University should review involvement with Nike
In his article, “Now Corporations Claim The ‘Right To Lie’” (published on Jan. 1 by CommonDreams.org) Thom Hartmann wrote: “While Nike was conducting a huge and expensive PR blitz to tell people that it had cleaned up its subcontractors’ sweatshop labor practices, an alert consumer advocate and activist in California named Marc Kasky caught them in what he alleges are a number of specific deceptions. Citing a California law that forbids corporations from intentionally deceiving people in their commercial statements, Kasky sued the multibillion-dollar corporation.
“Instead of refuting Kasky’s charge by proving in court that they didn’t lie, however, Nike instead chose to argue that corporations should enjoy the same ‘free speech’ right to deceive that individual human citizens have in their personal lives. If people have the constitutionally-protected right to say, ‘The check is in the mail,’ or, ‘That looks great on you,’ then, Nike’s reasoning goes, a corporation should have the same right to say whatever they want in their corporate PR campaigns. . . . but Nike isn’t a person — it’s a corporation. And it’s not their ‘say’ they’re asking for: It’s the right to deceive people.”
After the University completes a review of its association with KUGN, it would do well to review its association with organizations, such as Nike, that have no problem with lying. It is not good for the University’s image not to mention its truth-seeking mission – to lie with the liars.

Franklin W. Stahl

professor

molecular biology

Talking Stones

vandalism racist, biased
In response to the recent defacing of four of the newly-installed Talking Stones in the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park, the City of Eugene Human Rights Commission wishes to express disapproval and sadness for this disrespectful and offensive act.
Four of the Talking Stones were defaced the day after they were installed. The perpetrator or perpetrators and their intents are unknown, and the act itself is reflective of racist and biased acts of intolerance.
These stones have been placed in the Whilamut Natural Area as educational tools. They feature Kalapuya words — and accompanying English translations — which highlight cultural, historical and physical aspects of the landscape. The stones were intended to adorn the park and provide a reclaiming of this natural area for the enjoyment of all people in the community. The last and most significant message of the stones is to honor the indigenous people, known as the Kalapuya, who were the first people to reside in the Willamette Valley, and to recognize present-day Native American residents descended from the Kalapuya.
As community human rights advocates, we must respond to intolerant acts. The Human Rights Commission wishes to help speak out on acts that show disregard and contempt for human rights. We appreciate the community members who have brought this to light and applaud them for speaking out.
May we all together continue to work toward tolerance and respect, so all human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief, and freedom from fear.

Marcy Middleton

Navajo Nation

James Dean

members

Human Rights Commission