It was with great disappointment and amazement that I read of the University of Oregon joining the Worker Rights Consortium. This action was taken without the courtesy of conferring with Nike.

In other words, the university failed to give both sides of an issue equal opportunity for input. I can't recall in all my years at the U of O being taught such a one-sided method of reaching a decision. We grads are deeply indebted to people like Phil Knight, who not only have the ability but also the generosity and loyalty to give so much to the university.

We realize that no one person or firm can solve all the world's problems or elevate world standards of living. The main point is to use good common sense at the decision-making level, which was apparently lacking in this matter.

Should a small group of students, who are supposedly at the university to learn, be given control of university policy and decision? The University of California at Berkeley went through this dilemma in the '60s and '70s but a strong administration stood up and took control.

It all boils down to this: in which direction is the university moving and who is actually in charge? 

Getting out of a jam

There has been much discussion about areas of the city with traffic flow problems lately. I would like to present another one that could be relieved rather easily.

This concerns drivers heading east on Fourth Street or North on Riverside on their way to Taco Bell on Riverside Avenue between Jackson and Fourth. Most go right across Riverside on Fourth or turn right on Fourth from Riverside. In either case, a left turn into Taco Bell comes next. This is made across the double yellow line, through oncoming traffic, in mid block. It causes delays, irritated drivers, and a great chance for fender benders or worse.

If the block of Fourth between Riverside and Biddle were posted "No Left Turn" for eastbound traffic, the Taco Bell customers heading north on Riverside would learn to go through to Jackson and turn right to Taco Bell. Those heading east on Fourth can turn left on Riverside at the light, then turn right on Jackson to arrive at their destination. Neither route requires blocking oncoming traffic or turning anywhere other than a controlled intersection.

This should be a fairly inexpensive fix: one "No Left Turn" sign and some extra enforcement until a learning curve is reached. 

Why vote?

You ask, "Why should I vote? My vote won't make any difference."

Probably what you mean is you don't think it's going to make any difference to you. If we were voting on a new street through the middle of your house, you would cast your ballot, wouldn't you? You may not see it coming, but ballot measures can make a big difference to you.

For example, Measure 82 could result in an increase in the gas tax or, alternatively, not enough money to fix our traffic problems. If you don't decide on whether or not you're willing to pay more taxes for better traffic conditions, someone else will decide for you.

Better mark that ballot and mail it in.

Cool it, media

As we have come into a new millennium with hopes that we shall prosper and become a peaceful world in rejoiceful strength, the facts that stay hidden beneath the surface produce a bump in the road on the way to accomplish our dreams.

One such fact that stays true in my mind, is that of child custody and the rights of the child or children involved. Let's take the case of young Elian Gonzalez. This case has come to be a media feeding ground for every major network on television, but no matter how much the media squeezes out of the sponge, they always forget to acknowledge the feelings of a single aspect, that of young Elian.

To me, as a child subjected to custody negotiations, I feel the need to speak out on behalf of this strong young boy. Maybe the media should cool down the flames, step back, and let the families intervene, because the more the media interferes, the more torn this boy becomes. 

-- James Steel, Rogue River

Misguided policy

At this time I feel that most reasonable people realize that nicotine is in fact a drug, that is both addictive and extremely harmful to the health of both active and passive smokers of cigarettes. A close friend of mine died gasping for his last breaths with a lighted cigarette in his hand; many others have followed him to their graves in similar fashion.

Studies on smokers reveal that the overwhelming majority started smoking in their teens, long before they understood the severity of their actions. I wonder how many reasonable people would have sent my friend to prison for his youthful indiscretion of getting addicted to nicotine. I feel most people would consider prison an insult to an already injured individual, and be more likely to extend a helping hand.

However, these same reasonable people are filling our prisons with people who have drug problems, at a cost that diverts our tax dollars from providing education and rehabilitation to those in need.

Let's pull the plug on costly prison projects and start funding less costly and more effective education for our kids. It's time to recognize drug addiction as a medical condition, not a criminal conviction.

History endangered

In 1948, residents of Jackson County wisely passed a continuing levy to fund the Jackson County Historical Society, which is now a group of 14 associations across the county. The society uses this money efficiently to create programs and sites accessible to all county residents.

As our population ages, accessibility becomes an important issue. Because of the efforts of the Society, many of the county historical sites are accessible to those of us in wheelchairs and with orthopedic handicaps. We can get to the US Hotel ballroom, to all exhibits and programs in the History Center, the Ashland branch, the Children's Museum, and to easy parking and the downstairs of the Beekman house with a video showing us the upstairs. Plans for Hanley Farm include a wheelchair accessible trail to the sites, including the Native American encampment; accessible restrooms and access to the HanleY home.

In light of the difficulty and cost of retrofitting historic buildings (our ancestors loved high foundations and steps!) the society has done an outstanding job. We'll probably never be able to get to the second floor of the Courthouse museum, but the society is finding ways to let us see what's up there!

The important work of the Southern Oregon Historical Society is in danger because of the county's proposed cuts to society funds. Please urge the the budget committee and commissioners to keep the society fairly funded. 

Atkinson is a leader

Jason Atkinson is running for the Oregon Senate. Raised in Southern Oregon, Jason understands our needs and has proven his ability to find real-life solutions.

Jason is a leader, having been elected to serve as majority whip his first term in office. He sponsored legislation to help senior citizens keep their homes despite the pressure of increasing property taxes and decreasing income.

Jason supports landowners at a time of more intrusive regulation and less rights. Jason knows that a true "conservationist" recognizes the need to balance environmental protection, recreation and a sustainable life for our families. He co-sponsored legislation to keep a college education affordable for all of Oregon's children.

Jason inspired many to volunteer on his campaign. Like me, they know his experience makes him the right choice to serve us. Like me, they know he will represent us with honor and with results.

Smith's oxymoron

Sen. Gordon Smith has had a devastating and tearful internal battle of constituency vs. conscience. Conscience (read party line) has won. The senator stated, "I do not believe Oregon has the right to write federal law, any more than the federal government has the right to write Oregon law,"

Yet he is voting to nullify Oregon law.

This oxymoron outranks Dan Quail's finest. With such an immaculate qualification, Sen. Smith would be ideal as Gov. Bush's vice presidential running mate.

 -- W. H. Seeman, Medford

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