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Trump incompetent Not so fast
The accuracy scale of the article on COVID-19 death leaves much to be desired. It was nothing but a hit article on former President Donald Trump.
Dr. John Swartzberg’s assertions that Trump was incompetent, in over his head and a liar was a striking example. Nothing could be further off the truth. We would not have received a vaccine if not for his organizational skills and work ethic.
He invoked defense production act and had the Army Corps of Engineers transform the Javits Center into temporary hospital. A hospital ship was sent to the West Coast, and another one to New York Harbor. He is also responsible in large part for the development and deployment of a vaccine at warp speeds.
Any questions?
Raymond Moreno (Eugene)
Keep in mind energy independence
What’s the deal with our energy policy? We have twice dipped into our strategic oils reserves because President Biden stated it would lower prices.
These reserves are intended for emergency situations. Now, our Reserves are at a 20 year lowGasoline prices are rising. What do we do now? The Biden administration has cancelled all pending oil-and-gas leases in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico. The higher the gas prices go, the more Biden reduces American energy production. With inflation at a 40-year high, it’s costing American families more to buy food and household goods. Most of what we buy must be shipped to us, and diesel costs more than it did a year ago. This is a significant factor in high prices.
Remember when America was energy-independent a few years back? This is something you should keep in mind when you vote.
Jerry McCall, Eugene
Fighting the climate crisis is a matter of privilege
My wife and I are among those who can take positive, personal steps to combat climate change.
We were able to afford solar panels for our house. This reduces our electric bill by over 50%. We were able purchase an electric car which allows us to save over $4.50 per gallon on gasoline. Unfortunately, many Americans struggle to make ends meets and cannot afford the items that would help reduce climate change and save them money.
EWEB offers some sliding-scale incentives to help with things like windows and insulation upgrades, but they are still too expensive for many low-income households. We must come up with ways to make these things available to families who don’t have the financial means. This would not only stabilize the climate, but also provide financial relief for those who truly need it.
We must include and support all Americans if we are to solve the existential climate crisis.
Creswell, Tom Partridge
Kilcullen was all in
Chris Kilcullen, a Eugene police officer, was killed in the line-of-duty during a motor vehicle chase on April 22, 2011. He lived life as it was.
If you were lucky enough to spend just five minutes with Chris Kilcullen, you’d realize he was one of the keepers. Policing was his calling and while he would’ve likely done the job for free, we got our money’s worth with Officer Kilcullen.
Remember him that way next time you pass his modest “End of Watch” memorial on Highway 126 in Springfield. When you think about police officers, don’t put them all in one basket. Cops are human beings, flawed and different in subtle ways but no matter their day job, they are just working people coming from — or headed back — home.
Scott McKee, Eugene
Accepting personal responsibility
While there are many things we could learn from having a library account, we can also learn how to be responsible and mature. It’s a sad commentary on the management of the libraries when they encourage irresponsibility for the sake of maintaining an outmoded institution.
Robert Bodensteiner, Springfield
Still alive, still walking
It was a sad day to learn about Kenny Moore’s recent passing. It brought to mind an event both Kenny and I took part in 40 years ago — the Great Hawaiian Footrace of 1982. The only way we could both take part in the same race was that there were two divisions — serious runners and adventurers.
Needless to state, I was in the second group (non-competitive). But we all had to run 500,000 meters (312 miles) around the islands of Oahu and Maui — an average of about 15 miles a day for almost three weeks. We camped at local campgrounds in the evening and were provided with catered breakfasts, dinners and snacks all along the route. It was an amazing never-to-be forgotten adventure and I was thrilled to be able to run in a race with such an accomplished runner as Kenny.
I was living in Los Angeles at the time. In 1991, I moved to Eugene, Oregon, a great running spot. I am still a competitive walker and will continue running into the sunset. Jane Dods, Eugene
Griner, serve the time
Brittany Griner is a well-known name for those who follow pro women’s basketball. Russian authorities have placed her in jail for trying to smuggle marijuana-based products out of Russia. A big NO-NO.
In this country, I don’t understand why most of her followers are calling to her release. This includes the U.S. government.
She is not a star, but that does not mean she should be granted special privileges. You or I would not be able to hear about the crime she committed, and you would spend the 10-year sentence in prison.
My verdict: She knew that she was committing a crime. She committed the crime.
John Zacharias, Eugene
Pay back your loans
Joe Biden’s plan to forgive student loans debt is going to fool a lot of people.
You’re a fool if, as a parent, you denied yourself nice cars and fancy vacations in order to pay for your kids’ educations. Should have indulged.
You’re a fool if you worked while going to college. Should have stayed up late and enjoyed a good night of partying. Your friends who did not will have their debt forgiven.
And, most assuredly, you’re a fool if you joined the military in part to help with college costs. A missing limb? PTSD? Could have stayed home, accrued debt, and let Joe evaporate it.
I understand the president’s position. It’s no doubt tough to see other young people struggling with such heavy financial burdens when your own son ran around the world collecting millions only because his last name is Biden.
Bruce Mackey, Eugene
Downtown Eugene is home to a prison camp
Eugene residents aren’t comfortable going downtown unless they feel safe. Eugene Police Department has made the city a prison camp, where cops serve as guards to inmates who “crime” are homelessness. It is repression.
Eugene is getting ready to host the World Athletics Championship. The current approach is reminiscent to the 2012 Beijing Olympic Games, when poor people were removed to make a comfortable environment for wealthy visitors.
Eugene is in a humanitarian crisis that requires radical action. Local leaders should either lead, follow, or get out of the way.
Matthew Sproul, Bandon
