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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (July 11, 2013)
Days later, Lane County Commissioner Pete Sorenson wrote Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Rep. DeFazio to keep the issue bubbling. Sorenson says, “I think that the federal courts will strike down the ‘military detention’ component.” He refers to Hedges v. Obama, a case in the U.S. Court of Appeals Second Circuit in New York, held in limbo since February. A decision would deem parts of the NDAA unconstitutional. “This case, unless mooted, is likely to go to the U.S. Supreme Court,” he says. A Coos County vote may reject the maligned parts of the NDAA, starting a process for Oregon to join states like Indiana, where the full Senate passed a resolution against them. PANDA and partners Oath Keepers and The Patriot Coalition want opposition to be too big to ignore. Johnson worries that we’re on a slippery slope. The defi nition of “terrorist” is ripe for political manipulation and indefi nitely detaining Americans is a big concern. “One day it’s Al Qaeda. The next day it’s you,” he says. Events are 6 pm Monday, July 15, at North Bend Library and 6 pm Wednesday, July 17, at Springfi eld Public Library. — Adrian Black SHOULD BUNNIES AND CHICKENS BE TROPHIES? Small animals shouldn’t be given away as prizes, according to Heather Crippen of Red Barn Rabbit Rescue (RBRR), who has been working along with her daughter to stop bunnies from being chased and caught at the Cottage Grove Rodeo. RBRR has also been working on developing an ordinance that would stop bunnies, chickens and other small animals from being the trophies at giveaways and contests. Crippen brought the idea before the Lane County Animal Services Advisory Committee on July 8 and is also considering city and statewide regulations. The “animal scramble” scheduled to take place at this weekend’s Cottage Grove Rodeo July 12-13 raised controversy after Crippen and her daughter videoed the event last year. In the past, the event had children running after the bunnies and taking one home if they caught it. Crippen says the event is both cruel and negligent. This year, after months of controversy and an issue with USDA regulations, the Cottage Grove Riding Club, which organizes the scramble, will instead pursue chickens and plastic eggs, and the children will be told to walk. Children will still win rabbits. Crippen says “kudos to the riding club” for the changes, but she adds, “I feel like it’s a step sideways.” She wonders how organizers will keep more than 100 children from running. She also says she doesn’t know what effect it will have on the chickens. Crippen says that she’s been accused of not seeing the positive angle to the event — that kids learn to care for a rabbit — but she says while that might be true, it would be even more positive if kids adopted a rescue rabbit, already spayed or neutered, and got to choose it based on its personality. Like dogs or cats, Crippen says bunnies can be outgoing, shy or opinionated. She says it can cost $200 to spay or neuter a bunny, which can have six to 12 kits in a litter. The adoption fee is $50 at RBRR. Commissioner Jay Bozievich, who serves on the animal services committee, says he gave advice on language for an ordinance and also suggested it be taken to the state level. He says, “I offered to help make some calls to legislators to help.” Summer’s for family, fun, & errands… Take it all with you. Yuba Mundo, Xtracycle, Surly Big Dummy Child seats, cargo bags, electric assist. Test Rides! Eugene Sun. Streets July 21st! Details at facebook.com/arriving.by.bike ÓÇäxÊ7>iÌÌiÊ-ÌÊUÊx{£°{n{°x{£ä °qÀ°Ê££qÇ]Ê->Ì°Ê£äqÈ]Ê-Õ°Ê£Óqx “I’ve been going to the Oregon Country Fair since 1982. I’m thrilled the Fair purchased LTD buses systemwide for the whole community to ride free during Fair. It’s a great event and a great service.” Chris Berner LTD Rider Since 1982 ltd.org 541-682-6100 (voice) 7-1-1 (TTY-Oregon Relay) eugeneweekly.com • july 11, 2013 9
