Posted: Friday, April 25, 2008 12:00 am
Dogs don't belong at crowded market
I absolutely and 100 percent agree with Joy Hagler ("Headed downtown? Leave dog at home," Letters, April 15).
I am a pet lover and have several.
However, I don't take them out to a crowded place where they will be allowed to irritate other people.
If you feel the need to "socialize" your dog, take him to a dog park and socialize him with other dogs there.
It is hard enough to walk around a crowded farmers market without the extra added hassle of fighting with unruly dogs on long leashes.
I know all you dog owners just read that line and say, "That's not my dog." But it is your dog.
Farmers market was created for people, not dogs. Corvallis is growing and getting more crowded, and so the farmers market gets more crowded and the dog problem is getting worse.
I am at the point where I will stop going to the farmers market on Saturday morning if the dog problem continues.
I sure would hate to miss out on those homemade donuts because some dog owners won't take their animals to a more appropriate place for socialization.
Maggie Cummings, Corvallis
Find a compromise on dogs at market
How about a compromise on the issue of whether dogs should be allowed at the Saturday Farmers' Market?
Just put a sign at each end of the market: "Dogs - On Leash - Welcome after 10:30 a.m."
Those of us who prefer a dog-free walk through the market can show up early and the balance of the day can "go to the dogs."
Dan Dunham, Corvallis
Don't be so fast to criticize columnist
Once again I find myself defending columnist Pat Wray against narrow-minded people.
This time it is Greg Bennett ("Ticketing speeders keeps roads safe," Letters, April 14) taking Mr. Wray to task for admitting to driving over the speed limit.
I say he who has never speeded cast the first stone. I guess this includes Mr. Bennett and a very few others.
I would like to see the data Mr. Bennett cites from the law enforcement studies that show tickets issued to speeders reduce the risk of dying in a car crash.
I would be willing to bet that there is no significant data that supports that claim.
Don't give me that old saying that "anything can be proven with statistics." That is another example of conventional wisdom that is neither wise nor correct. Speed doesn't kill. Irresponsible drivers kill.
If law enforcement really believes that speeding is a problem, then why don't they police the freeways more closely?
For 40 years I have been driving them at 5-10 mph over the speed limit and I have only one ticket when I passed a cop at 75 in my bright red Porsche in the pouring rain.
I drove to Portland recently going my usual 70-75 mostly in the middle or slow lane because everyone in the fast lane was going faster yet.
Talk is cheap, actions are what counts.
Corvallis needs fewer ideologues and more people with a sense of humor.
Jay Burreson, Corvallis
Raymond dedicated to sustainability
I attended the recent public forum for the two Ward 7 City Council candidates, and was extremely impressed by Jeanne Raymond. Jeanne was very well prepared - it was obvious that she had done her homework.
The focus of Jeanne's platform is "sustainability." She supports local businesses and prudent growth. She believes that wonderful natural features like our wetlands are part of the reason Corvallis is such a beautiful place to live and does not want to see them sacrificed in the name of "growth."
Not only is Jeanne dedicated to the environment, but she cares deeply about people issues: human rights, civil rights, and taking care of the least among us.
She is a compassionate, caring individual who has been active in her community for decades.
She is a team player who can work with others to solve problems, and she will make a wonderful addition to our City Council.
Leah Bolger, Corvallis
Want moderation? Schroff best choice
Governing organizations such as the Corvallis City Council require members that represent the views of those they are making decisions for.
Most of us desire moderation in our civic leaders. Someone who will look at both sides of the issues and determine what is best for those he or she represents.
Rick Schroff is the candidate for Ward 7 that will provide this thoughtful leadership.
Rick has the background and experience needed for a Corvallis city councilor. He has experience in strategic planning; making difficult decisions and providing follow up that will assure that Corvallis remains a desirable place to live.
Rick recognizes that Corvallis is a special community and will not make any decisions that would change the character of the city that we have all chosen as our home.
Please vote for Rick Schroff as your Ward 7 representative.
Michele Kellison, Corvallis
U.S. has 'liberated' Iraq's oil reserves
Letters have appeared in this section which, facetiously I trust, suggested that the proceeds of the sale of Iraqi oil should pay for our ongoing war and occupation of Iraq.
I cannot believe the writers were serious in asserting that the U.S. invasion, which caused the loss of over 4,000 U.S. troops and in excess of 100,000 Iraqi lives, the displacement of millions more and a weak puppet government propped up by a massive U.S. military presence, somehow deserves to be repaid by the Iraqi oil proceeds.
The laughable claim that Iraqis were "liberated" by the invasion forces ("shock and awe" indeed!) is given the lie by subsequent evidence that Saddam's overthrow was for the express purpose of "liberating" the vast oil reserves.
And we are all the victims of the oil barons' incredible chutzpah. The writers should be ashamed to parrot the U.S. government's despicable lies.
Leo de Vogel, Corvallis
1 million Arabs live peacefully in Israel
Jeanne Riha's letter ("Don't overlook Palestinian tragedy," April 15) has so many historical errors I hardly know where to start.
In 1948 the United Nations restored Israel to the Jewish people and made it a new nation. Shortly thereafter all of the surrounding Muslim nations declared they were going to attack Israel and kill or drive all the Jews into the Mediterranean Sea.
They told all the Muslims living in Israel to leave until the conflagration was over and then they could return to their homes.
Israel, with no army, no air force, no weapons to speak of, defeated the Muslim invaders. Israel told the people who left they were welcome to return to their homes. The Palestinians chose to remain refugees.
The people of Israel are not "occupiers." Jordan kept the portion of Israel now known as the West Bank and the Palestinians eventually settled there and began a program of terror aimed at Israel.
They made no attempt to establish a nation for themselves in the 19 years they lived there with no interference from Israel.
In 1967, having tired of the constant terror attacks from the West Bank and the shelling of the Galilee region by Syria, Israel attacked those two areas and took control of them.
It may be of interest to Jeanne Riha and other supporters of terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad that there are over 1 million Arabs living peacefully in Israel.
Frank Howard, Corvallis
Israel's expansion dooms peace hopes
In the April 19 Gazette-Times, hidden away on page 10, was an article, "Israel plans for more homes in West Bank settlements," by Sarah El Deeb.
I see little chance for peace in Palestine so long as the Israelis continue to push back Palestinians and expand settlements in Palestinian land, yet they harp objecting to Palestinian retaliation for this expansion of Israel.
James Coffin, Corvallis