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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 11, 2016)
raise and support themselves, but visual artists are a whole different kettle of fish. From what I’ve witnessed over the past 50 years living around painters, their creative drive doesn’t leave them time for meetings or business details. If someone wants to promote them or pay the bills, fine. Otherwise, they’ll be found in their studio. Eugene has a plethora of creative people living here but very few patrons with the means to lend continuous support. I’ve even had conversations with local wealthy art buyers who would rather travel to the artsy places like Santa Fe to buy art because those pieces will be more impressive to their friends than any art they could buy here from us “no-name” locals. Nice. So, if any of you out there are driven to be a visual artist, be warned that it is a rough road. If all you want is to be famous and pay your bills by selling your art — Ha! You’ll have to look for an honest promoter (and it won’t be a gallery — they’re interested in making money off you, not taking care of you like in the past) or a sugar mama/daddy, and don’t expect a city government to find outlets for your art. Your success is the least of their concerns. To be an artist is to be a creative hustler. Some can do it, some can’t. Annie Kayner Eugene KLCC IS LACKING Public radio station KLCC 89.7 FM in Eugene is no longer serving us. Years ago they ended the local call-in show facilitating discussions and debates on local issues. The only show left that speaks truth to big-money power, Alternative Radio, has been cancelled. Don Hein needs to go. When I called him to talk about Alternative Radio, I asked him to give me an example of why they are ending the show. He answered: “Noam Chomsky.” Renowned political theorist Chomsky? If this concerns you, boycott the KLCC Microbrew Festival in February and do not donate to KLCC. Public radio should be a counterbalance to for-profit radio that is paid for by businesses and typically caters to their point of view. KLCC is not doing its job. Pam Driscoll Dexter EDWARDS’ LEADERSHIP Thank you for your excellent coverage of the Healthy Climate Act in your Jan. 28 article “Climate Politics: Will Oregon’s Legislature Step Up?” Senator Chris Edwards is the chief sponsor and champion of the Healthy Climate Act, which would put a cap or limit on Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions and invest the funds generated by the cap in projects to mitigate climate change and help those most affected by it. Edwards is working extremely hard on this bill, drafting the bill language, working with advocates and those opposed, holding hearings and working to gain the support of his colleagues in the Legislature. But the bill is facing opposition. Senator Edwards, thank you so much for your leadership on the Healthy Climate Act. Your constituents are behind you and appreciate all that you are doing to advance the Healthy Climate Act this session. Megan Kemple Eugene TABLOID RADIO Sean S. Doyle in his letter Jan. 28 describes his frustrating conversation with KLCC’s station manager Don Hein. Likewise, he questions the sponsorship of NPR programming by two of the worst U.S. Corporations, Chase Bank and McDonald’s. I’ll add the American Cancer Society to the list. The ACS might appear to be a good sponsor, but it’s not. Many people are still unaware of the widespread corruption within “the cancer industry,” and it’s doubtful we’ll hear any conversations about it on NPR. The problem can be traced to NPR’s president Jarl Mohn, who wants to double corporate underwriting. He’s also a former executive with E! Entertainment, MTV and VH1. Is it any wonder KLCC/ NPR has been amplifying its coverage of celebrity worship? Mohn says the core of NPR’s mission is fact-based journalism. Yes, it’s absolutely essential to get your facts straight about these stars and superstars. After all, NPR doesn’t want to give the impression it’s a tabloid radio station. Chuck Kleinhans in his letter Feb. 4 says we can get many progressive radio stations online; however, a computer or smart phone may not be accessible for low- or no-income people. The huge corporate sponsors and the Democrat Party-dominated NPR no longer want us to hear the thoughts and ideas of certain progressives and topics mentioned by David Barsamian in his letter Feb. 4. Small community radio stations (such as KXCR in Florence) require and deserve our support. We need more of these stations. They’re our last hope for peoples’ radio. Robert Simms Philomath TOKE AND CRUISE The voters have been persuaded to legalize marijuana. The Legislature has chosen to raise the speed limit to 70 mph in certain rural areas. What’s next? A new state motto: “Oregon: Get high. Drive fast.” Edward T. Monks Eugene Switch to a SELCO Platinum Visa and save. ® I left my big bank card for a SELCO Platinum Visa, and I’m glad I did. No annual, balance transfer, or cash advance fees A low annual interest rate that helps me save money Friendly, local service when I call or visit my branch Call SELCO today to see how easy it is to switch. ANNEXATION GAME selco.org / 541-686-8000 Lane County Democrats tend to think theirs is the party that stands up for “the little guy.” Why then is Springfield Sen. Lee Beyer sponsoring Senate Bill 1573 in the 2016 Legislature, written by the Oregon Homebuilders Association and Oregonians In Action to revoke certain voting rights for nearly 600,000 Oregonians? Email secretary@ocva.org to learn more. Jerry Ritter Springfield Several locations in Eugene and Springfi eld NMLS# 402847 Membership requirements apply. See SELCO for details. Banking | Mortgages | Insurance | Retirement | Business Lending eugeneweekly.com • February 11, 2016 7
