• 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.