Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2004)
TO THE EDITOR being or entity we desire to solicit. Or non- entity as the case may be. Seems like the point of the pledge is to affirm our support of the flag that represents our country. While I will always stand behind our flag, I don’t necessarily stand behind our government’s decisions at any given time. Regardless what the Supreme Court decides, I imagine I’ll just continue to mumble my own quiet rebellion against our government’s path. Geneva Miller Eugene IT’S NOT THE MONEY Rita Castillo of Springfield (letters 3/18) has decided that money is the answer as she blends the recent domestic abuse tragedy killings in Springfield with the domesticated animal prob- lems of the valley floor. She finds the solution is more jails for everyone, both animal and human. If only there was more money. Strangely, she also cites all the money spent during the siege of the Paula Benitez killing as a disruptive cost that could have been prevented. She does not once look at the super expensive gear that failed to stop any killings, but which represents the very same funds that could have been spent to build the facilities she feels we need so very much. Diverging from the old tried and true work- ing methods has killed many more than ever needed. As for “animal control,” perhaps Rita could do some of that civic charity money raising. She can even name the fund after her- self or in memory of Paula Benitez. Meanwhile the rest of us are paying the taxes that are supposed to pay for the neces- sary public services that we are not getting. College students sit on their asses and don’t pay these funds. A lot of us are aware of this when they vote to increase our and their par- ents’ living costs. Question: Do the local police really need to be trained in military belt-fed machineguns? Just curious about how they are going to use this military knowledge as a justified public fund expense (instructors, ammo, facility rental, officer training awards, equipment maintenance, travel). Daniel J. Moore Springfield IRRECONCILABLE IDEALS As a student of philosophy I have researched a wide variety of positions on the discussion of anarchy. (See “Realistic Anarchy” story, 3/11.) Over the course of my studies I have come to the conclusion that it is impossible to reconcile the core ideals of a genuine environmentalist or “green” philosophy with the central elements of a true anarchist perspective. Environmental pro- tection is best achieved through comprehensive regulation of human activity on both private and public lands. Environmentalism demands a holistic phi- losophy that embraces the interconnectedness and interdependence of each element and inhab- itant of our world. Anarchy factions people into individual autonomous units seen as free to act in accordance with their own interests. The implication of even the most cohesive anarchist models would inevitably result in de-facto neo- Darwinism with power and material wealth fur- ther consolidated in the groups and individuals that are already wealthy and powerful. Without a public infrastructure, only indi- viduals with large SUVs would have reliable transportation, and only the well armed would have security. The government deregulation necessary for anarchist civilization would make the enforcement of any environmental regulation a mere pipe dream. The goal of environmental protection requires social progress and not social deconstruction. John Dedrick Eugene A rich soft fabric which feels luxurious, is easy to care for and comes in the most delicious colors! Perfect for a trip around town… or a trip around the world. RISKY SITES A new McKenzie-Willamette hospital south of the Willamette and near downtown seems a good idea, but why build it on EWEB’s narrow strip of alluvial soil between the railroad tracks and the river? Day and night we hear the whistles of freight trains riding those rails. Their cargo includes some of the most noxious, explosive, flammable, poisonous, caustic brews concoct- ed by our civilization. A train accident near the hospital involving such chemicals could cut off hospital access and put its occupants, as well as downtown, in serious danger. Flooding is a perennial possibility along riverbanks, and alluvial soil can liquify during an earthquake. If the planned RiverBend hos- pital is built, we could end up with two hospi- tals at risk when a “100-year flood” or the “great earthquake” forecast for the Oregon Coast arrives. The odds are against accident, flood or quake striking Eugene-Springfield, but why situate a hospital, desperately needed in emer- gencies, in a vulnerable spot when high, dry and solid ground is available? Let’s make our thinking about a hospital close to downtown wise as well as wishful. Meridian Building 18th & Willamette 431-3411 Fifth St. Public Market Second Level 484-3668 Taste of India Buffet Lunch Special $6.99 all you can eat. 7 days a week. Sunday Dinner Buffet Special $10.99 all you can eat (children’s prices vary). ✪ Voted Best Indian Restaurant -Eugene Weekly Readers 1998-2000 Free soft drinks, tea, coffee. (With lunch buffet) Ellen Spear Eugene Catering available ◆ Full menu available to go 7 Days a week 11:oo-3:00 & 5:oo-10:oo 2495 Hilyard St., Eugene, OR 97405 ◆ ph & fax (541) 485-9698 ◆ ph 485-9560 http://tasteofindia.uswestdex.com APRIL 1, 2003 7
