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pump, not on registration fees, so they fall on the actual users of streets and highways, including out-of-state drivers. <br /> The proposed 2 cents per gallon tax increase is trivial, amounting to $10 per year on an average driver using 500 gallons of gas. </p> <p>Registration fees constitute pre-paid gas taxes. The current fee of $27 translates to 5.4 cents per gallon at 500 gallons. A proposed registration fee of $54 will translate to 10.8 cents per gallon. Add that to the proposed 2 cents per gallon tax and you've got an actual increase to 12.8 cents per gallon for the average driver under the governor's plan. </p> <p>The current proposal would penalize those who use less gas and lets out-of-state transients off virtually scot-free. <br /> <br /> JOSEPH F. BREIMAYER <br /> Lake Oswego </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_governor.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Governor's budget needs fine-tuning Â"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_governor.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_governor.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1854767/Letters to the editor: Governor's budget needs fine-tuning Â/Letters/Letters//December 3, 2008 10:00 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_diane_do.html">Letters to the editor: Diane Downs, fishing, Welcome to Oregon</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Wednesday December 03, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Downs still unrepentant </strong><br /> As a crime victim, I am saddened and disturbed reading the article "Downs gets legal chance at freedom" (Dec. 3). </p> <p>Diane Downs still doesn't get the fact that she killed her daughter and tried to kill her two other children. </p> <p>I volunteer in the transitional programs at the Oregon State Correctional Institution and Oregon State Penitentiary. I've also done empathy classes at OSCI. </p> <p>Most inmates finally realize that what they have done is terribly wrong and show empathy for their victims and their families. </p> <p>Inmates who take responsibility for their actions have a good chance of becoming productive citizens on the outside. </p> <p>After 24 years, Downs is still not taking responsibility for her actions and blaming everyone around her for her own bad behavior. <br /> <br /> CRAIG PLUNKETT <br /> Southeast Portland </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_diane_do.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Diane Downs, fishing, Welcome to Oregon"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_diane_do.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_diane_do.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1854779/Letters to the editor: Diane Downs, fishing, Welcome to Oregon/Letters/Letters//December 3, 2008 10:00 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_taxes_al.html">Letters to the editor: taxes, alcoholism, urban planning</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Tuesday December 02, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Governor's short memory </strong><br /> Gov. Ted Kulongoski has a short memory. Last year, Oregon voters soundly rejected Measure 50 and its attempt to single out smokers for special taxation, obstensibly to expand children's health care. </p> <p>Now, the governor proposes another cigarette tax. Why should smokers be responsible for the health care of other people's children in a broken system? </p> <p>Kulongoski also seeks to tack another 2 cents per gallon on to already weighty gasoline taxes to "put Oregonians back to work." </p> <p>Has this man ever met a tax he didn't like? I see no mandate in anything that has happened recently to support this mad splurge of new taxation, especially when the economy is tanking and people are struggling to make do amid shrinking finances. <br /> <br /> JAMES HOUSTON <br /> West Linn </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_taxes_al.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: taxes, alcoholism, urban planning"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_taxes_al.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_taxes_al.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1849491/Letters to the editor: taxes, alcoholism, urban planning/Letters/Letters//December 2, 2008 10:00 PM/3"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_pitbull.html">Letters to the editor: Pit-bull troubles call for legislation, ban</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Tuesday December 02, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>Your solution to the pit bull problem is too complex and too bureaucratic ("A tighter leash for pit bulls," Nov. 30). </p> <p>There is a simple, market-based solution: Legislate that owners of pit bulls, rottweilers and so forth, must carry $1 million in liability insurance that specifically covers injury caused by their pets. </p> <p>People who own animals like that are dangerous. I have no sympathy for them. It's time we put some restraints on their subculture. <br /> <br /> EASTON CROSS <br /> Northwest Portland </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_pitbull.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Pit-bull troubles call for legislation, ban"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_pitbull.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_pitbull.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1849514/Letters to the editor: Pit-bull troubles call for legislation, ban/Letters/Letters//December 2, 2008 10:00 PM/2"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_mumbaiha.html">Letters to the editor: Mumbai,Hanford, Tacoma</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Monday December 01, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Mumbai attacks senseless </strong></p> <p>I, along with a billion other Muslims around the world would like to extend by deepest sympathies and at the same time express my utter disgust at the carnage that is being wrought in Mumbai, India. </p> <p>Acts such as these make no sense, achieve nothing and cannot be perpetrated by anyone who considers themselves to be even remotely part of the human family. </p> <p>To my Indian friends -- and I have many -- my hopes and prayers are that you and yours are safe during this trial as your nation is once again subjected to this horror. </p> <p>To my many Jewish friends -- especially to those who stood by us on many an occasion during the last seven years, I would like to express my sincerest condolences for the death of a Rabbi and his wife and that a place of worship was so vilely defiled. </p> <p>There is absolutely no justification for the perpetration of a barbarity such as this. No good will come of it other than bringing good people together, joining hands and standing up forcefully against the perpetrators, their thoughts and their ideals -- political or religious. </p> <p>As a Muslim, I am told in the Quran (Chapter 5; Verse 32): "Whoever kills unjustly it is as though he has killed all mankind. And whosoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind." <br /> <br /> SHAHRIAR S. AHMED <br /> President, Bilal Mosque Association Â<br /> Beaverton Â</p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_mumbaiha.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Mumbai,Hanford, Tacoma"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_mumbaiha.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_mumbaiha.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1844994/Letters to the editor: Mumbai,Hanford, Tacoma/Letters/Letters//December 1, 2008 10:00 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_little_s.html">Letters to the editor: Little sympathy for stay-at-home mom</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Monday December 01, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>ÂAs a recovering full-time careerist, I was sickened by Inga McDevitt's need to be validated by the gross domestic product and promotion from the sisterhood of the chatty "quadruple-taskers"("Aching for achievement after putting family first," (Nov. 30). </p> <p>What planet is she living on? Doesn't she realize how great she has it? She has a husband who makes enough money to support the family, yet rather than enjoying the mundanity of the domestic lifestyle, she longs for the empty accolades of the working world. </p> <p>She claims that stay-at-home moms (she does not acknowledge the existence of their male counterparts) have put their lives "on hold" for tomorrow's leaders. What message does she hope kids glean from that belief? </p> <p>I am grateful that my wife's career enables me to stay home with our daughter. I feel more connected and appreciated with my diaper changing, house cleaning and cooking duties than I ever did as a fluorescent-lighted desk jockey. </p> <p>McDevitt should pause from quadruple-tasking, turn off her television and disconnect the computer. She should take a moment to be thankful that she can afford to stay home and that she doesn't need a "real job" in the current economy. <br /> <br /> MAX MARGOLIS <br /> Northeast Portland </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_little_s.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Little sympathy for stay-at-home mom"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_little_s.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/letters_to_the_editor_little_s.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1844972/Letters to the editor: Little sympathy for stay-at-home mom/Letters/Letters//December 1, 2008 10:00 PM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_economic.html">Letters to the editor: Economic fixes meet cynicism, caution</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Sunday November 30, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>So the same geniuses that brought the economy to the brink of economic collapse have devised a brilliant strategy for its recovery: </p> <p>First, we the people give billions of our dollars to the financial institutions. </p> <p>Next, we borrow back our money at as yet undetermined usurious rates. </p> <p>Finally, as has become our patriotic duty, we shop. We buy new homes, new American cars and cartfuls of electronic gadgets, none of which we can afford and most of which we do not need. </p> <p>Thus, the economy is fixed and with the avatars of Milton Friedman guiding the next administration, the Masters of the Universe remain and we shall be forever in their debt. </p> <p>Where is the "transformational change" we just voted for? </p> <p>LENI MARGOLIS <br /> Southeast Portland <br /> <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_economic.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Economic fixes meet cynicism, caution"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_economic.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_economic.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1835380/Letters to the editor: Economic fixes meet cynicism, caution/Letters/Letters//November 30, 2008 10:00 PM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_3.html">Letters to the editor: faith, taxes, space research</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Sunday November 30, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong> Faith, medicine compatible </strong><br /> Your article "Oregon deaths revive faith healing debate," Nov. 24) described a kind of parenting I can't imagine. </p> <p>My wife and I have parented six children over the last 40 years. I've found Christian Science to be an effective system of spiritual care for my entire family. But I would never jeopardize my children's well-being if I thought it wasn't doing the job. Period. </p> <p>The same goes for every Christian Science parent I know. We applaud Sen. Peter Courtney and his peers at the Oregon Legislature who grappled with these issues and shaped the law to bring accountability to parenting. </p> <p>Current law protects children by penalizing irresponsible behavior and permits responsible spiritual healing. This solution recognizes that it is how well, now how, care is given that matters. </p> <p>CRAIG LUEDEMAN <br /> Christian Science Committee on Publication for Oregon <br /> Salem <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_3.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: faith, taxes, space research"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_3.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_3.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1835414/Letters to the editor: faith, taxes, space research/Letters/Letters//November 30, 2008 10:00 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_socialis.html">Letters to the editor: socialism, symphony, secretary of state</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Saturday November 29, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>I read with interest "Taxpayers, add Citigroup to rescue list," (Nov. 24). </p> <p>Where were the Treasury, Fed and FDIC when Citigroup was making loans to "people with tarnished credit or low incomes"? </p> <p>Now, the working people are going to bail out another bad lending mistake. </p> <p>This makes me want to start my own lending company. What have I got to lose? </p> <p> <br /> CRAIG MELLGREN <br /> Sheridan <br /> <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_socialis.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: socialism, symphony, secretary of state"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_socialis.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_socialis.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1835424/Letters to the editor: socialism, symphony, secretary of state/Letters/Letters//November 29, 2008 10:00 PM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_reader_i.html">Letters to the editor: Reader ideas to fix the economy</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Saturday November 29, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>At first, I thought Deborah Millard (Letters, Nov. 25) was crazy to suggest the government should give $100,000 to every taxpayer -- that works out to something like $10-15 trillion. </p> <p>But we've already spent several trillion, with few signs of improvement. So, perhaps we should discuss her idea seriously. </p> <p>First, it should exclude children -- let's limit it to people over 18, plus the few heads of household that are under 18. </p> <p>To insure that it's used first to pay down debts and get current on payments, it should be disbursed through banks, rather than paid directly to taxpayers like tax refunds. </p> <p>Many seniors on Social Security pay no income tax, but they definitely should be included. And it should be done on a sliding scale. Those with incomes up to $250,000 get the full amount, incomes over $500,000 get nothing, and those in-between get proportionate payouts. Should work. </p> <p> <br /> ANDREW ALLEN <br /> Northwest Portland <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_reader_i.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Reader ideas to fix the economy"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_reader_i.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_reader_i.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1835436/Letters to the editor: Reader ideas to fix the economy/Letters/Letters//November 29, 2008 10:00 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_bush_vol.html">Letters to the editor: Bush, volunteerism, bosoms</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Friday November 28, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p> <strong>Bush deserves an apology </strong><br /> In spite of Leonard Pitts' hate-filled (and fact-short) opinions, Jeffrey Shapiro is absolutely correct ("Which of us should be feeling ashamed," Nov. 24). </p> <p>Victory is in sight in Iraq, Iranian President Ahmadinejad is quickly losing support, North Korea is willing to negotiate, our borders have been strengthened, and the U.S. has remained safe from terrorists because of the numerous intelligent upgrades and re-organizations enacted by President George W. Bush. </p> <p>Bush's cardinal sin seems to have been expecting too much from the people of his country. He believed in the ideal America -- one in which citizens are willing to make sacrifices to do great things, are unwavering in the face of adversity and treasure justice and freedom above all. </p> <p>Bush has been neither a fool nor a failure. He deserves an apology [from the American public] because we were clearly not up to the task. </p> <p>ERIC WRIGHT <br /> Southeast Portland </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_bush_vol.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Bush, volunteerism, bosoms"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_bush_vol.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_bush_vol.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1835376/Letters to the editor: Bush, volunteerism, bosoms/Letters/Letters//November 28, 2008 10:00 PM/5"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_its_time.html">Letters to the editor: It's time to clean up health care mess Â</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Thursday November 27, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>Your article "No Quick Fixes for Health Care System," (Nov. 25) hit at the heart of the health care problems faced by the middle-class. </p> <p>Too many families are one medical emergency away from financial catastrophe because of rising healthcare costs. I was particularly struck by the fact that many Oregonians are just a layoff away from losing what health care coverage they have. </p> <p>In this economy, that is a disturbing situation. As someone at risk of losing health care every time there's more bad economic news, I plan to push lawmakers in Salem and Washington to ensure everyone has access to secure health care. </p> <p>I encourage your readers to do the same. I am angry and I want something done for my family and friends. We elected lawmakers to fix our collapsing health care system. They need to fix it now or they're just a part of the problem. <br /> <br /> ROB DAY-REYNOLDS <br /> Southeast Portland </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_its_time.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: It's time to clean up health care mess Â"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_its_time.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_its_time.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1829119/Letters to the editor: It's time to clean up health care mess Â/Letters/Letters//November 27, 2008 10:00 PM/2"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_nativity.html">Letters to the editor: Nativity scenes, forgiving dogs, lampposts</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Thursday November 27, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Nativity scene is no threat </strong><br /> When are the city and state legislators and leaders going to display some backbone and common sense when dealing with the separation of church and state ("Holidays renew nativity debate," Nov. 23)? </p> <p>A tree, or a nativity scene, or a menorah or any other religious symbol in a public place over the holiday season is hardly forcing the people to obey or follow any particular religion. It cannot and should not be seen as some sort of coercion on the part of the city or state. </p> <p>The founding fathers must be turning in their graves when they see the interfering, petty and narrow minded view being taken of the Constitution by our city and state officials. </p> <p> <br /> RON HAYBITTLE <br /> Hillsboro <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_nativity.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Nativity scenes, forgiving dogs, lampposts"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_nativity.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_nativity.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1829137/Letters to the editor: Nativity scenes, forgiving dogs, lampposts/Letters/Letters//November 27, 2008 10:00 PM/2"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_thanksgi.html">Letters to the editor: Thanksgiving turkey, three ways</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Wednesday November 26, 2008, 10:20 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>After reading David Sarasohn's article on hunger, (Nov. 23) I have a suggestion that's a win for everyone. </p> <p>Most of the grocery stores currently have a promotion -- spend $100 and get a free turkey. Spend that $100 by buying food for a food agency. Donate it and get your free turkey. The food you donate is tax deductible, you get a turkey for yourself, you're helping folks who really need help and you're stimulating the economy. </p> <p>If you've already bought your Thanksgiving turkey, go spend the money for food to donate, get a free turkey and put it in your freezer until after the holidays. </p> <p>When you defrost it next year you'll get to re-experience the feeling that you helped someone in need this holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving. </p> <p> <br /> CANDY KITTLE-MIZE <br /> Tigard </p> <p><br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_thanksgi.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Thanksgiving turkey, three ways"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_thanksgi.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_thanksgi.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1823873/Letters to the editor: Thanksgiving turkey, three ways/Letters/Letters//November 26, 2008 10:20 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_monopoly.html">Letters to the editor: monopoly, protests, common sense</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Wednesday November 26, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Enforce antitrust laws </strong><br /> Our government leads us to believe they are in the anti-monopoly business. But, what does it say when so many companies are deemed "too big to fail" ("Taxpayers, add Citigroup to rescue list." Nov. 24)? </p> <p>When a company has to be bailed out for fear of a global, domino-like failure, fear of tens or hundreds of thousands of employees being laid off or classified as a national security risk, haven't they bloated themselves into monopolistic status? </p> <p>Capitalism will be better served with proper checks and balances like enforcement of antitrust laws. <br /> <br /> DAN D'AMARIO <br /> Scappoose <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_monopoly.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: monopoly, protests, common sense"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_monopoly.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_monopoly.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1823922/Letters to the editor: monopoly, protests, common sense/Letters/Letters//November 26, 2008 10:00 PM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_material.html">Letters: materialism, hybrid cars, baseball</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Tuesday November 25, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Stop the insanity </strong><br /> Thank you for publishing "Let's pay for our sins, let the recession play out," by Charles Morris (Nov. 23). </p> <p>The current strategy of bailouts seems to fit the definition of insanity -- doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result. Is it possible that we have been given a gift? </p> <p>Is this a chance to wake up from the stupor brought on by extreme materialism and sense of entitlement afflicting people at every income level? </p> <p>I ask this as one who struggles with these afflictions. Have we been given a chance to be less concerned with our own wants and more concerned with the needs of others? </p> <p>This crisis is a great opportunity to adjust our priorities if only we will sieze it. How much is enough? How much is too much? Restarting the "consumer borrowing-spending binge that underpinned the ersatz growth of the 2000s," is insane. </p> <p>Stop the insanity. </p> <p>KATHY TERADA <br /> Beaverton </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_material.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters: materialism, hybrid cars, baseball"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_material.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_material.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1823796/Letters: materialism, hybrid cars, baseball/Letters/Letters//November 25, 2008 10:00 PM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_max_atta.html">Letters to the editor: MAX attack: Safety, not race at issue</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Tuesday November 25, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>As the brother of Staci Smith, a single mother of three, I can say that I am unequivocally proud of Staci's actions in not only the defense of herself, but coming to the defense of other passengers ("Racially charged attack not that simple," Nov. 24). </p> <p>Make no mistake about it, Staci Smith is the victim in this attack and The Oregonian is attempting to vilify the victim. </p> <p>She stood up for passengers when TriMet would ask them to move to another side of the train and allow the tyranny to continue. </p> <p>Furthermore, the report that Staci used racial epithets simply isn't true. The report that Staci said this came from Angela Dow's parents! </p> <p>I am making a plea to all Oregonians: reject TriMet's attempt to defame Staci Smith's name in an endeavor to turn public attention away from TriMet's sad system of safety. </p> <p>Demand TriMet's light rail system be safe from the anarchy that plagues customers and insist that The Oregonian report the facts of what happened that fearful day [rather than] hearsay from the convicted criminals who attacked Staci. </p> <p>Together, we must stand up for those willing to fight against anarchy in our public transit system and give harsh penalties to those terrorizing the patrons. </p> <p>Do not shed tears for the criminals. Stand up for Staci, the victim of this racial attack. </p> <p>JORDAN WALBRIDGE <br /> Gresham </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_max_atta.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: MAX attack: Safety, not race at issue"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_max_atta.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_max_atta.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1823815/Letters to the editor: MAX attack: Safety, not race at issue/Letters/Letters//November 25, 2008 10:00 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_insuranc.html">Letters to the editor: insurance, dutch, Perrier</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Monday November 24, 2008, 10:07 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Claim denial puzzling </strong><br /> <br /> I'm disappointed to learn that Farmers Insurance Group denied Yuan and Siukee Tong Chou's claim to rebuild their Southwest Portland home, which was destroyed in a landslide through no fault of their own ("Slide suspect: new sprinklers 'high' water use, " Nov. 22). </p> <p>I'm puzzled by this denial, given that the city of Portland suspects the landslide may have been caused by human error with the installation of a sprinkler system or landscaping around the home above the Chou's. </p> <p>I wonder how vulnerable we all are as homeowners, regularly paying our insurance premiums and expecting that the safety-net we pay for will be there when we need it. </p> <p>Like the Chous, I also hold a policy with Farmers. You can bet my family is carefully looking at our policy and strongly considering what we need to do to assure better coverage, including a move to a different insurance company. <br /> <br /> KAREN RONNING-HALL <br /> Southwest Portland <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_insuranc.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: insurance, dutch, Perrier"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_insuranc.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_insuranc.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1818948/Letters to the editor: insurance, dutch, Perrier/Letters/Letters//November 24, 2008 10:07 PM/2"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax_2.html">Letters to the editor: Leaf tax proposal unwelcome</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Monday November 24, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>It's been entertaining to read the recent article and letters regarding a tax proposal for leaf pick-up in neighborhoods. </p> <p>A summary of a report by the U.S. Forest Service discusses the value of street trees in Portland, concluding that street trees far outweigh their costs. </p> <p>The study estimated that the benefits are $45 million annually (to the city of Portland), compared to annual maintenance costs of $4.6 million. Street trees also increase annual property tax revenues for the city by $13 million. </p> <p>Also, large trees add just over $7000 to the price of a house that the tree is adjacent to as well as to the value of neighboring houses. </p> <p>The study concludes that the city of Portland should consider increasing its urban forestry investment by subsidizing the cost of planting more trees, or perhaps providing homeowners with a property tax break depending upon the size of trees they maintain. </p> <p>Property owners in neighborhoods that have large street trees that require the additional maintenance of street sweeping this time of year are already paying for the cost of the sweeping through higher home values (because of the trees) that are reflected in higher property taxes to the city. </p> <p>ED ABRAHAMSON <br /> Northeast Portland <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax_2.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Leaf tax proposal unwelcome"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax_2.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax_2.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1818963/Letters to the editor: Leaf tax proposal unwelcome/Letters/Letters//November 24, 2008 10:00 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_minimum.html">Letters to the editor: Minimum wage consequences, realities</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Sunday November 23, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>Dave Lister's opinion piece, "The unintended consequences of a living wage," (Nov. 20) blames Oregon's minimum wage for the expensive goods and services that hurt the very people the minimum wage was meant to help. </p> <p>What about a maximum wage? Shouldn't we be shaving expenses from the top, not the bottom? Isn't the current American wage disparity (a level not seen since the 1920's) the real culprit here? </p> <p>In Japan, the average person at the top makes only 10 times what the lowest paid worker brings in. What's left over ensures everyone a good education, healthcare, a safe environment, and financial security in old age. </p> <p>Everyone works hard. Everyone deserves a decent life. It is well past time to share the pie. </p> <p>ANDREA PELTOSALO <br /> Lake Oswego </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_minimum.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Minimum wage consequences, realities"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_minimum.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_minimum.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1808206/Letters to the editor: Minimum wage consequences, realities/Letters/Letters//November 23, 2008 10:00 PM/5"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_economy.html">Letters to the editor: economy, affirmative action, partisanship</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Sunday November 23, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong> Take $100K, save economy </strong><br /> As our elected leaders struggle to find an answer to the economic crisis by throwing good money after bad, here is a way to solve the problem. </p> <p>Since the burden of paying this money back falls on the taxpayers, I think the fair way out of this mess is for all the people receive some of the pie. </p> <p>Give every taxpayer $100,000. Require that bad mortgages be refinanced with larger down payments to make the [monthly] payment no more than 25 percent of income. All unsecured debt must paid in full and any other debts must be paid. </p> <p>People that don't have trouble with their bills could put the money back into their disappearing retirement accounts and so forth. </p> <p>With personal debts resolved, the people would have money to spend. Big business would still get their money, just not in a lump sum. </p> <p>In this way, from the ground up, the entire country would have the help everyone needs, for the people by the people. </p> <p>DEBORAH MILLARD <br /> Gold Hill </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_economy.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: economy, affirmative action, partisanship"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_economy.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_economy.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1808226/Letters to the editor: economy, affirmative action, partisanship/Letters/Letters//November 23, 2008 10:00 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_living_w.html">Letters to the editor: living wage, tax porn, glass ceiling</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Saturday November 22, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Other ideas on wages </strong><br /> Dave Lister's opinion piece "The unintended consequences of a living wage" (Nov. 20) makes a passionate argument for keeping the cost of living low by keeping wages low. </p> <p>He includes as part of his argument a colleague's description of software developed to automatically adjust restaurant chain prices with every increase in workers' wages, reaching the conclusion that paying adequate wages is impossible because prices always increase to reflect increases in wages. </p> <p>What he left out were other possibilities, such as decreasing executive compensation, board compensation and stockholder return on investment. </p> <p>Decreasing these three expenditures would also help to maintain a lower cost of living. Instead of rethinking wages, maybe we need to rethink our other assumptions. Â<br /> <br /> BILL LAMB <br /> Southwest Portland <br /> Â<br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_living_w.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: living wage, tax porn, glass ceiling"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_living_w.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_living_w.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1808081/Letters to the editor: living wage, tax porn, glass ceiling/Letters/Letters//November 22, 2008 10:00 PM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax_1.html">Letters to the editor: Leaf tax proposal</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Saturday November 22, 2008, 10:00 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>"Kickin' leaves to curb could cost you" (Nov. 20) does not give the full story. </p> <p>I am a real estate appraiser and have lived in Portland's Eastmoreland neighborhood since the 1950s. The city has always removed the leaves and used them to create mulch for parks and open spaces. The county tax assessor places a value on the trees and adds them to the owner's tax bills, even if those trees lie in the city owned parking strip. </p> <p>If an owner asks for a permit to remove a tree, it is rarely granted. The city requires the property owner to maintain the trees, including trimming and removal if they become diseased or are knocked down. </p> <p>My neighbor had to pay more than $5,000 to remove a tree and was given less than 30 days to comply. [If he had not removed it] the city would, and charge him even more! </p> <p>Frankly, those of us who have trees in the city-owned parking strips are paying higher taxes and expect services for those taxes. <br /> <br /> BRIAN GLANVILLE <br /> Southeast Portland </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax_1.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Leaf tax proposal"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax_1.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax_1.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1808105/Letters to the editor: Leaf tax proposal/Letters/Letters//November 22, 2008 10:00 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax.html">Letters to the editor: leaf tax, pirates, minimum wage</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Friday November 21, 2008, 5:23 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Don't punish homeowners </strong><br /> Punishing homeowners for living on a tree-lined street might just be the height of absurdity ("Kickin' leaves to curb could cost you, " Nov. 20). </p> <p>People move to Portland's old neighborhoods, in part, because of the beauty of mature trees. However, trees planted on parking strips are already the responsibility of the homeowner. <br /> In addition to raking leaves, homeowners must prune trees in accordance with city clearance ordinances, repair sidewalks pushed up by tree roots, remove damaged or condemned trees and re-plant parking strips with new trees, all at their own expense. </p> <p>On the other hand, the benefits of mature trees are numerous and well-known. Shade from street trees decreases damage to the ozone layer, increases oxygen, reduces the need for air conditioning and mitigates storm water run-off into city sewers which, in turn, reduces the chances of overflow into the Willamette River. </p> <p>In fact, the city recently recognized these benefits by awarding the organization Friends of Trees, a $300,000 grant to plant more trees around the city. </p> <p>The imposition of a leaf tax would undo all these benefits and instead give neighbors an incentive to cut down their trees. </p> <p>I don't believe this is what Sam Adams or John Replinger wants. Falling leaves are a fact of life and leaf removal is a service that benefits all of us. <br /> <br /> TOBY DEMING <br /> Southeast Portland <br /> <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: leaf tax, pirates, minimum wage"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_leaf_tax.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1808035/Letters to the editor: leaf tax, pirates, minimum wage/Letters/Letters//November 21, 2008 5:23 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/what_theyre_writing_on_my_oreg.html">What they're writing on My Oregon, the public blog</a> </h2> <h3>by Rick Attig, The Oregonian <div style="margin-top: 6px">Friday November 21, 2008, 10:48 AM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>Here are excerpts from reader letters posted on the public blog My Oregon, found at the link on The Stump.</p> <p>Toby Deming of Portland writes on the talk of a leaf tax in Portland:<br /> <blockquote>The benefits of mature trees are numerous and well-known: shade from street trees decreases damage to the ozone layer, increases oxygen, reduces the need for air conditioning and mitigates storm water runoff into city sewers which, in turn, reduces the chances of overflow into the Willamette. In fact, the City recently recognized these benefits by awarding Friends of Trees a $300,000 grant to plant more trees around the city. The imposition of a leaf tax would undo all these benefits and instead give neighbors an incentive to cut down their trees.</blockquote></p> <p>Mark Baugher of Portland challenges columnist Dave Lister on the minimum wage:<br /> <blockquote>Mr. Lister does not think it is necessary to raise the minimum wage because he thinks it is intended for students and "stay-at-home moms" who don't really need it. He seems unaware of students who are supporting themselves through college or moms who work full time earning the minimum wage. He should know better.<br /> </blockquote></p> <p>Shibbard writes on a piece discussing scaling down the Street of Dreams houses:<br /> <blockquote>The article talked about how promoters were "downsizing the dream". If anyone in their right mind thinks that downsizing from 7,000 square feet @ $4 million to 4,500 square feet @ $1.5 million is tapping into today's consumers or represents the tough realities of today's economy then they are still sipping from the tainted cup of everything good must be big.</blockquote><br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/what_theyre_writing_on_my_oreg.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/what_theyre_writing_on_my_oreg.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1806496/What they're writing on My Oregon, the public blog/Letters/Letters//November 21, 2008 10:48 AM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_breakfas.html">Letters to the editor: breakfast, unions, gun permits</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Thursday November 20, 2008, 3:42 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p> <strong>Hash, Toast, now open </strong><br /> Good luck to the owners of Hash, a new restaurant in Sellwood. There is also a restaurant called Toast on Southeast 52nd Avenue and another called Jam On Hawthorne. Now if someone will just open a restaurant called "Eggs," we'll finally be able to get a complete breakfast! </p> <p>RAY and DEBORAH TAYLOR <br /> Southeast Portland </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_breakfas.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: breakfast, unions, gun permits"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_breakfas.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_breakfas.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1802950/Letters to the editor: breakfast, unions, gun permits/Letters/Letters//November 20, 2008 3:42 PM/5"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letter_to_the_editor_center_cl.html">Letter to the editor: Center clarifies its role in abuse case</a> </h2> <h3>by Kathleen Coleman <div style="margin-top: 6px">Thursday November 20, 2008, 3:40 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>In response to the "The Trials of Brad Holbrook," (Nov. 17) about convicted sex offender Brad Holbrook, Juliette's House would like to correct some misperceptions. </p> <p>Juliette's House is not a county funded agency. We are a private, independent 501(c)(3) organization which receives no tax dollars and is funded by community donations, foundation grants, medical billing and state (CAMI) and federal (VOCA) victim restitution funds. We perform objective medical and forensic assessments of children referred to us for suspected child abuse. </p> <p>We are not part of the investigation and so do not follow investigative guidelines; we follow the Oregon Medical and Interviewing Guidelines. </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letter_to_the_editor_center_cl.html"><u>Continue reading "Letter to the editor: Center clarifies its role in abuse case"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letter_to_the_editor_center_cl.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letter_to_the_editor_center_cl.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1802936/Letter to the editor: Center clarifies its role in abuse case/Letters/Letters//November 20, 2008 3:40 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_sex_abus.html">Letters to the editor: sex abuse, national forests, auto bailouts</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Wednesday November 19, 2008, 6:39 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Restore common sense </strong><br /> Let's leave aside the possible prosecutor misconduct, the credibility of the alleged victim and Brad Holbrook's own past. ("The Trials of Brad Holbrook," Nov. 17). </p> <p>Let's say that he, or I or perhaps you, did absent-mindedly pat a child on the clothed buttocks in a kitchen, say while reaching over the child onto a counter or cupboard. </p> <p>How can this possibly be construed to be a crime of any sort, let alone a felony carrying a six-year prison term? What harm was done? </p> <p>I am all for protecting children. I was a victim of child sexual abuse myself, many years ago. A pat on the clothed buttocks is not sexual abuse. </p> <p>I am stunned that the state has ruined a man's life over this innocuous action. We must bring common sense back into the picture while continuing to protect our children. <br /> <br /> DAVID ROUSSEL <br /> Beaverton </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_sex_abus.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: sex abuse, national forests, auto bailouts"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_sex_abus.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_sex_abus.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1797629/Letters to the editor: sex abuse, national forests, auto bailouts/Letters/Letters//November 19, 2008 6:39 PM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_advice_c.html">Letters to the editor: Advice, cynicism on state budget, roads</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Wednesday November 19, 2008, 6:32 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>When recession hits, the state cuts services ("Oregon's state budget gets even tighter," Nov. 14). Yet, the purpose of government is to provide services. </p> <p>Wouldn't it be reasonable to reduce the cost of government to mitigate reductions in service? <br /> One way to do that would be to reduce the compensation of state employees by some factor that reflects revenues. One cause of backlash against government as reflected in the popularity of initiatives like Bill Sizemore's is that government employees are economically insulated from the plight of the majority of citizens in the broader economy. </p> <p>Of course, state employees terminated as a result of budget reductions are as connected to the broader economy as may be. But wouldn't it be more equitable for every state employee, starting from the top down, to incur a small reduction in income than to terminate people who are helping deliver needed services? When the economy rebounds those reductions can be restored. <br /> <br /> TOM SHILLOCK <br /> Northeast Portland <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_advice_c.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Advice, cynicism on state budget, roads"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_advice_c.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_advice_c.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1797605/Letters to the editor: Advice, cynicism on state budget, roads//Letters//November 19, 2008 6:32 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_terroris.html">Letters to the editor: terrorism task force, racism, car fees</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Tuesday November 18, 2008, 3:47 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p> <strong>'No' to terrorism task force </strong><br /> How can the editorial board recommend that the city of Portland "reconnect" with the Department of Homeland Security's joint task force, given that in his last days in office, President George W. Bush and his administration are seeking to make changes to the task force that would be difficult or impossible for an Obama presidency to undo? ("Put the city back on terrorism task force," Nov. 15) </p> <p>The changes would mean new regulations to the Department of Homeland Security that would allow local police to collect information on individuals and organizations even if that information is unrelated to a criminal matter. </p> <p>OMB Watch, a watchdog group in Washington, D.C., has decried these new regulations as a fresh infringement on civil liberties. <br /> For the sake of our personal freedoms and community safety, the board should rethink and retract its stance on Portland's participation in the terrorism task force. </p> <p>NATHAN HOOVER <br /> Southwest Portland<br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_terroris.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: terrorism task force, racism, car fees"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_terroris.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_terroris.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1792279/Letters to the editor: terrorism task force, racism, car fees//Letters//November 18, 2008 3:47 PM/3"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_weapons.html">Letters to the editor: Weapons permits: Make them private</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Tuesday November 18, 2008, 3:43 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>I have been a gun permit holder for over 10 years. To expose [permit holder's] names and possibly, addresses is to make us a target for the bad guys who like to obtain firearms illegally ("Keep weapons permits public," Nov 15). </p> <p>I must assume the purpose is meant to embarrass us in some manner. If this is public information, I wonder why there is not a rush to put up the names and addresses of individuals that have obtained hunting licenses in the state of Oregon. They own shotguns and rifles that are far more dangerous than any small caliber, short range, self-defense handguns that permit holders carry. </p> <p>Permit holders choose to carry a firearm for many reasons. Some have been stalked, mugged or been victims of home invasions. Some are older or disabled, live in dangerous neighborhoods or simply choose to do [it] because it's legal and feel that self protection is an individual right. </p> <p>Gun permit holders are fingerprinted, photographed and are subjected to a background check for criminal behavior and mental issues. They are schooled in the legal issues and responsibility of carrying a firearm and must prove a level of proficiency in most states. </p> <p>We are not the bad guys. </p> <p>LEE FORST <br /> West Linn <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_weapons.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Weapons permits: Make them private"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_weapons.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_weapons.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1792252/Letters to the editor: Weapons permits: Make them private/Letters/Letters//November 18, 2008 3:43 PM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_2.html">Letters to the editor</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Monday November 17, 2008, 4:59 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Skepticism, outrage over 'food desert' </strong><br /> Thank you for the article describing the ordeal many low-income and minority families go through in order to shop for groceries ("Portland's low-income neighborhoods are city's 'food deserts'" Nov. 16). </p> <p>This is why many city planners such as Jerry Kaufman, professor emeritus at University of Wisconsin, are studying regional inner city food systems [and ideas like] using vacant inner city lots for local vegetable gardens. </p> <p>Cities such as Detroit and Cleveland have had ordinance and zoning changes to include not only gardens, but also the keeping of chickens, goats and bees. </p> <p>This would not only save time, money, energy and resources, but also increase the health and well being of our struggling neighbors. </p> <p>LAURA KRUMHOLZ <br /> Newberg </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_2.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_2.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_2.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1786858/Letters to the editor//Letters//November 17, 2008 4:59 PM/3"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/_broaden_health_insurance_it.html">Letters to the editor</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Monday November 17, 2008, 5:01 AM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Broaden health insurance </strong><br /> It was wonderful to see the editorial, "Roads, of course, but don't forget children," (Nov. 13) but it did not go far enough. </p> <p>We need to address the lack of health care for children, but we must also address the lack of health care for low income adults, the uninsured and the under insured. </p> <p>We must: </p> <p>Find ways to contain the spiraling cost of health care. Assure we have enough health care providers to meet the growing demand. Build a better data management system. Assure only evidence-based medicine is practiced. Use state purchasing power to reduce the cost of Medicaid, PEBB, and other government purchased health care. Build a means to stabilize the private and small business insurance market. Expand our network of primary prevention care to reduce future health care costs. Look towards a mandate that all Oregonians purchase health care insurance. </p> <p>The Oregon Health Fund Board will be approving its report to the people, the governor and the legislature today. It is broad and comprehensive and makes recommendations that go far beyond on just children. This report will be the basis for discussions in the legislature. We have already started working on legislation which will address many of these issues. </p> <p>With support from all our colleagues in the legislature, on both sides of the aisle, and from all Oregonians, we know we can do more for Oregon's uninsured than just address the issue of children. </p> <p>REP. MITCH GREENLICK <br /> Chair, Interim House Health Committee <br /> Northwest Portland <br /> <br /> <br /> SEN. ALAN BATES <br /> Senate Health Care Reform Committee <br /> Medford </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/_broaden_health_insurance_it.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/_broaden_health_insurance_it.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/_broaden_health_insurance_it.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1785205/Letters to the editor//Letters//November 17, 2008 5:01 AM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_1.html">Letters to the editor</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Sunday November 16, 2008, 5:30 AM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p> <br /> The following letters were published Sunday, Nov. 16:</p> <p><strong>Religious tolerance pending</strong> <br /> David Sarasohn's column ("A political first," Nov. 12), compliments us all on how far we have come regarding presidential politics and religion. </p> <p>I think those self-congratulatory thoughts might ring a little hollow to the parents of a Muslim or atheist boy or girl, and their dreams of having their son or daughter elected president or vice-president of the United States some day. We still have a long way to go in this country in regards to religious tolerance. </p> <p>DAVID OLSON <br /> Damascus <br /> <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_1.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_1.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_1.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1785177/Letters to the editor//Letters//November 16, 2008 5:30 AM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_grendel.html">Letters to the editor: Grendel, nude biking, sports equity</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Saturday November 15, 2008, 4:01 AM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong> <br /> "Grendel" is bad fiction </strong><br /> I'm appalled but not surprised to see that the Sherwood School Board accepts the decision to keep the book "Grendel" on the syllabus for the sophomore accelerated English classes ("'Grendel' stays as part of class at Sherwood," Nov. 13). </p> <p>"Grendel" is full of child abuse, murder, genital mutilation, grotesqueness, obscene language, graphic and fictional violence in its most explicit form. </p> <p>This book is "heavy" and leaves our kids' minds full of needless images of violence and horror that are not even based on true historic events. It's fiction at its worst. To lay a heavy load on our exceptional and mature kids and then call them strong is ludicrous. </p> <p>I long for the day when parents rise up and say "no, thanks" to the teachers who insist on teaching this trash and calling it "learning about the human condition" or "using critical thinking skills." </p> <p>They will have no other option but to make a better selection. Thanks, Mike and Marlo Grubbe for taking on the "monster." You made Sherwood proud. </p> <p>BRENDA HEBARD <br /> Sherwood <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_grendel.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Grendel, nude biking, sports equity"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_grendel.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_grendel.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1774548/Letters to the editor: Grendel, nude biking, sports equity//Letters//November 15, 2008 4:01 AM/7"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_sleep_le.html">Letters to the editor: legal guardianship, bailouts, sports equity</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Thursday November 13, 2008, 4:08 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong> Please, we need our sleep </strong><br /> It's 1:20 a.m. and most of Portland is sleeping. </p> <p>On S.W. 6th Avenue, a crazy-loud vehicle holding what I think may be window washers, has been running its engines for the past hour on the sidewalk across from my building. </p> <p>My neighbors and I have called the city. We've signed petitions explaining that we must have some peace and quiet during the night so that we can sleep. </p> <p>We are the ones who people these streets year-round, rain and shine, maintaining a healthy level of safety for those who come downtown for something lively like the symphony or the farmers' market. </p> <p>We also are the steady customers for the myriad businesses operating in this section of downtown. Our living here is a boon to the city, so why can't the city recognize our need for some overnight quiet? </p> <p>MOLLIE LENNARZ <br /> Downtown Portland</p> <p> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_sleep_le.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: legal guardianship, bailouts, sports equity"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_sleep_le.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_sleep_le.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1768676/Letters to the editor: legal guardianship, bailouts, sports equity//Letters//November 13, 2008 4:08 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_football.html">Letters to the editor: Football, Congress and economy</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Wednesday November 12, 2008, 3:50 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p> <strong>Some teams disadvantaged </strong></p> <p>I was interested to read Ray Haroldson's reaction to your series contrasting the football programs at Lake Oswego and Benson high schools. (Letters, Nov. 11) </p> <p>Haroldson wonders if The Oregonian is advocating socialism to even out the inequalities between the two programs. I perceived no such advocacy from The Oregonian. The series pointed out that players from families and communities with a lot of money have a lot of advantages in sports. </p> <p>This doesn't mean that the players, coaches and boosters of Lake Oswego High School's football team don't work hard. It means that teams from lower-income areas have to work harder to do as well. </p> <p>We like to think that we live in a meritocracy in which every success is fully deserved and earned. But children from low-income families are at a competitive disadvantage in all sorts of ways, particularly when we pretend otherwise. <br /> DAVID PETERSON DEL MAR <br /> Northeast Portland </p> <p><br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_football.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the editor: Football, Congress and economy"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_football.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_football.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1762641/Letters to the editor: Football, Congress and economy//Letters//November 12, 2008 3:50 PM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_obama_at.html">Letters to the Editor: Obama, athletics and taxes</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Tuesday November 11, 2008, 4:34 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Change begins with you </strong><br /> <br /> Now that Barack Obama has been elected on a platform of change, I would like to remind everyone that real change is only possible if you start with yourself. </p> <p>Change from spending to saving. Change from disposing to re-using. Change your eating and exercise patterns to save on health care costs. Change (increase) your involvement in the community to reduce public spending. Change divisive single-minded opinions to ones of thoughtful discourse to promote positive debate. </p> <p>Most importantly, change your attitude about how we fix the current financial crisis. We need a fundamentally new approach to how American business works, not quick fixes to keep business as usual. <br /> <br /> CHARLES BOYCE <br /> Northeast Portland </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_obama_at.html"><u>Continue reading "Letters to the Editor: Obama, athletics and taxes"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_obama_at.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_to_the_editor_obama_at.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1757263/Letters to the Editor: Obama, athletics and taxes//Letters//November 11, 2008 4:34 PM/2"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/grendel_debate_broadens_discus.html">"Grendel" debate broadens discussion</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Tuesday November 11, 2008, 4:30 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>Let's get real about books in our schools. No person, group or institution will ever be able to ban a book today. </p> <p>In 1961, when Evan Hunter's "The Blackboard Jungle" and "Second Ending" were pulled off the shelves at Corvallis High School because of graphic descriptions of main-lining heroin, I simply went to the public library. </p> <p>Today, the sources for books are almost endless. </p> <p>The modern reality is that parents have to be an integral part of their child's education. Reading what their children are reading and discussing it with them is a responsible way to assure that parents' core values are passed on. <br /> <br /> NATHAN R. KEITH <br /> Northeast Portland </p> <p><em>Read more letters below:</em><br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/grendel_debate_broadens_discus.html"><u>Continue reading ""Grendel" debate broadens discussion"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/grendel_debate_broadens_discus.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/grendel_debate_broadens_discus.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1757229/"Grendel" debate broadens discussion//Letters//November 11, 2008 4:30 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/looking_back_at_the_senate_rac.html">Looking back at the Senate race</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Monday November 10, 2008, 4:40 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>Sorry, but your effusive praise of soon-to-be-retired Sen. Gordon Smith (Editorial, Nov. 9) looks the other way. </p> <p>Smith and the Republican National Committee brought about defeat, plain and simple. Whatever Smith's accomplishments in the Senate were swamped by the incessant negative cacophony of the past months that nearly always concluded with "I'm Gordon Smith, and I approved this message." </p> <p>Neither your earlier endorsement nor editorial reached critical mass with the majority voter. <br /> EDGAR T. NUMRICH <br /> Lake Oswego <br /> <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/looking_back_at_the_senate_rac.html"><u>Continue reading "Looking back at the Senate race"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/looking_back_at_the_senate_rac.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/looking_back_at_the_senate_rac.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1752177/Looking back at the Senate race/Letters/Letters//November 10, 2008 4:40 PM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/the_high_court_taxes_primate_s.html">The high court, taxes, primate studies, elder care and jobs</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Sunday November 09, 2008, 1:56 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Supreme Court not liberal </strong><br /> There is talk about the Supreme Court being liberal and how Barack Obama will push it even further to the left. </p> <p>First of all, the Supreme Court is not liberal. If it were, Al Gore would be president and Exxon would have to pay full restitution for Valdez, instead of ten percent. </p> <p>Second, we've had a total of two Supreme Court justices nominated by a Democratic president since 1968. </p> <p>I think it is our turn. <br /> <br /> NICK OATMAN <br /> Milwaukie<br /> <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/the_high_court_taxes_primate_s.html"><u>Continue reading "The high court, taxes, primate studies, elder care and jobs"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/the_high_court_taxes_primate_s.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/the_high_court_taxes_primate_s.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1738773/The high court, taxes, primate studies, elder care and jobs/Letters/Letters//November 9, 2008 1:56 PM/1"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/wind_turbines_differing_ideas.html">Wind turbines: Differing ideas of beauty</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Sunday November 09, 2008, 1:54 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>I just read the editorial about wind turbines being visible from the Oregon shore. ("N.I.M.B.O", Oct. 21). </p> <p>I love the Oregon coast and the many stunning views along its entire length. Last year I walked the Oregon Coast Trail from the mouth ofthe Columbia River at Fort Stevens to the California border. I hiked over the headlands and on the beaches with an almost constant view of the ocean. I brought back over a thousand pictures, many of which would have had wind turbines in them if they were currently in place. </p> <p>I wouldn't mind a bit. </p> <p>Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To me, a wind turbine is no moreof a blight on the view than a cargo ship or a fishing boat. I took every opportunity that came along to get a boat in my pictures. </p> <p>When I see a wind turbine I see an environmentally friendly small step toward energy independence for America. I hope to see a lot more of them. <br /> <br /> KEN PATTON <br /> Tigard </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/wind_turbines_differing_ideas.html"><u>Continue reading "Wind turbines: Differing ideas of beauty"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/wind_turbines_differing_ideas.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/wind_turbines_differing_ideas.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1738748/Wind turbines: Differing ideas of beauty/Letters/Letters//November 9, 2008 1:54 PM/0"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/on_democrats_pay_raises_illega.html">On Democrats, pay raises, illegal immigrants and bike lights</a> </h2> <h3>by Readers <div style="margin-top: 6px">Saturday November 08, 2008, 5:36 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p><strong>Beware the Ds' deluge </strong><br /> With apparently filibuster-proof majorities in the state House and Senate, plus election to every state office in Oregon, the Democrats appear to be sitting pretty. This ascension mirrors what happened to California in 1990s. A moderate Republican state changed into a liberal Democratic one. </p> <p>The parallels are frightening. In California, the Democratic Party is beholden to the public employee unions. The party has a penchant for social engineering. Its anti-business stance, failure to check illegal immigration and enabling of the entitlement culture has taxed and spent the state on the way to a $16 billion budget deficit. </p> <p>We now have a party that could become drunk on the arrogance of power. With no checks on its agenda, it may send Oregon down the same path. Dear me, I hope I'm wrong. <br /> <br /> MARTIN J. CLAXTON <br /> Southwest Portland <br /> </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/on_democrats_pay_raises_illega.html"><u>Continue reading "On Democrats, pay raises, illegal immigrants and bike lights"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/on_democrats_pay_raises_illega.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/on_democrats_pay_raises_illega.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1738243/On Democrats, pay raises, illegal immigrants and bike lights/Letters/Letters//November 8, 2008 5:36 PM/4"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/a_goodbye_from_the_editor_who.html">A goodbye from the editor who read your letters (every single one)</a> </h2> <h3>by Giselle Price Williams, The Oregonian <div style="margin-top: 6px">Saturday November 08, 2008, 12:03 PM</div></h3> <div class="entry-body"> <p>In the last 12 years as editor of The Oregonian's letters section, I have learned a lot. </p> <p>"Having a mulatto in the White House does not bother me at all. However, having a Kenyan-born socialist who is quite possibly a Muslim scares me to death. God help us all!" </p> <p>Learning to distinguish fact from fiction was certainly part of the job description. </p> <p>And there was opinion: "Cell phones should be made illegal except for two kinds of people .. the president of the United States, and physicians" ("from the desk, boudoir, and sink of Baroness Lizette Solomon"). And so on. </p> <div class="photo-right small"><img src="http://blog.oregonlive.com/opinion_impact/2008/11/small_Giselle.JPG"><span class="byline">The Oregonian</span><span class="caption">Giselle Price Williams</span></div> <p>It has been nothing but interesting reading the piles of letters that come into the editorial department each week. They add up: In 2007, we received 32,246 letters. I read every single one. Well, almost. I will admit that if a letter came in at 3,000 words, consisted of giant scrawled bits of nonsense or was part of a mass mailing ("cc: Every Newspaper in the World"), I quickly tossed it on the reject pile. </p> <p>Everything else, I read. The letters section covers it all - presidential contests, the Iraq war, 9/11, gun rights, environmental issues, ballot measures, gay marriage, dogs, and on and on. </p> <p>I learned that Oregonians are passionate about the environment, schools and anything they see as unfair or dishonest, and that they have soft spots for animals. </p> <p>One animal -- a dog, was the subject of the one published letter that evoked the most response from our readers in my time as editor: "Old Yeller," a yellow retriever mix that had been abandoned in outer Southeast Portland and seemed to be waiting for its owner to return. Michael A. Amen of Southeast Portland wrote the moving Feb. 2, 2005, letter about the dog. Thanks to Amen's letter, the dog was safely trapped and later adopted by a vineyard owner in McMinnville. As Amen wrote in a followup letter, "Never underestimate the power of the press!" </p> <p>Indeed. </p></u></i></b></strong></em> <span class="action"> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/a_goodbye_from_the_editor_who.html"><u>Continue reading "A goodbye from the editor who read your letters (every single one)"</u> »</a> </span> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="comments"> <img src="/images/impact/comments.gif" width="13" height="11" align="absmiddle" alt="comment icon" /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/a_goodbye_from_the_editor_who.html#comments">Post a comment</a> | <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/a_goodbye_from_the_editor_who.html#comments">View comments</a></div> <div class="categories"> <strong>See more in</strong> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/hot_topic/">Hot Topic</a>, <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/letters/">Letters</a>, <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/oped/">oped</a> </div> <div class="clear"><br /></div> <div class="postident" id="Opinion Impact - The Oregonian - OregonLive.com/1738117/A goodbye from the editor who read your letters (every single one)/oped/Hot Topic, Letters, oped//November 8, 2008 12:03 PM/6"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="individual"> <div class="individual"> <h2> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/11/letters_the