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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 26, 2012)
letters TO THE EDITOR IMPLIED VIOLENCE It was with inspired heart that I took my kids to the Oct. 16 Occupy Eugene March. Looking at the exuberance and peace embodied by the people surrounding us, I thought that this movement might be one I could support and work for. And I did to the best of my ability. Until recently. Under the umbrella of Occupy Eugene is a group called Tango Down. The name derives from police/military jargon and means “target killed.” It is this group that was responsible for the Christmas action at Councilor Poling’s home, among others. They have been unapologetic and uncompromising in their actions, many of which have undertones of violence. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.” I believe King would have wept tears of joy had he marched with us on Oct. 16, and I believe he would decry the actions that Tango Down has taken in the name of this “peaceful” movement. It saddens me that Occupy Eugene has allowed a group whose very name implies violence to sully what was such an amazing movement for positive change. I hope that our local Occupy can fi nd a way to return to the roots of nonviolent civil disobedience. When they do, I’ll be able to fully and joyfully voice my support again. Taylor Rutledge Springfi eld NO EVIDENCE Once again Eugene planners have an opportunity to innovate and improve Eugene’s transportation as a bike friendly town. Once again they fail with the new Willamette Street upgrade. Apparently some businesses oppose bike lanes and safe sidewalks because of a perverse and false notion they will lose customers. Where did they get this idea? Where is the evidence this actually happens? Do they think their Anyone who aspires to fi ll Sorenson’s shoes should understand that south Eugene’s best values are upheld and sustained by the commissioner we have now. Elaine Weiss Eugene WRONG IDEAS customers only drive cars? Numerous towns in Europe and the U.S. have adopted mixed-use designs to everyone’s advantage but once again Eugene refuses to change. Once again urban designers consider the needs of cars over the needs of people. I guess alleviating traffi c congestion, offering a safe environment for pedestrians and bicycles while increasing local business is not part of the city’s plan. I already avoid biking that part of town because of the unsafe conditions. Alisa McLaughlin Eugene SORENSON’S BIG SHOES In case anyone in Pete Sorenson’s district isn’t already aware of how well we have been served by the commissioner, here are a few high points. Without Sorenson, we would have lost protection of the F-1 lands. Farms and forestlands in Lane County that are now protected would instead be subject to development. This protection endures thanks to strategy and organizing that originated with Sorenson. Sorenson brings dedication, knowledge, resilience and a generous spirit to the offi ce. On the nonpartisan front, he was the only liberal invited to testify in congressional committee’s deliberations introducing the concept of federal payments to forested counties. He took a leading role in bringing millions of federal dollars to Oregon. Human rights and environmental groups, working people and students have a friend in Sorenson. Active in the community and accessible at the courthouse, he keeps up an amazingly high level of service. Watch board meetings that are televised on Channel 21 and you’ll see how courageously Sorenson represents south Eugene. He respects differences but he holds his ground on matters of principle. On countless issues, he asks the right questions, helping us to see exactly what is going on, often beneath surface appearances. What a great smile! Andy Stahl tries always to be a great forest protector but politically he fails even with his smile. He thinks he can persuade Faye Stewart to support his ideas on forest protection. That won’t happen! He thinks countywide elections are better than having fi ve county districts. Wrong again! That would produce a slate of candidates sponsored by the timber barons and their million- dollar campaigns. The money would take away what democracy we have left. Sorry, Stahl, but I can’t support you as a commissioner until you learn a little more about democracy and fair elections. Ruth Duemler Eugene BASHING SMART METERS I am amazed by the continuous bashing of smart meters and the assertion that these meters pose a dangerous threat to our health, never mentioning the EMFs that are emitted by everyday appliances. For example, the clock radio at the side of most people’s beds just inches from our heads for six to eight hours. I think these terror mongers really want the free power that comes with the older meter technology, due to its limited ability to record fractions of a kilowatt. Why hasn’t there been any uproar regarding NW Natural Gas use of smart meters? Eric Briggs Eugene MUTUAL AID On behalf of the Eugene Mutual Aid Society I would like to encourage everyone to check out our website at EUGENE FAMILIES School’s open! See what our schools offer! It’s school choice time in Eugene School District 4J. You can enroll in your neighborhood school at any time. To request enrollment in a different school for 2012–13, turn in a school choice request form by March 23 at 5 p.m. Requests will be accepted in an order determined by lottery. To learn more about the process and what 4J schools offer, come to the School Showcase or attend another school choice event. School Showcase Wall to Wall Winter Cycling Gear Ibex Merino wool clothing layers, bright lights, fenders, reflectives, weather- «ÀvÊ>ViÌÃ]Ê«>ÌÃ]Ê}ÛiÃÊ>`Ê«>VÃ]Ê iiÌÊVÛiÀÃ]ʼÜÌiÀÊvÀi`Þ½ÊLið Bring bikes to Willamette St. facebook: arrivingbybike ÓÇäxÊ7>iÌÌiÊ-ÌÊUÊx{£°{n{°x{£ä ]7]/ ]Ê££qÇ]Ê->ÌÊ£äqÈ]Ê-ÕÊ£Óqx 4 JANUARY 26, 2012 EUGENE WEEKLY Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Chávez Elementary School, 1510 W. 14th Ave. Get answers about school choice. Talk to representatives from every 4J school. Schools Open for Visits Monday, Jan. 30– Friday, Feb. 3 Monday, Feb. 27– Friday, Mar. 2 Each school offers different activities and times when parents can visit. Please phone ahead or see www.4j.lane.edu/choice for details. School Choice Information Meetings 4J Education Center, 200 N. Monroe Thursday, Jan. 26, 7–8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 7–8 p.m. Learn about the school choice process. More information: XXXKMBOFFEVDIPJDFt541-790-7570 Eugene School District 4J 200 N. Monroe St., Eugene WWW.EUGENEWEEKLY.COM • BLOGS.EUGENEWEEKLY.COM
