Letters in the Editor's Mailbag.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Speedway benefits area

I'm writing concerning the Cottage Grove Speedway. If complaints were to be made, they should have been against the prior owners for not obtaining building permits when making improvements. Those stands were rotting away! Replacing them was essential. The new owners have made only positive changes. There is now even a family section where smoking and drinking aren't allowed.

My dad, stepmother and I enjoy watching a sport we love. We've made many good friends as a result of attending races, and it's a very affordable evening. Now our wonderful new owners have brought back the World of Outlaws! Do Lane County residents realize what tremendous profits that could mean for the area? People from across the country attend this race. This is the equivalent of Tiger Woods playing at a Cottage Grove golf course; these are the pros! Even after regular Saturday races, it's hard to find a seat at local restaurants.

Cottage Grove Speedway is also good for our youth. My dad is a retired law enforcement officer, and I, too, have worked in law enforcement most of my life. Having something to do on a weekend night is crucial for teens. Going to races is exciting, affordable and safe. One of the biggest contributors to our teen drug and alcohol problem is boredom. Don't take away this action-packed, exciting outlet that they have. This is a sport that involves the entire family, provides an outlet for our youth and boosts the local economy.

If you look at all the positives and then review the few complaints that were received, you'll understand why we should be able to continue racing right away. Don't ruin a tradition for thousands of fans. Our new owners are making improvements, not creating problems.

KRISTY THARP Roseburg

Europeans hypocritical 

The recent condemnation of the United States by European nations is appalling. The European Union is outraged by the Israeli occupation of Palestinian areas of the West Bank. Its members are upset with the United States and its handling of the situation.

Let's talk about the Europeans and the great way they handle situations. The conflict in the Balkans was a real success for the brilliant military and political strategists of Europe. This is the same region of the world that for so many years has been arguing over whether the Euro is the answer to their problems. Instead of dealing with the important issues, they turn to us, as they have since World War I, to resolve the ongoing strife they have with each other and other countries threatening their way of life.

Can you see the French or the Germans trying to resolve the problems in the Middle East or Afghanistan? They can't, because they're incapable of dealing with something that reminds them of their own pasts. European leaders can sit back and complain about us all they want. We will come through again for them when they need it.

CHARLES McVICKER Cottage Grove

Inflammatory rhetoric

The classrooms of South Eugene International High School "apparently operate as some sort of Hamas recruiting center," writes Tom Cronin (letters, April 11). And we accuse al-Jazeera of inflammatory rhetoric.

DOUGLAS CARD Veneta

LETTERS LOG

Letters received in past week: 201

Letters published: 60

What's on readers' minds: No single topic dominated Mailbag flow during the past week. We received 14 letters about Palestinian-Israeli violence in the Middle East; 12 about the Kids Helping Kids program in local schools; eight each on SUVs and on candidates and measures in the upcoming May primary election; seven on promotion of the "The Vagina Monologues" at the Hult Center and six on the West Eugene Parkway.

- The Register-Guard

CAPTION(S):

The Register-Guard welcomes letters on topics of general interest. Our length limit is 250 words; all letters are subject to condensation. Writers are limited to one letter per calendar month. Because of the volume of mail, not all letters can be printed. Letters must be signed with the writer's full name. Mail letters to Mailbag, P.O. Box 10188, Eugene, OR 97440-2188 Fax: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail]