LETTERS IN THE EDITOR'S MAILBAG.Byline: The Register-GuardCheney power behind the throne The phrase power behind the throne refers to a person or group that informally exercises the real power of an office. In politics, it most commonly refers to a spouse, aide, or advisor of a political leader (often called a "figurehead") who serves as de facto David Larson (letters, June 26) stated, "You just can't criticize a Democrat." I don't think it's a matter of not being able to criticize a Democrat, it's just that all the disparaging dis·par·age tr.v. dis·par·aged, dis·par·ag·ing, dis·par·ag·es 1. To speak of in a slighting or disrespectful way; belittle. See Synonyms at decry. 2. To reduce in esteem or rank. words were used up during the Clinton administration Noun 1. Clinton administration - the executive under President Clinton executive - persons who administer the law by the Republicans. Now I guess we might say the shoe is on the other foot and the Democrats are trying to catch up, but I seriously doubt if many of them have referred to President Bush as Hitler. I think King George King George has referred to many kings throughout history. When used, by Americans, without further reference it most often means George III of the United Kingdom, against whom the Whigs of the American Revolution rebelled. is the most used and probably the most apt of any of the titles placed on him. I'm not sure King George is really that apt, as it appears that Vice President Dick Cheney is the real power behind the throne. He seems to use the law any way he sees fit. At one time he dodged energy hearings because he was part of the executive branch; now he is dodging the auditing of his records because he is part of the legislative branch. I wonder how he will wangle his way into becoming a member of the judicial branch. JOHN HYDER Florence Cougars are a part of Oregon I appreciated seeing The Register-Guard's June 28 editorial about cougars and voters' rights in Oregon. I can't overstate the urgency for voters' voices to be heard about the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife sidestepping two votes during different years to ban hunting cougars (and bears) with dogs. And yet, as the editorial points out, it happens anyway and all the time. The editorial misses a couple of important points that take thinking about cougars from an abstraction "out there" in the wilderness to thinking about them as living, breathing, family-oriented beings. Female cougars spend up to 70 percent of their lives nurturing and raising their young, who stay with them up to 20 months. Among no other hunted game animal is killing so many females, particularly pregnant or lactating lac·tate 1 intr.v. lac·tat·ed, lac·tat·ing, lac·tates To secrete or produce milk. [Latin lact ones, permitted. This leaves a lot of young kittens little chance for survival. A second point is that many of the so-called conflicts with humans aren't actually conflicts at all. Instead, they are sightings, which more times than not are inaccurate. It is important to remember that these wild, beautiful creatures are part of what makes Oregon what it is - one of the last remaining states with forests that are home to them. There is a coffee shop in town with lovely, framed photographs of wildlife. One is of two young cougars frolicking in the snow. If we don't do something about the voracity with which these animals are eliminated, all that will be left is our admiration through images. DEBRA DEBRA Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America MERSKIN Advisory board member Predator Defense Eugene Condemnation fits Eugene case A June 24 Register-Guard editorial describes the eminent domain eminent domain, the right of a government to force the owner of private property sell it if it is needed for a public use. The right is based on the doctrine that a sovereign state has dominion over all lands and buildings within its borders, which has its origins in process by which the city of Eugene would acquire the Amazon Creek headwaters property as "the biggest hammer in Verb 1. hammer in - teach by drills and repetition beat in, drill in, ram down drill - teach by repetition the land use toolbox See toolkit and toolbar. ." I agree. But in this case the hammer is a ball peen, not a sledge sledge: see sled. . Eminent domain policy is controversial, particularly since the 2005 Kelo vs. City of New London New London, city (1990 pop. 24,540), New London co., SE Conn., on the Thames River near its mouth on Long Island Sound; laid out 1646 by John Winthrop, inc. 1784. (Connecticut) case. There the U.S. Supreme Court found it constitutional for the city to transfer land from one private owner to another to further economic development. It involved the condemnation of 15 residential and commercial properties. But here the situation is quite different. The use of eminent domain to acquire the Amazon Creek headwaters parcels involves only two developers of raw land that has marginal potential for housing but major potential for protection of a pristine natural area providing important habitat for wildlife, recreational opportunities for citizens and clean water and fresh air for our entire community. I do not support the former process, but am wholeheartedly whole·heart·ed adj. Marked by unconditional commitment, unstinting devotion, or unreserved enthusiasm: wholehearted approval. whole in favor of the latter. And I think that all but the most staunch property rights advocates can see the difference. I am thankful for the vision and leadership of our mayor and supportive city councilors on this important issue. I hope that all will ultimately see eminent domain as a reasonable method to acquire the Amazon Creek headwaters and protect this unique and special place forever from development. BENTON ELLIOTT Eugene Mail letters to: Mailbag, P.O. Box 10188, Eugene, OR 97440-2188 Fax: 338-2828 E-mail: rgletters@guardnet.com |
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