LETTERS IN THE EDITOR'S MAILBAG.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Gay men have shorter lifespans

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 23 percent of American adults smoke cigarettes at an annual health care cost of $168 billion, or about $3,500 for each smoker. Not surprisingly, smokers account for about 87 percent of all lung cancers.

According to the CDC, only about 6 percent of adult males identify as homosexual, but they account for over two-thirds of all HIV/AIDS cases among all males in America. There have been more thanone-half million HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed just amongst homosexual males in America, and the annual health care cost is about $25,000 each.

Not surprisingly, the average lifespan of homosexual males is about 20 years less than heterosexual males, and about 10 years less than smokers. We can thank Idaho Sen. Larry Craig for giving our entire country a little peek into the deviant and promiscuous homosexual behavior that shortens their average lifespan.

So I ask, why are smokers vilified and homosexuals glorified? Do you think Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy would speak at a Eugene Smokers Pride Celebration? Has unhealthy homosexual behavior been prohibited in gay bars or public restrooms in Eugene?

To this proud heterosexual non-smoker, it seems the poor smokers are being discriminated against and denied equal rights. Somebody needs to call in the American Civil Liberties Union.

And why is the homosexual deathstyle being promoted in our public schools as normal, when it should be slapped with a surgeon general's warning just like smoking?

Don Richey News. I report, you decide.

Don Richey

Eugene

Keep all guns out of school

I was surprised to read that the state law of Oregon permits people who own guns to take them nearly anywhere - including schools.

As a student, I find it alarming to know that anyone with a permit to own a concealed weapon could easily bring it into my school and at any time could pull it out, whether it be a student or a teacher. It may make the carrier feel protected, but it has the rest of us feeling unsafe.

And in response to the stalked teacher's feelings of "exposure," I feel that if people are uncomfortable in an environment they're not forced to be in, they should leave. People shouldn't have to worry about their safety in a work atmosphere.

I also think it's unfair for a teacher to be able to bring a gun to school, when many (if not all) schools state in their rules "no weapons," and would easily punish any student who disobeys it. I find it hypocritical to say "absolutely no weapons," but then have one hiding in your purse.

I don't think teachers - or anybody - should be allowed to bring weapons into schools.

LISA YOUNG

Eugene

Lane ESD lands history grant

I appreciated the coverage of the innovative work of Lane County teachers (Register-Guard, Sept. 17).

The "federal program" mentioned in the article refers to the three-year Teaching American History grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and awarded to the Lane Education Service District in 2004. Lane ESD was honored to be one of 122 agencies nationwide to receive one of these grants.

The purpose of this grant is to increase teachers' knowledge of both American history content and ways to engage their students. The focus of the Lane ESD grant is to use local history as a "window" into teaching American history.

Forty-five teachers from 13 Lane County school districts are participating in this grant. All Lane County teachers and students have the opportunity to benefit from the wide range of projects created by participants. These projects include oral histories, traveling trunks, walking tours, Web sites, a children's museum, and a reconstructed pioneer cabin.

Information on the American History Grant resources is available at www.lane.k12.or.us/CSD/ushistory/

Lane ESD has been awarded a second Teaching American History grant, and we are excited to continue this work with Lane County teachers for an additional three years. Through the support of the grant, we are able to enhance teacher skills and knowledge and actively engage students and the community in learning American history. Stay tuned for additional accomplishments by Teaching American History grant participants.

DEBBIE EGAN 

Superintendent

Lane Education Service District

Eugene

Domestic workers need benefits

Andrea Damewood's Sept. 10 article on "The new nannies" struck a personal note for me; I was a nanny for the Duncan family mentioned in the story for a year when Malcolm (now 21/2) was first born.

The Duncans are the best employers I have ever had, and the job made me realize how wonderful it is to be a nanny. Since graduating from University of Oregon and relocating to the Bay Area, I have found work as a nanny once again. It is a perfect way to bide my time before law school, and my job down here pays more than twice what I made in Eugene.

While the money is nice, I still can only afford catastrophic health insurance and would have to go to a free clinic if I wanted my teeth cleaned. No employer has ever offered me health or retirement benefits.

Nannies and other domestic workers represent a massive (and fast growing) work force that plays a crucial role in facilitating people's day-to-day lives. Yet we still remain un-unionized, without benefits and often without advocates in difficult employment situations.

I love working as a nanny, and I care for my charges as I would my own children. I implore families hiring nannies in the current in-home childcare boom to think about what rights and benefits should be accorded to these women who are vital assets for many dual-career households.

Maeve Granzin

Oakland, Calif.

Bryant's activism appreciated

I want to express my appreciation for the Rev. Dan Bryant's outspoken stand for human rights!

His letter, explaining to our Oregon pastors and leaders of various religious beliefs that those claiming tax credits for donating to signature campaigns opposing two gay rights laws are wrong, is to be commended. It is illegal to take tax credits for signature campaigns, and I'm glad that Ellen Lowe of Portland is filing a complaint to the state Election Office.

Gay rights is a civil rights issue, and we need to all be informed of dishonest campaign techniques. When will love for all beings prevail in the hearts of all people?

Ruth Duemler

Eugene

LNG terminal will force changes

I cannot fathom the changes that will take place if a liquefied natural gas terminal is allowed in Coos County.

This will not be a place where vacationers will want to come any longer. How can this not affect our local sea life, our air, and our environment? Must it always be about who has the money, and to hell with the poor, the small and the old people? Does big money always win? That is the definition of corruption.

I feel that the LNG company or the federal government should be responsible for any monetary damages for any changes they have decided are best for the area. The dangers outweigh the advantages. The people have made clear that they do not want this slip or this storage facility on their coastline or around their homes and land.

It was the citizens' understanding that if they did not want this to happen, it would go away. That is not what is happening.

MARCELLA WEAVER

Eugene

Whistles would aid searchers

Lost, lost, lost. We hear and read those words all too often. We empathize and sympathize with the families as we figuratively hold our breath until all the searching has provided some answer.

While family members, friends, neighbors and the unacquainted fervently scour the areas in hope of coming upon the person or persons who strayed or ventured too far, emergency crews are summoned to conduct a professional search of the region. It's costly financially, costly emotionally - and possibly unnecessary.

Why aren't all hikers, skiers, climbers, bikers and children required to wear whistles? Required by rangers, instructors and parents - and intelligently carried on the person of everyone in circumstances where there would be any possibility of separation from each other.

A shrill whistle sound would, in most instances, surely be a definite communication. It would be used by the lost and the seeker; an alarm that will alert everyone concerned - like the young man trapped in his car in a canyon.

Not a cumbersome piece of equipment, but an inexpensive "tool" carried on a ribbon, chain or string around the neck. Not a toy, but a resounding signal of "I'm here!" Let us all use this simple, safety measure - seriously!

LODI FULLER

Eugene

Neocons still support Iraq war

Tom Preuss and James T. Bryant deserve a Medal of Honor or something for their super patriotism and undying loyalty to President Bush and his war.

But I've wondered for some time whether their feelings would be the same if Bill Clinton or some other Democrat got us into this war.

The hatred and bias that Preuss claims The Register-Guard editors have for Bush is at least matched by his apparent hatred of liberals and "leftist" columnists that the newspaper chooses. But few would accuse columnist George Will of being a leftist, yet he recently stated that this war was a mistake.

Other Republicans have acknowledged this because the truth is so evident. But the neocons seem to be hanging tough.

BOB DECKER

Eugene