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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (July 26, 2007)
TO THE EDITOR DRUG SPEECH I think the supreme court decision on “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” was swept under the rug by saying the issue was about students’ rights versus a principal’s responsibility. If you listen to the latest commercials against people who smoke marijuana, you will find that they are all concerned with speech. “Some people are telling your kids smok- ing marijuana makes you smarter ... ” “While your teenager is online, she has 1,000 people in her room and some of them are talking about marijuana.” I believe Chief Justice Roberts’ opinion on “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” was not sound constitu- tional law interpretation but just the new front in the war on people who smoke marijuana. There is a new phrase being bandied about: drug speech. I believe conservatives aim to make “drug speech” a crime. As talk- ing about murdering someone is the crime of conspiracy, I believe conservatives want to make “drug speech” a crime. So telling your child you smoked pot in college would be a crime. If abortion is outlawed, then talking about abortion may also be a crime. To paraphrase: First they took away the speech of people who smoke marijuana, but I don’t smoke marijuana, so I did nothing. Then they took away the speech of women wanting an abortion, but I am not a woman who wants an abortion, so I did nothing. Then they took away my speech, but I was alone. Chris Pender Eugene HEALTHY GUILLOTINES After viewing Sicko, Mike Moore’s latest work of humanistic genius, one thing stood out for me. Offered as the fundamental rea- son why France has so many social programs that work so well for so many of its citizens was this telling observation: “In France, the government fears its people; in America, the people fear their government.” Anyone know where we can get a few used guillotines? We don’t have to use them, mind you. Just think of them as “inoculations.” Seems to have worked before. Bill Smee Springfield BIKIN’ FAIR POEM BIKIN’ ROUTE 126 OUT TO THE COUNTRY FAIR 7/16/07 Peddlin’ to the place of peace, love and a little skin barin’ Colorful parades, new paradigms and a whole lotta carin’ and sharin’ While roadside treasure starin’ I saw two hubcaps and a blue heron My butt was a wearin’ Several massive trucks blew by hippie glarin’ and a swearin’ Causin’ the wild blue chicory to dance a jig I am declarin’ Whilst I did the handlebar death grip sweatin’ and a fearin’ My long beard and lovely orange safety vest rippin’ and a tearin’ Awaiting my BIG BANG and final trip to the bright light I was preparin’ Got me thinkin’ bout my 25 years with Bert and me marryin’ I hummed some old tunes of Bobby Darin All whilst ridin’ my bike out to the lovely Oregon Country Fair, that Mecca of tie- dye wearin’ Thank you for showin’ me THE WAY great blue heron! LOVE, Tim Boyden Eugene DOWNTOWN NOVELTY I have a few thoughts regarding Sam Bond’s making it in Esquire magazine as one of America’s Best Bars. The only one from Oregon. People want novelty. New experi- ences. Why don’t we fill the two downtown holes with more of the “counter-culture” side of Eugene? Valley River Center is not memo- rable. Malls with fake air. Been there, seen that. It’s anywhere U.S.A. Sustainable build- ing, alternative energy, indoor year round Farmer’s Market (across the street from the library and the bus station?) would be a great start. Let’s not forget that how we get there is very important. The bus station is right across the street. While we are at it, let’s expand our bus system and have it run on biodiesel. And yes, have GAS taxes pay for it! “10th Street Market” with regional musi- cians, crafters and restaurants featuring or- ganic, local produce. Street theater, puppets, artists. Country Fairesque. There was an arti- cle in The Register-Guard regarding Veneta’s possible plans to “pave this community’s path from a timber- to tourism-based econ- omy.” Nature trails and bike paths. Sounds like a shift in the right direction. Let’s make Eugene’s downtown educational, artistic, creative and fun in a sustainable way. So peo- ple will remember being there, like Sam Bond’s! A destination point modeling living with the earth, not consuming it. Well done, Sam! Pam Driscoll Dexter HUGE SUMMER SALE!! 2821 Oak St., Eugene • 541-434-0430 • www.knit-shop.com “The internet says I can get the car I want at a price I like, but the 3 dealers I called said it’s impossible.” That’s why I called Oregon Roads. Order any new or used vehicle from the agency that delivers. Drive Oregon Roads! 6th & Jefferson, Eugene 683-CARS • 800-944-0227 richly textured “Bamboo” bands by Local designer D Werst 115 W 6th Ave Eugene 687.7859 Saturday, July 28th 1–5 PM Skinner Butte Park – e l p o Pe red e w o P al v i t s Fe ugene tion in E ta r o p s n ered tra ople-pow e p g n ti celebra win) line on r e t s i g e R for p wings rize dra e (must b presen t to www.eugene-or.gov/julyinmotion Prizes Live music Electric Soul Improv Mike Tracy Band The T Club Free Bike Safety Check There’s more! Meet with some of our local biking, bike racing, and walking clubs and get informed about bicycle registration. Cindy Ingram Booking & Promotions JULY 26, 2007 9
