LETTERS IN THE EDITOR'S MAILBAG.

Byline: The Register-Guard

'Sicko' reveals social issues

Michael Moore's movie "Sicko" points out two important issues for Americans.

First, that we have become a "me" instead of "we" society in the last three decades. There are remnants of the "we" society, particularly in rural areas, but the majority of Americans believe that if they don't look out for themselves, no one else will. Is that really what we want?

It also sets us up for fear-based reactions, which President Bush has so successfully manipulated. An example in the film was an interview with an American living in France who said, "In France, the government is afraid of the people. In America, the people are afraid of the government."

The second point "Sicko" makes is that we cannot give our essential services to profit-oriented corporations. Regardless of what they may say, their primary mission is to make money. Whenever a corporation provides a service, be it education or health care, profits will always come before human needs. And as "Sicko" reveals with devastating clarity, ethics doesn't even make it into that equation.

The health insurance industry is already gearing up to protect its profits, which are considerable, at our expense. We clearly need a single-payer, nonprofit health care plan for everyone.

House Resolution 676 provides all necessary health care services with the provider of your choice - including prescription, vision, dental, mental health and portability - for less than we currently pay. Ask your legislator to support HR 676.

KATHLEEN JONES, R.N.

Eugene

LCARA staff was compassionate

I thought I would write a quick note to let people know about an experience my husband and I recently had at Lane County Animal Regulation Authority.

Two weeks ago, we had to bring our 12-year-old Rottweiler in to have him put to sleep. He was arthritic and becoming increasingly grumpy, and he had snapped at one of our small children. We loved this dog very much and this was a very difficult day.

I expected this to be a very cold, uncaring place. When we got there, an animal control officer named Donna assisted us. She was one of the kindest people I've ever met.

She let us stay with our dog while he was put to sleep, and she was such a comfort to my husband and me. Donna was such a blessing to have with us that day, and she'll never know how much we appreciate her!

MERISSA STANDIFER

Eugene

Just open the Barger dog park

For months now, I have been taking my dog several miles to the new dog park site off Barger Drive between Danebo and Terry streets, in hopes that it would finally be open. A sign has been posted since early summer that it would open in "mid-summer," which to me is now. It is still closed.

Recently, Buddy and I encountered two parks department officials, Scott Milovich (principal landscape architect) and Rob Hallett (turf and grounds supervisor), leaving the site. They explained that this is to be the nicest dog park in Eugene and that the turf is not yet established to their standards. This is the only local dog park with "irrigation." So when is the actual opening date? "Probably mid-August." Apparently, these guys want the park to look nice and green for the immediate neighbors.

But how many dog owners have they spoken to? Were they to ask us whether we would avoid the other facilities because there are a few brown areas, I'd guess that not many would say yes. Dogs I know don't mind a little dirt. Plus, the grass at the Barger dog park looks very well established to me.

I submit that the parks department is doing more of a disservice to more people and animals by postponing the Barger opening any further. I felt more irked after talking to Milovich and Hallett. Their "we know best" attitude seemed self-serving. Eugene, please, just open the Barger dog park.

GRAHAM H. LEWIS

Eugene

Silence gives consent to torture

A few weeks ago there was a news story about three young Christian men being brutally killed in their office in Malatya, Turkey, by five fanatic Islamic students. What was not reported is that the Christian men were horrendously tortured for three hours before their throats were slit. It is probable that the killers were motivated by the Islamic government's crusade promoting fear and hatred of Christians.

Why should this concern Americans?

First, the global economic and political actions of U.S. government and businesses generally disregard the inhumane and oppressive policies of other governments against their own people. Yet Americans have been taught to despise the leaders and the oppression of those very same countries. This is shameful national hypocrisy.

Second, the sadistic murder of three peace-loving men may be a cause for sorrow for caring Americans. Most Americans perceive such cruelty as only happening elsewhere, under oppressive regimes. Yet, it is known that our own government not only sanctions torturing "suspects," but encourages and enables it. What cannot be successfully hidden within the country is outsourced abroad.

Will those who would grieve over the three tortured, murdered Christians grieve over the policies of their own government? Maybe many Americans don't care, but those who claim to be Christians should, because they are accountable to God to pray knowledgeably for the leaders of their country, and to abhor evil of any kind. Silence gives consent.

LINDA PEPPERDINE

Eugene

Support troops, impeach Bush

How many of us have had to face the family of a U.S. soldier who has been killed or permanently disabled in the Iraq war? What do you say?

The standard response is to thank them for what their son or daughter has sacrificed for our country. But what if you sincerely believe that they should never have been sent there in the first place? What comfort can you now give that rings true and is sincere?

I believe the only thing we can really say is that we have profound regrets that this administration put their son or daughter in harm's way, and it was wrong. The best thing we can do for them is to advocate for justice.

If a drunken motorist killed someone, justice would prevail and this person would be tried and presumably punished. If someone brutally murdered your son or daughter, everyone would be active in bringing the perpetrator to justice. We expect justice to be vigorously pursued for wrongful deaths.

We have a similar responsibility to seek justice for the many thousands who have been killed or injured in Iraq. The course of action must be to impeach President Bush and Vice President Cheney. It was clearly by their deceit and ongoing abuse of power that this war was initiated and sustained.

The best thing we can do for the many bereaved families and permanently disabled soldiers is to say, "Support our troops: Impeach Bush and Cheney." In the name of justice.

GEOFF COLVIN

Eugene

Unleashed dogs are a hazard

Alton Baker Park is popular this time of year with local runners and walkers. Sometimes, a world-class athlete will zip by, likely training for next year's Olympic trials.

Unfortunately, there are pests in the park. These pests are dog owners who carry an unused leash and let their dogs run lose. These dogs scare baby ducks while playing fetch in the creek by Autzen Stadium, foul the foot paths and harass dogs that are on leashes. Occasionally, they'll trip a runner or biker for a hard landing. These pests know the laws about using leashes, but, deep down inside, they believe they are special, so the rules don't apply to them.

Law enforcement could make some money writing these discourteous dog owners tickets; no excuses. The rest of us, when we encounter these special folks, should just smile and say, "Leash the dog."

BOB HACKER

and three cosigners

Eugene

War's consequences here now

President Bush gave a speech last week in which he said that failure in Iraq could have serious consequences for the safety of our children.

Um, Mr. President? The war in Iraq is already having serious consequences for the safety of our children.

STEVE HARWOOD

Eugene

Ultimate goal: No more wars

I liked Greg Hume's July 11 letter, which ended, "If you voted for Bush, go wash the blood off your hands. Before it dries."

At first I thought that most of this blood had already dried during these horrible years but then I remembered Hume's description of "the ignorant and cold-blooded President Bush and his criminal cohorts." Perhaps their blood is so devilishly cold that it will never dry.

As we weep for the million or so dead in these latest wars, let us work to accomplish our most urgent goal: No more wars.

BOB D. SAXTON

Eugene