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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (March 27, 2003)
• The TV show Gulf War II is a rerun of Gulf War I, only the video and maps are better. Some 500 reporters are on the ground and on ships, but the stories are the same and mostly glorify the campaign. Even NPR’s radio interviews are sanitary. Are we likely to see images of American body parts or videotapes of cap- tives on either side being tortured? War is not a spec- tator sport. It’s savage, bloody hell on earth, and until we present it as such in the living rooms of America, we will continue as a nation to mindlessly accept death and destruction as a fundamental element of our for- eign policy. • Why would Eugene cops find it necessary to fire knock-down rounds at anyone other than perhaps to subdue a suspect wielding a knife or gun? EPD has a long history of excessive use of force and intimidation, and “jumping the gun” in their response to protesters. Every aggressive confrontation with unarmed protest- ers — even those who are obnoxious and unruly — con- tributes to EPD’s disconnection from the community it’s paid to serve. At the same time, every protester action that provokes the police and tries to co-opt peaceful demonstrations for non-peaceful purposes discourages peace-loving people and families from attending anti-war rallies. We need as many people as possible at peace events, not only to make political statements, but also to support each other in these try- ing times. • The R-G printed the word “fuck” for perhaps the first time in a page 2 photo of Eugene protests in their Sunday, March 16 issue. A sign in the photo read, “Bombing for Peace is Like Fucking for Virginity.” Looks like EW will have to find another word now if we’re to remain the alternative paper. Any suggestions? • Good turnout in Salem this week for a hearing on the draconian Senate Bill 742, authored by Sen. John Minnis. The original “anti-terrorism” bill proposed life in prison for anyone disrupting commerce, transportation, education, legislative meetings, etc. It’s been toned down a bit, but we are reminded once again that the narrow-minded thinking that gave us the internment of Japanese-Americans in World War II, the Senate Subcommittee on Un-American Activities, and other attacks on our civil liberties, persists well into the 21st century. Not that we needed reminding. • Not much news about Wes Brain, the SOU safety technician arrested after videotaping an Ashland protest (see story 3/13). He plead not guilty in Ashland Municipal Court and a trial is scheduled for early April. Stay tuned. organizers’ goals may be too optimistic. “But it’s doing something.” Duffy says if people’s basic needs for heat, light and water are not met, the results can be tragic. “This is our 9/11 and the need is enormous. A community safety net is cre- ated through this fund-raising event.” People who want to help but are unable to participate in the fund-raising events can contribute by sending donations to HUES c/o St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 24608, Eugene 97402. — Ted Taylor HOT WHEELS Thieves stole 821 cars in Eugene last year, a 20 percent increase over 2001. Some new trends may account for part of the increase, according to police. In the past, many thieves stole stereos and other valuable accessories from parked cars. Now, many thieves steal the car and drive it to a safer location where they strip the valuables. Another trend is stealing older cars with worn locks using “shaved” keys. The older cars aren’t worth as much, but they often leave poorer students, single parents and others without theft insur- ance as victims. Of course, some victims make theft easy. In 15 percent of cases, the keys were left in the car. — AP POLICE RAIDING When it comes to cops, the state’s loss is the city of Eugene’s gain. After budget cuts forced layoffs of Oregon State Police offi- cers, the city of Eugene launched an effort to recruit state police officers. The Eugene Police Department hopes to hire five officers by April 14. The city could save money on training by picking up experienced officers who were trained at state expense. Four of the five new officers will work new security de- tails required at the Eugene Airport. The city was covering the airport by paying existing officers overtime. — AP It’s an excellent opportunity to find that special piece of furniture for your home or office. Floormodels include lots of upholstery like single sofas, love seats, and chairs, as well as dining room, bedroom, and office furniture. Be sure to visit a store near you today. Sale ends Sunday, March 30th CORRECTIONS/CLARIFICATIONS This sofa, in beige or blue microfiber, is an example of the extensive reductions on our floormodels.* was $899 SALE $799 *Check a store near you for availability. Savings limited to stock on hand. EUGENE • 856 Willamette Street • 541-342-5000 We validate parking at Overpark, Parcade, and U.S. Bank Other Oregon locations: BEAVERTON, MEDFORD, PORTLAND Open Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-6 • 8 MARCH 27, 2003 www.scan-design.com • In our 3/13 article on Senate Bill 783, which would guarantee the right for women to breastfeed or express milk on the job, we identified the chief sponsor of the bill as Sen. Ginnie Burdick; however, another co-chief sponsor of the bill was Rep. Robert Ackerman (D-Eugene). An additional 51 lawmakers were also sponsors. • A Calendar photo on page 16 of the March 13 issue was of Maria Jette, not Beth Genne. Jette sang in an OFAM performance March 11 at the Shedd Concert Hall, and Genne gave a dance history lecture series this winter at Beall Hall, UO.
