Posted: Tuesday, January 9, 2007 12:00 am
I'm sick and tired of people complaining about how Measure 37 is unfair, destroys farmland, etc. Not one of these people who complain about it being unfair own the land the that's being considered under the measure. It belongs to the people who paid money for it out of their own pocket.
Let's put the shoe on the other foot. Let's assume one of these people has $500,000 in savings that they have carefully put away for retirement. Then one day the county comes along and says it's unfair for you to have that stashed away and that $400,000 of your money belongs to all the people and you have to give it to the county. There would be a completely different cry from these same people who what someone else's land for their enjoyment.
This measure was passed by the voters of Oregon by a large margin. This is the will of the majority. Do we live in a democratic free land where the majority decides as was originally intended by our constitution, or are we to the state of having a small, vocal majority rule the majority as with Hitler's Germany or Saddam's Iraq?
Lorin Davis
Corvallis
On the execution of Saddam Hussein
Didn't it seem somewhat callous the way the world avidly awaited the death of Saddam Hussein, who was a living human being?
Instead of the death penalty, the Iraqis could have incarcerated him for life and subjected him (not vindictively) to skilled interrogators and psychologists to delve into the vast store of memories and motivations that made him the person he was. Would this not add to the sum of knowledge about the making of a dictator? Do we know that the execution of one tyrant was a deterrent to other would-be tyrants? I don't think we know that.
Edith Madden
Corvallis
Elect judges; don't let gov appoint them
Once again, we have been reminded that many of our judges are appointed by the governor rather than being elected as contemplated by our Constitution. There are no restrictions or guidelines controlling the governor's power of appointment.
The "Missouri system" used in 11 states has worked successfully for many years and has received praise.
Under the system, a permanent committee of up to 12 individuals is selected partly by the governor, partly by the legislature and partly by lay persons.
The permanent committee is divided equally among lay members, judges and lawyers. When a vacancy occurs in a judgeship at any level - circuit, appeals or supreme court - the committee nominates three individuals whose names are submitted to the governor, who then selects one to fill the vacancy.
At the expiration of the appointee's term, his or her name appears on the election ballot. The electorate can then approve or reject the appointee. If rejected, the committee nominates three new candidates to fill the new vacancy.
The system has several advantages: It is fair; it assures qualified individuals to serve as judges; it avoids the "expensive circus" elections are becoming, which often result in the candidate with the most money and name familiarity winning irrespective of lack of qualifications to be a judge.
This letter is not intended to reflect any way in on the judge who has been appointed under the present system.
Robert Mix
Corvallis
Fewer cyclists go wrong in winter
I am slowly developing an appreciation for winter. It's been weeks now since I've rounded a curve to find bicyclists riding two or three abreast although a car is coming the other way; or crested a hill to find one doing a loop in the road.
I don't understand bicyclists nowadays. I learned to ride on the edge of the road because I was small and slow and cars were large and fast.
The rationale for that seemed pretty simple: If you ride a slow-moving vehicle into the path of a fast-moving vehicle, you have a really good chance of becoming an accident victim. Your "rights" kind of go out the window at that point.
So, bicyclists should do us all a favor and try blending their rights with a little common sense.
Rex Bennett
Philomath
OSU football squad was great in 2006
Thanks to the Oregon State University football players, coach Mike Riley and all of the assistant coaches and staff for the 2006 football season.
There were some frustrations (such as the Washington State University game), but some great games against the University of Southern California, University of Oregon and University of Hawaii. (It's always wonderful to beat the Ducks).
It also is a very positive thing - for us 40-year Beaver fans - to be looking forward to football season in the fall.
Stan and Dorothy Miles
Corvallis
Don't turn a blind headlight to traffic
Please check your headlights and blinkers occasionally. I see so many "one-eyed jacks" (and even "no-eyed jacks") driving around.
Next time you drive up to a convenience store, leave your lights on for a second and check them out. The life you save may be your own.
Becky Ice
Monroe
War goes on with no resolution in sight
It now seems obvious that despite the good intentions and efforts of millions, the Bush administration is intent on widening the war and increasing - not decreasing - the number of American troops in Iraq. Was not 2006 supposed to be the year of the troop draw-down? Now entering the fourth year of the war, Bush has decided more troops are the answer, after rejecting this for years!
Now, after four years, a reasonable person must also ask: Is there a plan at all? What is the plan - or is our president like a man in a dark room, groping, lunging, stumbling and the country stumbling with him?
Joe Mogus
Philomath
Speed bumps harm cars and clog traffic
In the two years that I have been driving, I have noticed many of the speed bumps in 25-mph zones around Corvallis cause me to slow down to 15- to- 20 mph in order to protect my family's cars from getting damaged.
The ones on Southwest Brooklane Drive are a good example: Driving over the speed bumps at 25 mph has caused alignment problems and tire damage. In higher-traffic areas, I build up traffic behind me, because I am forced to slow down.
I understand that the reason for speed bumps is to stop drivers from speeding through residential areas but shouldn't all cars be able to travel the speed limit over these bumps without concern for damage to our vehicles?
Greg Merritt
Corvallis