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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 11, 2005)
TO THE EDITOR BENEFICIAL MIX It almost seems like common sense to locate public relations and advertising majors in business schools, not journalism schools. After all, those majors are about representing businesses and other organi- zations, not about gathering news for the public. Apparently, that’s what George Beres believes (8/4). That’s a simple-minded view of the question, however. Students heading for careers in public relations and advertising need to learn how the media operate — their standards, their methods, the ins-and- outs of the business. The place they can get that knowledge is in journalism schools, not business schools. There’s another advantage, too. Through journalism programs, the public relations and advertising students learn about the eth- ical principles that govern the news media. That’s a big benefit to everyone. Many of the best journalism schools in the country, including the UO, offer majors in public relations and advertising. It’s a no-brainer. Arnold Ismach Retired dean of UO School of Journalism & Communication & former daily newspaper editor SIGNIFICANT OTHER When I first read Jeff Lansing’s (7/28) letter about his OCF refugee status, I rolled my eyes: Here we go. Now, with Alba Lindquist’s (8/4) letter, I feel as though it is only “fair” to speak up. When my family moved here to Eugene and first attented the OCF (as paying ticket-hold- ers) we fell in love with the spirit, energy and creativity of the fair. We knew we wanted to become a part of this energetic and dynamic community. My partner volunteered on the con- struction crew and the first year, after hav- ing worked well over 80 hours in the month before fair (most construction crew members work an average of 150 hours a year!), he was given a weekend day-pass. It was OK, though, we knew that it took time and dedication to earn a permanent spot on a crew — they see so many who volunteer to get a pass, but don’t do the work involved. The next year, he got a full-access pass and an SO (significant other) pass for me. Of course, my child was always welcome — there is no charge for kids under 11 on any level. As for myself, I have fallen so in love with the history and preservation efforts of the fair, I volunteer on a non-existent crew — just helping out to share my love of the land and the community — I will never have a pass of my own, and I’m OK with that. I also pay $55 every year for my SO. What I want to know, Lansing and Lindquist, is what makes you so elite that you should be allowed to remain during camping hours on a $16 day pass? Or to be lovingly allowed to sneak in without working to put the event together? We have children here — should we allow any random person to have access to our sleep- ing areas? And no — it’s not some big- drug crazed party after the sweepers close out the gates. For most of us who have been working all day, it’s a chance to final- ly get some food, or rest quietly at camp with friends we haven’t seen all year, or take a quiet stroll past a small group of 4 AUGUST 11, 2005 musicians playing an impromtu jam. And especially regarding Lindquist’s complaints, you should be glad you don’t have to (gasp) sleep nearby those filthy heathens — right? Kristina Mullins Eugene DENIAL’S NO RIVER It’s been 60 years since the U.S. made a calculated decision to incinerate tens of thousands of civilians by means of atomic weapons (WMDs, folks). Now Pakistani nuclear physicist Pervez Hoodbhoy tells us (R-G Commentary, 7/17) that Islamic extremists are preparing “briefcase bombs” for delivery to some of our major cities. Various commentators say it’s practi- cally a “fait accompli.” Reasons why? According to Hoodbhoy, “The United States has bombed more than a dozen countries since 1948, and recently killed tens of thousands on the pretext of chasing weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. It claims to be a force for democracy and the rule of law despite a long history of sup- porting the bloodiest of dictators, rejecting the International Criminal Court and con- tinuing to develop nuclear weapons.” I have two words for the current American lexicon: denial, and karma. We always want to believe we’re special, but the grown-up news for Americans is that we incinerate just as quickly (and painful- ly) as anybody. And the way we’ve been playing — only fools buy the trumped-up rationales — we’ve got a little something coming. Sorry. Elephant. Living room. Vip B. Short Eugene TWO NEW HOSPITALS? In the last five years the increase in annual overall inflation has been 2 to 4 percent. During the same period health care costs have accelerated by 10 to 14 percent per year. The cost of real estate has increased over 10 percent in just the last year. If we build two new hospitals, one in Springfield and the other in Eugene, will this result in a reduction in health cost to the consumer? Is this action in the com- munity’s best interest? Sacred Heart Medical Center has decided to move to Springfield, further challenging McKenzie-Willamette Hospital’s viability. Problems seem to continue to surface. In the July 23 R-G it was revealed that moving the EWEB building would cost between $60 to $90 million. This might make this site not pos- sible as a site for the “downtown” hospital. Also missing from all of these discus- sions is the fact that Sacred Heart is leav- ing an existing facility in the “downtown.” An emergency room, surgery suites, ICUs, all support departments and some of the most talented health care professions in the state occupy this building. Many of these employees have relocated to be close to their place of work. In addition, much of the cost of this “downtown” hospital has been paid for by the federal government Hill-Burton Act funds. This money came from our taxes. It belongs to us. Let’s be efficient and reclaim our natural resource. It was built with public funds, it should continue to serve the public to the highest degree pos- sible. Doing this would give us a down- town hospital at a bargain price, because much of it has already been paid for by us. Angelo Jackson Eugene FLYING HIGH This is a letter of recognition and praise for the recent production “Flying High,” a series of plays by Bjo Ashwill that were performed at the Hult July 26. The whole evening was a celebration of the 15th anniversary of ADA (American Disabilities Act). Hats off to LILA (Lane Independence Living Alliance) and friends. The evening started with a Gala where words were given (including Mayor Piercy) in praise of the many people who are working to make this community friendly and usable for those whole live and visit here. The fun continued in the Soreng Theater where we were treated to four one-act plays which entertained and educated us TABs (Temporarily Able- Bodied) to the world of limitations and possibilities. How great to see so many have a chance to shine on stage and to have so much fun as well. Thanks to all who made it possible. My wish would be that it could be an annual event. What a creative opportunity that would offer. Martha Snyder Eugene PAID VACATION President Bush was recently given a complete physical exam and was found to be in extremely good health. Maybe if I had free access to the best health care and 10 vacations a year, I could have better health too. President Bush is on track to set the record for the most presidential days off. He is just starting a five-week vacation on his private ranch, which has me worried because just after the last time he took a long break at his ranchero, 15 Saudis were able to attack us. Michael T. Hinojosa Drain SMOKESCREEN I am infuriated about the smokescreen the White House is putting up around President Bush’s Supreme Court nominee, John Roberts. The fact that Roberts is a member of the Federalist Society is only dwarfed by the fact that he lied about his membership in this ultraconservative legal group and about his role on its steering committee. I also am enraged about the White House’s decisions to withhold Roberts’ tax records and his legal record. The citizens have a right to know more about who might serve on the highest court in the land for the rest of his lifetime. I will do what I can to oppose this nomi- nee. I hope many others will do the same. Marie A. Vitulli Eugene DEATH AND TAXES Below is the text of a letter I sent to the IRS on Nov. 10, 2004 and an excerpt of the reply I just received. Dear IRS: I acknowledge that I owe the taxes shown in your records. As long as President Bush is waging an illegal war in Iraq, I will not be paying this amount vol- untarily. The money is in the bank and you can come and take it. But I will not volun- tarily pay for the execution of 100,000 Iraqi civilians, nor the maiming of over 10,000 American soldiers. Dear Taxpayer: We have determined that the arguments you raise are frivolous and have no basis in law. Federal courts have consistently ruled against such argu- ments and imposed significant fines for taking such frivolous positions. Frivolous? Not wanting to sanction the illegal and wasteful use of nearly 140,000 American solders, frivolous? Not standing silently by as nearly 1,800 young men and women have lost their lives, frivolous? Not wanting to be complicit in the deaths of more than 100,000 Iraqis, frivolous? Protesting an administration which has taken us to war on lies and manipulation, frivolous? What could be more significant? Carol Horne Eugene
