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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (April 14, 2011)
letters TO THE EDITOR dependent upon the productive capacities of technology and organized labor. Such an event may be close to inevitable, regardless of how desirable or horrifi c we regard it. Still, I wish Zerzan would for once be clear in his letters about what undoing civilization would entail, rather than cloaking his anti-civilization advocacy in terms of concern for human casualties. The desire to dial back human history to some pastoral idyll is likely as old as civilization itself. The question is how. Ideological certainties about the evils of technology, though they contain a critical portion of truth, do not help answer that question. Timothy Shaw Eugene HAND JOB IS BETTER Another case for legalized prostitution in Eugene: There is more dignity and public service in offering a $5 hand job than being dressed as a national monument and dancing on 7th Avenue to remind us to get our taxes done. The fuck, people ... Jeff Albertson Springfi eld LOCAL RACISM I fi nd emails, letters and comments of criticism and support motivating. But I have to disagree with Fergus Mclean (letters, 3/24) about the Pacifi ca Forum being the most receptive or effective venue for Cheri Turpin’s research and my presentation of the historical experience of people of color in our town and state. Prominent in the experience of people of color in this town is the historical and continued presence of the Klan and their supporters. I spoke once at the Pacifi ca Forum not really expecting a warm reception, hoping for a fi ght. They were polite and the bad actors were not in evidence, much to my disappointed surprise, since we were talking about the support racism has had historically in our state and town. I haven’t been back. Actually the most effective venue was being on educational television for classes, as well as Rites of Passage. Ironically, Barry Sommers is currently on television more than I am in an instructional venue, and the controversy around his Islam class has generated more attention. Our original intention was to have this information become part of school curricula, but that hasn’t happened so much either. Our kids, our original motivation for doing this project for the schools, have all successfully moved on, most of them away from here, something we heartily recommend, for everyone. Spend some time getting comfortable in places where people of color are in the majority. See how the majority lives in a different kind of normal. Where diversity is the reality and doesn’t have to be “celebrated.” Mark Harris Eugene © Donna Coveney photo PRESCHOOL CUT It was recently announced that North Eugene High School will be eliminating its Early Childhood Development Program as part of on going budget cuts. While I understand that 4J School District is facing a huge budget shortfall, I feel the decision to cut this program is a mistake. It is one of the, if not the only, revenue generating programs at North Eugene High. I pay a monthly tuition for my sons to attend North Eugene’s preschool and would have no problem with a fee increase to help get through this economic rough spot. Over the last three years my experiences and those of my children in this program have all been wonderful. It provides a place for my children to get a head start on early education where they feel secure and comfortable. The high school students in the Early Childhood Development Program have always been kind, creative and supportive. My boys are always excited to get up and go see Teacher Kelly and their friends at North. Closing this program after 33 years would be a tragic loss to our community, from the families that feel safe to have their preschoolers at North, to the high schoolers planning on going into careers working with children. No one asked if we, the parents, were willing to pay more, or donate, or volunteer at the preschool to help save this great program. Early education programs are a valuable commodity, can we really afford to lose one that has been a part of our community for so long? Rita Verdugo Eugene Noam Chomsky Speaking World-renowned linguist, philosopher, political theorist and activist to deliver the Collins Distinguished Lecture, “Global Hegemony: The Facts, The Images.” 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2011 150 Columbia Hall, 1215 E. 13th Avenue University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon Free and open to the public Sponsored by the Department of English at the University of Oregon. An EOAA institution committed to cultural diversity uoregon.edu/~engl DISCOVER DISCOVER YOUR YOUR INNER INNER CHILD CHILD SEE MORE LETTERS THIS WEEK AT WWW. H oop Dancing EUGENEWEEKLY.COM H oop Dancing EVERYBODY CHEER! 14 YEARS! THE PIE'S 4/20 BIRTHDAY SALE STARTS NOW! E14% OFF the entire GLASS ROOM E75% OFF Selected Used Clothing E10% OFF Storewide Sale E90% OFF the Bargain Basket Sale runs 4/14 - 4/20. Enter to win a Gift Certificate! THANKS to YOU for 14 years! We're GRATEFUL for your support! Monday - Saturday 11-6 / Sunday 12 - 5 Find us on Facebook under "Sweet Potato Pie Eugene" WWW.EUGENEWEEKLY.COM • BLOGS.EUGENEWEEKLY.COM Who says workouts are boring? Come try something new with Hoop Dancing. Lead by Tara, this series of four classes will take us from hooping basics to moves that will impress the inner kid in us all. Classes will be at the Y Mondays, April 25 th -May 16 th 1:30-2:30pm or 6:45-7:45pm. Four sessions: $40 Member $48 Non-Member Space is limited, so make sure to sign-up in advanced at the Y. 15 years and older, please. HOOPS PROVIDED EUGENE FAMILY YMCA www.eugeneymca.org EUGENE WEEKLY APRIL 14, 2011 7
