Automakers, go back to basics

There is a simple solution to the U.S.-based automakers’ problems: Lower their prices until people return to the showroom.That’s what happens in the housing market.

The auto manufacturers have a REAL bottom line that is not shared with the general public; one that still pays their bills, eliminates huge bonuses to executives and allows them to keep their employees. They need to find it. That alone will stabilize their company and buy them some time.

The real key is for them to use that time wisely and develop a product that will drive buyers back to their showrooms. I think that’s how capitalism works. The technology is out there. Use it. Giving them billions of dollars is like feeding hamburgers to alligators. It’s not the solution.

Bill Stansell, Corvallis

A look at church, state separation

Churches and politics: Sometimes I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

A brief history of the Mormon church:

Sept 21, 1823: Joseph Smith receives first revelation. At his death, he is reported to have had 27 wives. Somewhere between 20 to 30 percent of members practiced polygamy until 1904, when it was banned. First revelation updated. Family values question: the definition of marriage is between a man and a woman and a women, etc., etc.

In 1978, a new revelation allowed black male LDS members to become priests and participate in Temple Ordinances. Only took God 155 years to get through to the church prophet.

And now we have the Mormon Church spending $22 million to defeat California’s Proposition 8. Hopefully it won’t take God and the church another 155 years to get it right.

Just so you don’t think I am picking only on Mormons, Father Newman of St. Mary Catholic Church in Greenville, N.C., stated on Nov. 14 that anyone who voted for Obama was in “material cooperation with intrinsic evil.” According to the John Jay Report, 4,392 priests have been accused of sexual abuse and, since 1950, the Catholic Church has paid out $2 billion to settle lawsuits (this is only in the U.S.). Makes you wonder about the celibacy rule.

Everyone has the right to vote their conscience, but no one should be forced out of fear of eternal damnation to vote as dictated by their church. Keep the church out of politics.

Roger Paul, Corvallis

Support Oregon marine reserves

It is vitally important that we all educate ourselves about marine reserves and show the governor and our legislators that we support them. I am disappointed by OPAC’s decision to recommend only two reserves to Gov. Ted Kulongoski (Nov. 19, “Panel recommends 2 marine reserves”) but as the governor said, this is an important “next step in an ongoing conversation.” I strongly believe that if we do not act now by establishing marine reserves off our coast now, we will regret it in the future.

Studies from around the world have shown that by allowing marine environments a chance to rest and restore themselves, marine reserves help to increase the abundance, size, and diversity of marine life, including some commercially valuable fish stocks. If fish populations continue to decline as they have been, soon there will be little or no living for those in the fisheries at all.

Please plan to attend an informational forum about marine reserves at the Unitarian Church on Dec. 1. To learn more about marine reserves, see www.ouroregonocean.org.

Joan Newhouse, Corvallis

Let’s apply smarter economic theories

I differ slightly with Jane Newton’s contention, “Our current financial woes come from non-accountability at all levels, starting with mortgages granted beyond the ability to pay” (Letters, Nov. 20, “Seek accountability in bailout, officials”).

Jane may be correct in some specifics, but I believe the root of the problem is broader than that.

Our problems stem from the economic idealogues who seem bent on proving one economic theory over another with blinkered resolve.

Reining in these folks will make the difference when we try to apply “smart” regulations. While it’s more complex than capitalist versus socialist, that’s probably the classic way of looking at this.

So as we apply a socialistic bailout of our capitalist systems, let’s see if we can apply economic theory with intelligence. Who in their right mind wants to move to a capitalistic road system?

Let’s apply what works best to the problem.

Robert G. Gourley, Corvallis

Record 2008 vote a strong affirmation

There will be many memorable images from Election 2008, but perhaps none is more heartening than that of Americans voting in staggering numbers. It is an affirmation that our democracy is alive and well.

Voters across the country deserve to be congratulated for their deep commitment to voting and for their patience and perseverance. They showed real dedication by voting early, standing in long lines when necessary, and making sure their voices were heard. Here in Benton County, registered voters mailed in their ballots in record numbers, with a turnout of nearly 90 percent.

Democracy got a big boost this election with such enthusiastic participation from voters, especially younger voters ages 18 to 29. But there is always more to be done to make democracy work well for all Americans. The challenges we face together in our towns and in our nation will require our continued participation.

Members of the League of Women Voters of Corvallis work year-round to safeguard democracy at all levels of government. We were immensely gratified that so many people engaged in the political process. For more information, see www.lwv.corvallis.or.us.

Annette Mills, League of Women Voters of Corvallis