into the young woman’s
tivity related to the fi ve
temple.
senses. Find a dark room
As soon as the ref-
with little to no sound
eree gave me the signal,
where you can lay down
I rushed onto the fi eld to
and rest. This is the most
check the player’s condi-
Julie Jackson
effective way to recover,
tion. She slowly regained
rather than trying to
consciousness, screamed
turn off your brain by
in pain, and held her
neck. The opponent’s blow had clear- zoning out, playing video games or
going for a drive.
ly jarred her head and neck.
Concussions can cause long-term
I held my fi nger in front of her and
asked her to follow its movement with side effects like delayed reaction times
her eyes. I checked her memory and or lack of awareness. Experiencing a
asked her what day it was and what concussion puts you at greater risk of
she had just been doing. I helped her having another one.
If someone has a concussion, it’s
slowly off the fi eld, realizing the hit
important to:
had impaired her balance.
Track their symptoms. Are they in-
From all indications, she had suf-
creasing or decreasing?
fered a concussion.
Take two low-intensity 10-minute
Sports injuries happen in the blink
of an eye. Although strained muscles walks per day to keep blood fl owing
and sprains are more common, con- and provide oxygen to the brain.
Eat foods high in Omega-3, Ome-
cussions aren’t that rare in competi-
tive sports. Most happen in football, ga-6 and other healthy fatty acids.
soccer and basketball—but falling off This helps the brain recover.
If symptoms do not improve after
a bike or jungle gym can also cause
a few days, schedule an appointment
them.
Concussions can occur anytime with your doctor.
The best way to prevent concus-
the brain experiences trauma.
A concussion is the acute phase of sions is to be aware of your surround-
an impact that directly changes the ings, plus work on strengthening neck
physiology of the brain. I carefully muscles.
While sports are competitive, re-
word it that way because concus-
sions are not always caused by direct member they’re just a game. Strive to
hits to the head. An athlete can fall on play stronger, faster and smarter.
(Julie Jackson is a certifi ed and
their shoulder or back, but the impact
registered athletic trainer at Cheme-
causes trauma to the brain.
As an athletic trainer at Chemeketa keta Community College—and a
physical therapist at Salem Health.
Community College, I’m usually the Find more information online about
fi rst to assess this condition on the concussions at cdc.gov/headsup.)
HuffPost Australia reports that a
generation of Australians have grown
up free from mass shootings. A
change of course on gun matters by
political action occurred there after a
deadly rampage in April 1996, when a
28-year old stalked through a tourist
attraction in Port Arthur killing chil-
dren, women and men with a high-
powered weapon. While the gunman
sits in a Tasmanian prison serving 35
life sentences the Australians do not
know why he committed his heinous
crime spree.
The Australians grasped what they
called ‘never again’ when The Nation-
al Firearms Agreement banned semi-
automatic rifl es and shotguns and
pump-action shotguns and brought
to law their rigid licensing require-
ments. Thereafter, a gun amnesty was
declared and the federal government
spent $500 million dollars, paid for in
a special levy, to buy back—for their
market value—weapons ruled illegal.
Nearly one million guns were pur-
chased by the government and de-
stroyed.
All fi rearms in Australia must be
registered to a licensed owner and
stored under strict conditions, separate
from ammunition. Obtaining a gun
license requires considerable effort,
including background checks that are
thorough with no overlooking of any-
thing in an applicant’s past. As a result
of this nationwide tightening of the
rules, some government offi cials who
promoted gun controls lost their po-
litical jobs but have commented since
that it was worth it because it got the
job done and it was the right thing
to do.
The premier in Australia’s most-
conservative state, Rob Borbidge,
who lost his job, said that “There are
Australians alive
today because
we took that ac-
tion.” All gov-
ernment leaders
there recognize
that no laws are
perfect. In fact,
the Australian Crime Commission
estimates there are probably 250,000
illegal long-arms in Australia and
10,000 hand guns. They also com-
ment that while you can never really
say ‘never,’ a college campus attack has
not occurred since the controls and
buy-backs went into effect.
Some might ask why the U.S. can-
not do something like what the Aus-
tralians have accomplished? Some will
comment that Australia’s population of
about 25 million makes it much more
manageable to do than in the U.S. at
about 322 million. If you believe that
the only barrier is human population
size then it’s presumed you’ll always
fi nd a way to be deterred with every
additional head count. Meanwhile, we
all know that the origin of guns and
their use in the U.S. began with the
Second Amendment to the U.S. Con-
stitution that protects the right of the
people to keep and bear arms, and that
it is one the fi rst 10 amendments to
the Bill of Rights.
If a trial run with the Australian
model were to be tried in Oregon
with its population at about 4 million,
it would seem a more manageable
number. However, unlike Australia,
with its separation from other nations,
the U.S. has other states and nations
on its borders and much less stringent
entry requirements where millions
are already here as illegal immigrants.
But Oregon would appear to have a
more diffi cult-to-control-guns as we
know now from the terrible event at
Umpqua Community College. John
Hanlin, the Douglas County sher-
iff, has been public about his refusal
to enforce any gun laws and poked
fun at the killings in a Connecticut
school accusing them as staged by
the federal government to help with
its gun control efforts. Yet, we’re ap-
parently no better outside Douglas
County as, the other Oregon county
sheriffs, as declared by them all on
their web page of the Oregon State
Sheriffs Association (OSSA), “support
Sheriff John Hanlin and his deputies.”
Since, like Hanlin, the Oregon
sheriffs do not enforce gun controls,
they are themselves breaking the
law and the casual observer thereby
wonders how many other laws they
do not enforce and how many other
“laws” they enforce that are not laws
that, again like Hanlin, represent their
personal points of view and beliefs:
And that part of the speculation on
these people and their deputies who
are elected to serve and protect leaves
a person just plainly nervous. By the
sheriffs in Oregon and their deputies,
this state really is the ‘old wild west.’
If we had something resembling
the Australian design we’d be so much
better off. However, since those de-
voted to guns, with the National Rifl e
Association(NRA) beating its war
drums, are afraid that if we have any-
thing to stop the maniacs the govern-
ment will use it to confi scate all fi re-
arms . . . well, we’re just left to hug a
cold Second Amendment and should
be thankful, one concludes, for a very
ugly form of population control here.
tion, we struggle to meet our ex-
penses just as anyone does. Most of
us survived the recession by taking
losses, and by keeping great employ-
ees. We’ve said for years that we need
more good jobs: this payroll tax on
private sector jobs will do the oppo-
site. Instead of improving compen-
sation for our employees or donating
to non-profi t organizations, we will
be looking at how to cover a new $5
million cost, year after year, after year,
after year.
Salem-Keizer needs weekend ser-
vice, but there are better solutions
that we are committed to implement-
ing, including a property tax, use of
lottery funds, and more fl exibility in
how current funds are required to
be used. We have met with and have
drafted concepts being considered by
state legislators.
It is time for the Salem-Keizer
community to enjoy weekend bus-
ses—but we need to do it as a com-
munity. When we stand up and say
that a new tax levied only on private
employers and self-employed people
is not right for our community, we
begin the effort to say yes to collabo-
ration. We can get there and get there
soon, but fi rst we must say “No” on
the unfair employer payroll tax, Ballot
Measure 24-388.
Dan Clem
Salem Area Chamber of Com-
merce
sition has chosen
to take makes
my assessment of
this local issue a
very important
one for all those
involved. I fi nd it
sad to see Bill Post, my local legisla-
tor, essentially turning his back on his
constituents by siding with the oppo-
sition on this issue. He has always said
to me personally every time I have
brought this issue up to him that he
refused to do anything because it was
in his words a “private sector matter.”
Speaking with him after seeing
photos of his “campaign” style pro-
test he told me that he would “be
willing to use one of his bills” dur-
ing the 2016 legislative session to
look into using lottery money to help
fund transit. I am not a fool I know
all too well that previous transporta-
tion packages and bills introduced
stand little or no chance of ever be-
coming law. I say to Mr. Post, don’t
make promises you cannot keep. You
were elected because you promised to
bring change not to turn your back
on that promise.
I also look to another promi-
nent face of the opposition Richard
Duncan of Duncan Construction,
he served as an advisor for Cherriots
between 2009 and 2010. If he was so
passionate about transit then as he
is against it now then why didn’t he
do anything about it then? It’s as if
the opposition to this measure want
things to stay as they are and basically
ignore the pleas of those who cannot
afford to speak for themselves. I im-
plore the citizens of Salem and Keizer
to vote for Cherriots to help take us
forward rather than keep us planted
in the past.
Dakota Saunders
Keizer
prove a new bond to replace the aging
fl eet of ambulances, fi re engines and
equipment. It is not unusual for an
ambulance or fi re engine to be in the
shop for repairs and unavailable for
emergencies. It seems the equipment
is always on the move as some days
there are over 10 service calls. There
is also a need to replace and update
equipment for our fi refi ghters and to
provide better emergency services.
The good news is the overall rate
of the new 20 year bond will be the
same as the one expiring. Passing the
bond will ensure adequate equipment
for 20 years. Please join me in voting
yes for the Keizer Fire District bond
for the safety of our families.
Bill Quinn
Keizer
How to avoid concussions
guest
column
Payroll transit tax
To the Editor:
I am opposed to the payroll tax
being presented by the Salem-Keizer
Transit District. I am a small busi-
ness owner and it seems that agen-
cies needing money believe we are an
endless source of funds.
Board member Krebs stated that
their polling found that a payroll tax
was more favorable than a property
tax. Well, duh! People will support
anything that someone else has to pay
for.
I have a home in Keizer and com-
mercial property in Salem, so I am al-
ready paying twice for Salem-Keizer
Transit. Now they want to tax me
again through payroll so that makes
three. In addition there is no limit
on how this tax can grow. I am vehe-
mently opposed to a tax that can con-
tinue to increase without any input.
I offer a competitive wage, vaca-
tion, paid holidays and health insur-
ance to my employees at a signifi -
cant cost. I choose to do that. Which
should I curtail to make up for addi-
tional taxes owed?
Public transit is useful and neces-
sary but I cannot afford to continue to
“cough up a few more dollars” every
time an agency is short of funds.
Greg Ego
Keizer
Salem Chamber
opposes 24-388
To the Editor:
The Salem Area Chamber of
Commerce and our businesses know
that a robust transit system is good for
everyone. We envision a Salem where
school children, grandparents, indi-
viduals with disabilities, and aspiring
young workers
are able to trav-
el safely to and
from work, the
library, a friend’s
house, or down-
town when they
want or need to travel. But targeting
private employers to pay for expand-
ed service isn’t the right solution. We
have proven that community stake-
holders can unite for meeting the
good of the community. Altogether,
our businesses, citizens, local govern-
ments, and organizations came to-
gether to pass ballot measures to bet-
ter fund our schools, our community
college, our fi re protection, exten-
sion service districts, and our streets
and bridges. It worked because we
worked together.
This transit employer payroll tax
does not represent working together;
it is targeting our private employers
to foot the entire bill. The Salem
Chamber’s position is clear: private
employers shouldn’t be singled out
to pay this multi-million dollar cost.
If weekend transit service is needed
in the Salem-Keizer community, then
we should all pay for it. This is an ir-
responsible tax measure and we know
that there are better solutions.
This new tax is bad public policy.
Under this proposed payroll tax, the
State of Oregon will not contribute
one penny towards expanding transit
service. Leaving out the state, which
is the area’s largest employer at 22,000
employees, is wrong. The state pays a
payroll tax in lieu of property taxes,
but they will not share in the cost of
expanding transit services. This isn’t
collaboration, it is partisanship.
Businesses cannot absorb every
new fee or tax that is coming. With
dozens of new employment taxes,
laws, and increased global competi-
letters
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Transit presentation
at city council
To the Editor:
I really appreciated Councilor Amy
Ryan raising objections to the transit
district using the city council meeting
as an opportunity to try and sell their
tax increase.
I also read Mayor Cathy Clark’s
comment on her Facebook page
which reads “On the Cherriots bus
headed to work. Giving up my park-
ing space and happy to be able to
enjoy peaceful reading time in the
morning with other riders.” The page
received a “Like” from Allan Pollock.
It would have been nice if the
mayor would have mentioned that
she might have a confl ict of interest
during the council meeting.
Jim Keller
Keizer
Yes on transit ballot
measure
To the Editor:
Being a 23-year-old individual and
extremely political I fi nd it exciting
to see a local issue getting this much
attention. Saying that, however, I am
also disappointed to see the way the
opposition has acted throughout this
entire process. I go for walks around
this city almost every day morning
and night and seeing the signs stating
“It’s simply unfair” is not entirely true.
I have done my research on this is-
sue and have discussed it with count-
less people around Keizer. To see them
and yet also see the tactics the oppo-
gene h.
mcintyre
letters
Yes for Keizer Fire
To the Editor:
Twenty years ago the voters in
Keizer approved a bond to build a
new fi re station. In 2016 that bond
will be paid off.
We all know the Keizer Fire Dis-
trict is asking Keizer citizens to ap-
(Gene H. McIntyre’s column ap-
pears weekly in the Keizertimes.)
KFD equipment levy
support
To the Editor:
I am writing in support for Keizer
Fire District’s equipment bond levy.
As a former volunteer fi refi ghter
and a former board member I am
very familiar with the needs of the
fi re district. The current board of
directors and administration have
earned my support and endorsement
for this needed equipment levy.
The reality is that some of the
Keizer Fire District’s current fl eet
of engines and trucks are over 20
years old with too many miles on
them. There have been recent break-
downs of some ambulances which
can impact response times.
By passing this bond, Keizer Fire
District will be able to replace these
old vehicles, improving reliability and
maintaining response time for com-
munity fi res and emergencies. The
bond covers fi re engines, ambulances
and rescue vehicles, and equipment;
all are getting old and costly to repair.
Please join me in supporting our
dedicated and hard-working emer-
gency response personnel by voting
yes for the Keizer Fire District bond
levy.
Michael Kurtz
Keizer