Pregnant Man Is Profile in Courage

Letter of the Week 
In reaction now to the news about Thomas Beatie, the pregnant man in Bend, I offer some thoughts that have come out of conversations I've had over the last few weeks.
It doesn't matter how you feel about the issues of gender, sexuality and fertility, but I respect the Beaties' courage to stand up and put themselves and their lives in the spotlight. People have wondered why they are doing it. Why? Because! Because nothing will ever change, wrongs will not be righted, until someone has the courage to be out there in the open and help clear the way for others.

In response to your article about Trader Joe's: No – people in Bend or Portland or California are not crazy … they just LOVE their Trader Joe's!!!
Maybe it's a little bit of nostalgia on the part of California ex-pats (of which I am one), but it's also the fact that the company has been able to offer – on a consistent basis – the most diverse, interesting and healthy foods around – at incredibly low prices!

Way to go Source! You really scooped the "other Bend publication" with your story about Ray Perry, the ODOT employee who was fired for coming forward with the misdeeds of ODOT.
I'd like to let Sen. Ben Westlund know he earned my vote for his bid as state treasurer. I am so happy to see that there is an elected official out there who will stand up for the little guy.
And what is up with ODOT's spokesman, Peter Murphy? He referred to Sen. Westlund as "just another person"! I don't ever recall Sen. Westlund implying that he is any better than the rest of us, but I do believe he was elected by a majority of us taxpayers - twice - to represent and look out for our best interest. I think his testifying at Mr. Perry's hearing is proof he is living up the taxpayers' expectations.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all" – except homosexuals! Hypocrisy epit-omized.
Article I, Section 1, Oregon Constitution: "Natural rights inherent in people. We declare that all men, when they form a social compact are equal in right" – except homosexuals! Hypocrisy and prejudice epitomized.