Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 15, 2016)
Idaho require large protective buffers be- cause their laws are based on science. Each state recognizes pesticide drift as inevitable. What’s more, she slammed Mountain Rose Herbs, a local company that provides jobs for 200 people, for following reputa- ble business practices — destroying plants they found were contaminated with the timber herbicide, atrazine and taking the economic hit. State regulators have rarely sanctioned these pesticide trespass violations. Com- plaints about ill health and ruined property are not well accounted for by state agen- cies — take the 2013 Gold Beach case where over 35 people reported being poi- soned. That egregious case was counted as a single complaint! Despite our state's problems with proper reporting, pesticide testing and public accountability, the herbal company alerted the public because as owner Shawn Donnille said, “people and organic crops should have a basic right to avoid being sprayed by dangerous chemicals.” Beyond Toxics introduced 2015 legis- lation to require hefty buffers and advanced notification of aerial herbicide sprays. Timber lobbyists did everything to block our science-based recommended changes to timber law. With no other protective op- tions, Oregon must ban aerial spray. I would be pleased to welcome Mor- rison to a public debate on the Oregon's forest practices act, and its failure to pro- tect people, communities, drinking water and fish habitat. We could also discuss the impact of clearcut logging on climate and carbon. Real facts required. Let's not let the timber industry hide the truth in the guise of another misleading opinion piece. Lisa Arkin, Beyond Toxics Eugene what’s not fair about charging student food workers for their shift meals. Sue Mandeville Springfield STINGY UO NOT VALID The president of the UO makes $660,000 a year, along with car allowance (another $15,000 a year), cell phone allow- ance, paid health care, deferred compen- sation and lives for free at the president’s house. Yet I’m not complaining about the president’s salary and perks. I’m complain- ing about the UO’s new policy to charge student food workers for their meals, an additional expense that used to be free. Charging student food workers who make $9.75 an hour is so cheap and stingy it makes me cringe. The reasons given for doing this are that the free meal money comes out of stu- dent housing fees and it’s not fair to bur- den all the students with paying for free meals for a few. Then why take money out of housing when there are all these juicy salaries and perks sucking up the UO bud- get? If a few well-paid coaches, professors or administrators were to donate just their car or phone allowance, which for what they’re making is more a symbol of their status than actually needed, it would surely pay for all student food worker shift meals until the end of time. The UO will say salaries and perks are contract issues that can’t be changed, and we have to attract the best. I’ve heard that sorry excuse for over-paying management forever. It’s a good old boys network that keeps the money flowing to the top. That’s The Nov. 23 Eugene Weekly contained a “teach-in” announcement. For the first session, I attended the men’s “safe space.” This was safe only if one accepts the social justice narrative. For pointing out cases where this narrative is at odds with reality, I was labeled a rac- ist and was told to silence myself. Three times, I had to say, “Do not put words in my mouth.” For example, isn’t it ironic how the “pro- gressive stack” finds female-tenured profes- sors to be more oppressed than homeless white men? For the second workshop, I was the only person attending. So I conversed with the leader. In response to things she assert- ed, I replied with how belief in the SJ [so- cial justice] narrative is causing injustice. She could have ended the conversation but chose to continue. She then informed me that my words were aggressive. Is dis- agreeing with her narrative in calm and measured tones really violence? If SJ warriors continue political cor- rectness without fixing their rhetoric, Republicans in 2018 could achieve veto- proof majorities in both House and Senate. I fear this. SJWs need to test (and defend) their narrative in open debate. Labeling and silencing are not valid arguments. Joe Tyndall Eugene MAKE A DIFFERENCE Environmental problems, social mis- steps and economic stability are symp- toms, not the cause, of the hot air we choke on. For months the presidential campaign has engulfed our lives as we anxiously awaited the next outrageous comment or unfounded rumor. We laughed. We cried. It was captivat- ing. Ratings went through the roof for this ultimate reality show. Certain episodes were provocative, others sad or hilarious. Everybody watched. No one demanded substance. As candidates refused to share “se- crets” or accept responsibility for past in- cidents, voters were kept in the dark about any actual leadership strategy they would follow. Substance was overlooked as we focused on perceived personality. Split down the middle our nation became a land of them and us. The election is over. What comes next? Just more hot air unless we accept respon- sibility. A successful democracy involves more than basking in months of rhetoric followed by a few minutes casting a ballot. Democracy works when citizens par- ticipate. Casting your vote was a good start, but don’t just sit there waiting for the premier of the next season of reality shows. Make a difference now. Turn the heat up on hot air by taking an active role in the life of our community. Michael DeLuise Eugene l Home & Garden Sto ur Loca re o Y Visit Our Outlet Store Last Minute Holiday Savings % 50 OFF almost everything † † EXCLUDES: Sodastream refills, gift cards, and previously purchased items Special Holiday Hours: • Dec 24 • Dec 25 • Dec 31 • Jan 1 Mon-Sat 10-6 Sunday 10-5 10am-3pm CLOSED 10am-3pm CLOSED 2498 Willamette 541-349-0556 downtoeartheugene.com eugeneweekly.com • December 15, 2016 7
