I started writing this column as a tirade against our “lord protector,” George W. Bush, and the fact that no one really wants him in office. I quickly realized, though, that I was wrong and had again fallen into those dangerous waters wherein one confuses Eugene with Reality. We live in a bubble here, and while very few of us care to acknowledge that our world is run by a half-wit from Texas, I daresay a large portion of the country acknowledges him without compunction. The fearsome mindset of Bush and his followers is actually quite common in these United States. Bigotry and imbecility in our politicians seem as popular as ever.
Let’s look at another example. Based on the abundance of “No on 9” stickers around Eugene last fall, you might have assumed that homophobic ignorance was a dying fashion. It was reassuring to know that Lon Mabon and his band of hateful troubadours would finally meet the resounding flames of total defeat they so deserve. But then the Oregon voters turned out at the polls and sent all our optimistic delusions hurtling back to earth. Yes, Measure 9 failed to pass, but the margin by which voters defeated it (only 52 percent of voters voted “no”) was a sufficient reminder of the degenerate mindset that pervades this strange world in which we live.

The insular academic environment in which we daily find ourselves and the strange mix of progressive politics in Eugene further augment these rose-colored glasses. Ignorant idealism is a curious luxury afforded to those of us who effectively sit around and — I’d like to hope — think all day. It’s a good life, to be sure, but our beliefs and opinions are rarely challenged and as a result, we soon begin to project our ideology on the world as a whole. As I said, I’m guilty of this, too, which makes this an exorcism of sorts. I have to keep reminding myself that our president is a vicious liar from one of the meanest, ugliest families in Christendom, a power freak running amok in the wake of Bill Clinton’s hopeless libido. And moreover, a lot of people like him. It’s hard to fathom, I know, but it’s true.
Which is why I find it alarming when I come upon demonstrations here in Eugene for international issues or against, say, Measure 9. If ever there was a case of preaching to the choir, this is it. By and large, Eugene residents have a decent grasp of the issues facing the world and no protest — least of all here — is bound to effect much change. Along with Portland, our town is an anomaly in Oregon politics. Protests against issues such as homophobia ought to be held in the more rural parts of Oregon, not downtown Eugene or Pioneer Courthouse Square. Remember, 48 percent of Oregon voters voted “yes” on Measure 9 — and I feel safe in suggesting that most of them were not from Eugene.
Those of us who live in Eugene, however, have been lulled into the blissful notion that, based on what we see here, the whole of society is attempting to act responsibly toward the environment, is fighting hatred and bigotry, and is rightfully scorning George W. Bush.
We don’t live in a bio-dome, though, and to lose sight of the world outside the city limits of Eugene is dangerous and wrong. Yes, there are pockets of rosy progressivism in various cities all across the country. But too many citizens still vote ‘yes’ on Measure 9 or put their faith in the foul promises of our commander in chief. We must not be lazy and imagine that the world is right and true.
If change is really your goal, put your opinions to the test: Try heading to Burns for that “No on 9” demonstration or protest the use of pesticides in Pendleton. If nothing else, the viewer response is sure to be far more interesting than anything in Eugene.