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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 6, 2015)
LET TERS So far, those who extract fossil fuel for burning have no apparent plans other than to keep looting the earth and killing our atmosphere while making the most dollars in the history of money. Jerry Smith Eugene PICK A SIDE Karl Stout (Letters, 7/30) would do well to think critically about the difference between ecological harm that would be caused by individuals and small groups as opposed to that caused by maintaining an interlocking, global, industrial civilization. Sure, humans will do what they need to in order to survive if the industrial economy disappears, but without a systematic industrial extraction system under their control, the level of damage that could be achieved would surely pale in comparison. The severe destruction of land that industrialism externalizes to so-called third world areas would no longer be there to bring us the comforts and conveniences that we are used to, so we would see more localized violence while humans attempt to fi gure out how to enter into a relationship with each other and with the land. I’m not saying it won’t be messy, but it would be better than maintaining industrial civilization and the extreme injustices perpetrated on people and the planet. What it comes down to, for me, is loyalty. Which side are you on? The industrial economy is fundamentally opposed to ecological health. GDP goes up, ecological health goes down. More than 90 percent of large fi sh in the oceans are gone, salmon are collapsing, passenger pigeons are gone. Eskimo curlews are gone, 98 percent of native forests are gone, 99 percent of native wetlands, 99 percent of native grasslands. The list goes on. How much longer do we wait before resisting with everything we’ve got? If you love something, you fi ght for it. I support the disruption of capital using any means necessary. Dillon Thomson Eugene If Todd Bone thinks forced sterilization is a viable solution to the unhealthy effects human beings are having on the planet, let him be the fi rst in line as a test subject. For me, if we have to mass sterilize the general populace in order for our species to survive, maybe it’s time we become extinct. William McMahon Eugene CHERISH THE PAST If the past is dead, then why respond, Patrick Burian [Letters, 7/16]? Unfortunately this is a farce told by pundits of new age, self-help philosophies. Remember that despicable book The Secret? Your support of individual agency seems a bit more kindred to autocracy. I can only assume, so I choose to assume you wrote what you wrote with the best intentions (Pulp Fiction will educate you on what can happen with “best intentions”). However, to equate numbers, to years of racism paraded as a cheap caricature on a T-shirt, is a sign that you are an autocrat and need to come to terms with it. The idea that “what I think is all that matters” is what has gotten humanity into the predicament we are in now. “Know thyself” is not to be confused with “be a narcissist.” Stephina Brewer [Letters, 7/9], in your situation both your and their intentions were the “future,” the encounter was the “now” and everyone involved’s feelings are the “past.” As a Native American, I am honored to call you my friend! You are a true ally! Next time I urge you to say something back to that douche, especially after his snarky remark. Those who learn, must teach — just don’t expect ignorant people to learn the lesson! You will be dead much longer than you will ever be alive. My advice: Cherish the past! In my experience, that’s all that lasts. Aaron J. Martin Eugene TOGETHER WE’RE BETTER FORCED STERILIZATION Come on, Todd L. Bone [Letters, 7/30]! You’re really going to bring up mass, forced sterilization and ignore the “socioeconomic” questions it inspires? Little things like, who gets to decide who’s targeted by this virus? Or, since we’re sterilizing people anyway, maybe we should just clean up the gene pool? (That’s not a far leap.) Maybe we could design this “sterilization virus” to target people with low IQs, or Republicans. The homeless, people with psychiatric issues? While we’re at it, with all the racial tension right now, we might as well target minorities, too. I mean, one race is plenty. Think of all the possibilities! It’s almost like we’re practicing eugenics. @EUGENEWEEKLY We respect individuality, one-of-a-kind-ism, and the right for everyone to have an equal opportunity to thrive. kp.org/lane 569KPA-15/7-15 6 A UGUST 6, 2015 • EUGENEWEEKLY.COM All plans offered and underwritten by Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest. 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232. ©2015 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest
