Kesey service

memorable, genuine
Wednesday afternoon, I attended Ken Kesey’s memorial service at the McDonald Theater. I went downtown to participate in a tribute to Oregon’s own distinct regional icon. Kesey inspired freedom of expression, imagination and the beauty of uniqueness through his own behavior, theatrics and written word.
At the memorial service, I discovered what I had hoped for and more. University President Dave Frohnmayer delivered the opening remarks. His speech struck me as a well-articulated and wonderful blend of stories, with thoughtful remarks on what Mr. Kesey meant to the University and how he’d impacted Frohnmayer himself.
Frohnmayer clearly stated he was never active in any of Kesey’s many pranks. Instead, he spoke of wonderful occasions, such as when Kesey sent the Frohnmayer family a box of books written by himself, with his own psychedelic signature, when Frohnmayer’s daughter was seriously ill. I was reminded of how we lost one of our greatest Ducks this week, but I was also reminded of how fortunate we are to have Ducks like Frohnmayer to give genuine time and effort to those around. This was a very fitting tribute to the spirit of Ken Kesey. Kesey founded lives on his movement, and Frohnmayer is very much a part of that.

Scott D. Doyle

Rochester, N.Y.

Pornography enables

sexual addiction
It has come to my attention that the University of Oregon recently sponsored a speaker, Annie Sprinkle, who promotes herself as a feminist. This “feminist” supports pornography and promiscuity as means of sexual self-expression rather than the exploitation of women. I wonder if this is truly exercising our First Amendment rights. Or is it enabling sexual addiction?
The University has made efforts to curb alcohol addiction/abuse and the violence, unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases that may result from engaging in the above behavior. Sexual addiction may have the same results. By sponsoring this speaker, the University is sending mixed messages. Are some addictions more allowable and acceptable than others?
Eugene Weekly advertised this event. As an advertiser in the Eugene Weekly, I am concerned about the flavor this partially unclothed female gives to the publication. I am registering my complaint about the explicit and implicit messages promoted by this advertisement. Thank you for considering my concerns as a consumer and a health care provider.

Michele Bouche, CNM

Eugene