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I have just read in Readers Digest February issue, the article "These spies steal American jobs!" It explains in very easy-to-understand terms the theft of industrial and defense knowledge and secrets that should stay here! Other countries who should be friends and those who should be known enemies have agents here taking the secrets out nearly as fast as the knowledge comes to the top!

Also, what the government is doing to help them do the thieving by pushing laws into effect to make the stealing that much easier. While we are also sending them billions of dollars (beyond my knowledge of how to count) to spend as they choose in "foreign aid!"

It gets down to this: In my opinion the United States should get out of the United Nations in total. And for sure not consider worrying about any claimed debt for back due membership billing!

The United States should bill the United Nations for at least the interest on all of the past billions we have sent to their coffers and probably never been thanked for! If it was to be checked into I believe this to be a fact.

The UN charter was written by a past secretary of the now-claimed-to-be-defunct communist party of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in its very first days!

'Nouf said? Read the article for yourself before getting upset at me for this letter!

-- Robert Burnett, Talent

I'm sick of hearing that the prosecution of President Clinton is hurting the presidency. Clinton himself has demeaned it. The risks he took for sexual gratification have indelibly stained the presidency and made him a laughingstock around the world. The White House is trying to shift the blame to Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr, who was appointed by Clinton's attorney general to investigate Clinton's scandal-ridden administration. The criticism of Starr reminds me of the ancient practice of military commanders who killed the messenger who brought bad news.

How could Clinton carry on sexually with a woman young enough to be his granddaughter? What sort of president gropes a woman who campaigned for him when she came seeking a job needed to pay the debts of her husband who committed suicide? Ask yourself if you would leave your own daughter alone with Clinton; or if you would want to find a biography of Clinton in a book about our presidents for youngsters.

Like Nixon, Clinton has invoked "executive privilege" to "protect" his crony-advisers from testifying to the grand jury. The president has vast powers. He can send troops abroad, appoints the attorney general and the directors of the IRS, FBI, CIA and Secret Service. He can deploy countless people to do his bidding. No wonder the women he played with are afraid to testify fully and truthfully.

Maybe Clinton will escape from the web he has woven. He is a cagey and likeable rogue. Even if he is not found guilty of an impeachable crime, he ought to step down from the presidency. Al Gore may not be as smart or engaging as Clinton but at least Gore is respected.

-- Thomas E. Cummings, Medford

Agri-business interests are continuing their assault on organic food standards. These corporations wish to place an "organic" label on their food without the expense of putting a higher quality product inside. It's all about increased profits.

For years the organic food industry has worked hard to establish high standards. It's an all-American success story based on hard work and good clean earth. Now, several large agri-business corporations, and their wholly-owned politicians, have pressured the

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) into proposing much lower standards. These include:

1. Allowing "organic" crops to be fertilized with sewage sludge containing toxic heavy metals.

2. Using massive doses of radiation as the quick (and sloppy) way to eliminate bacteria.

3. Permitting genetically altered foods to carry the "organic" label.

Such proposals are ridiculous.

In a letter, Congressman Bob Smith said he will consider the best interests of America in looking at this issue, blah, blah, blah. Translated into English, his statement really means: Sorry, but we need those big corporate campaign donations to maintain our control.

Obviously, to some people, wimpy cows that aren't fed chicken manure, antibiotics, steroids and hormones don't count for much.

However, millions of Americans value organic standards as a symbol of quality, rather than something to be sacrificed on the false altar of corporate profit. The thieves pushing this hostile takeover of the fledgling organic food industry are lurking behind the USDA. They should not be allowed to succeed.

I am happy to state here and now, Wes Cooley will get my vote! He did the things he said he would, saved jobs with the salvage rider, protected private property rights and stood up to the liberals. Wes Cooley carried numerous pieces of legislation on the floor, he got things done! Wes Cooley is a dynamite congressman. I often saw him on C-Span, pounding on the podium, telling the liberals to get off my back. Cooley was always right there in the hunt!

I'll stand by Cooley, because when he was in Congress he stood by me. He's the real thing. Cooley paid a high price for standing up for me, and I'm proud to stand by him. Do yourself a favor, vote for Wes Cooley. The establishment is against him, so we working stiffs better take the hint and get him re-elected.

-- Jim Sevcik, Central Point

My husband and I came to the valley seven years ago to build a small business. Ron Grensky has been supportive of all our efforts as small business owners and has extended his hand in friendship. He patronized our business and has sent many referrals. We since have met his family and he is a good husband and father.

We feel because of his experience as an attorney and state legislator he can make beneficial changes in the judicial system in the Rogue Valley. We applaud his efforts to give us, the people, a choice on who presides on our bench.

He is trustworthy, loyal, honest, compassionate and dedicated to serving the people of southern Oregon. Vote for the man who wants to be elected by the people, not appointed by the governor.

-- Dennis and Carolee Casy, Jacksonville

I have known Judge Phil Arnold for almost 15 years. I have had direct experience with him as opposing counsel on different legal matters over the years. I have always found him to be fair, honest and highly competent. In short, he is a man of the highest integrity.

In these times where scandal and corruption seem to follow many public figures, Phil Arnold stands out as one being above the fray acting always as a man of honor and a gentleman in the best meaning of those words. He has made an outstanding judge and is serving all of the citizens of Jackson County well as circuit court judge. He has my vote and I urge you to vote to keep Phil Arnold on the bench where he belongs.

-- Martial E. Henault, Medford

I am writing in support of the District 6 school bond levy. To me, the bond levy slogan, "Education is Forever" is about the ripple effect of education. Good or bad, a child's education influences his/her job satisfaction, economic stability, parenting skills and decision-making ability. These factors have far-reaching effects on our children, their children, their children's children, etc., and on us, since today's children will be our caretakers and leaders.

Adequate physical facilities enable our teachers to provide a good education. The levy provides funds to solve current and future problems such as overcrowding, outdated buildings and safety. The items included in the bond levy are the result of a thorough, careful analysis by three district facilities committees over the last five years. Help ensure that District 6 can educate our children for their benefit, our benefit and the benefit of generations to come. Vote yes on the District 6 bond levy!