Posted: Monday, February 25, 2008 12:00 am
Is health care access a basic human right?
I am thankful to Rep. Mitch Greenlick for elevating the debate on health care as a human right issue ("House wants vote on health care as a right," Feb. 15).
The medical and economic tolls of our health care failure to individuals and to society have been well documented, but the moral side has been lost to ideology and the politics of special interest groups.
We are now being asked fascinating questions: Are "human rights" propelled to correct "social wrongs" or are they "God-given, not to be added by the whimsy of man"?
Does the "pursuit of happiness," a fundamental American constitutional right, include access to good medical care, or does it only refer to the right to own property and produce wealth?
Why would we recognize the social value and support the benefits of education for all, but not health care for all?
In the months to come, I hope all Oregonians will seriously ponder and discuss Rep. Greenlick's proposal (currently known as LC 91 in the Oregon Legislature), as it will likely become a ballot measure later this year.
Let our debate be fair and civil. Let us not derail the fundamental question by smearing it with negative labels or scare sound bites like "socialized medicine" or "more taxes."
It may be a long way from declaring healthcare as a fundamental right to making it affordable to all residents.
But LC 91 brings us right up to the words of Abraham Lincoln: "First, determine what is the right thing to do. Then, find the way to do it."
Chinh Le, Corvallis
No need for hostility toward bicyclists
In response to Rex Bennett ("Bicyclists also must follow road rules," Letters, Feb. 18):
His recent letter threatened cyclists who get in his way with violence: "If I have to decide between hitting another car head on or remaining on my side of the highway to avoid such a crash, it won't be a lengthy decision."
This is the best he can do when confronted with slow moving vehicles? Slowing down until it is safe to pass isn't an alternative worthy of his consideration?
What terrible thing has happened to Mr. Bennett that this evokes such a hostile emotional response? I do not hold out much hope that reason, logic or even correcting his understanding of how roads are paid for will persuade him to peaceably share the road with other users.
Oregon roads are paid for through a combination of motor vehicle registration and title fees, fuel taxes, federal funds and local revenues, which includes property taxes.
It is entirely possible many cyclists may be paying far more through these various taxes than he does, but we do not assert an entitlement to the road that excludes his right to drive. And I agree: cyclists must also follow the rules of the road.
I wish Mr. Benett many friendly encounters on the road with cyclists, that his heart may be changed with kindness.
Tracy Martineau, Corvallis
Rather than gripe, help the homeless
We recently saw a story on the Eugene TV news about an OSU fraternity complaining about the homeless shelter across the street.
They were upset about debris being scattered on their property, empty liquor bottles, etc.
I understand their frustration since we have had to sweep up broken glass, pick up beer cans and paper cups from our lawn and driveway, all from a group of university students who start partying on Thursday night and continue through the weekend.
This entire community has put up with their behavior and for some reason we tolerate it.
I think a bigger story (not reported on) is that a large number of these homeless men are mentally ill.
This tragedy could be prevented if our mental health system was held accountable. Oregon law keeps families, doctors, police, and judges from helping.
It is illegal for a doctor to treat them without their consent. Even when they are psychotic and delusional, and are not able to comprehend their own needs.
The police can't do anything until a crime has been committed, and then they are sent to jail.
Our jails and prisons are now our largest mental health facilities.
To the fraternity boys upset about the homeless shelter, how about providing a Dumpster?
How about educating yourselves and finding ways to help the community deal with the homeless problem?
How about looking at these people as fellow human beings who desperately need help?
Mary Jo Leech, Corvallis
Native plants thrive in a Corvallis yard
The native trees I've planted in my Corvallis yard have been complete successes, despite the warning in the Associated Press article "Deep in Tree Country" (Feb. 11).
I've chosen natives to fit my soil and shade conditions. Oregon ash thrives in the area's wet soil, as does red alder, which also adds nitrogen.
Hooker willow is the first "pussy willow" to open in spring.
I've also planted western birch, whose bark glows copper; vine maple and creek dogwood, bearers of the best fall reds; Douglas maple, a quiet understory species; western wayfaring tree, our very own native viburnum; and mountain hemlock, a 25-foot midget. Elderberries, Sitka mountain-ash, cascara, western dogwood … all thrive.
Native trees attract native songbirds because they harbor native insects, the foods of warblers, vireos, kinglets, wrens, chickadees, bushtits, and many others.
Native plants also attract native pollinators. A diversity of bee, fly, beetle and moth species are a stable source of pollination services that native plants encourage.
A good resource for native trees is the OSU Extension publication "Trees to Know in Oregon," available at local bookstores for just $12 or so.
There are several native plant nurseries in the Corvallis area and even more throughout the Willamette Valley. Check the Internet.
It's spring - a great time to go tree-shopping.
As you progress, your own personal native system will start attracting birds, cycling nutrients, and providing you with instant, everyday, on-demand nature fixes.
Truly, natural Oregon will be as close as your doorstep.
Kathy Merrifield, Corvallis