Iraq war budget
doesn’t add up
Our president has just asked for $87 billion for the next installment of his war, $66 billion of which is “for the military action in Iraq.” That comes to exactly $4.4 million of our tax dollars for EACH of our 150,000 soldiers stationed there. That will buy a lot of bullets; where does the rest go? The funny math hasn’t stopped since Big Oil took the White House. The thing is, it isn’t funny.
David Singelyn
Warner Springs, Calif.
University, Halliburton
exhibit spooky parallels
What do the proposed new University of Oregon basketball arena and the Iraq war have in common? No-bid contracts: Halliburton and Nike/University of Oregon (The Register-Guard, Aug. 1). Both situations deserve immense scrutiny as a shadowy parallel emerges between the arms race in sports spending and the arms race for endless war. Any hidden financial interests must be studied to see that the University’s ethical future isn’t ambiguous. It was only recently that we had to rename a campus building because the University’s fundraising had scooped up money that had to be repossessed by the government. Students should be allowed time to debate whether the stadium is built at all due to library cuts and tuition spiking. The “New Partnership” (including the “smart clothes” research and development “hot team”) will seek to expedite development of new shadow campuses for University of Oregon-Nike, Providence-Peace Health and the military-industrial complex. Watch for development, “streamlining” of permit processes, demolition and evictions of 100 low-income families in a potentially historic neighborhood near you.
Zachary Vishanoff
Eugene
Eugene is America’s
friendliest city
Several weeks ago, while I was on vacation with my partner, we made a stop in Eugene on our way to Portland. We grabbed a bite to eat and headed to a park for a picnic lunch that we shared with our cats. Despite being on a harness and leash, one of our cats became frightened and escaped from us. We searched the mountain he ran to for hours to no avail. People that we met at the park told us about the Greenhill Humane Society, and we went there to ask for suggestions. The staff members there were helpful and sympathetic. After more than 30 hours of being missing on the mountain, our cat, Rascal, was recovered. We were pleasantly surprised at how friendly and helpful everyone we encountered was when we explained our predicament. Many thanks to the Greenhill Humane Society, Mark Henrikson, Jody and the many others who assisted us. We felt encouraged and supported by the community. As a result, we are considering moving to Eugene! Eugene has our vote for friendliest city in the U.S. Thank you all again.
Kristen Roosa
San Diego
Oregon crowd respectful
during Michigan game
As a Michigan alumnus, I heard stories about the Autzen Stadium crowd and Oregon fans. Let me be the next in line in saying that stadium is one of the loudest sustained roars I’ve ever heard.
In Ann Arbor, Mich., controversy recently erupted about the treatment of Notre Dame fans by the Wolverine faithful. Having packed nothing but Michigan gear, I wondered how the Eugene and University of Oregon community would react.
About the worst I encountered was constant “Go Ducks” cheers. Your fans and students are very respectful and gracious to the opposition.
I enjoyed Eugene even though my team didn’t win. See you in a Rose Bowl rematch.
David Taub
Michigan alumnus, class of 2000
Pismo Beach, Calif.
