I teach in Portland and, last weekend, one of my students received a phone message during a break between classes. When she returned, she was clearly shaken. Her girlfriend, a 22-year-old Reed College graduate like herself, had been in a bike accident. There wasn’t much information, but what was known was she had broken her […]
The Boot
Posted inOpinion
We’s a Lot Dummer Becuz of Yew
I could spin numbers all day about the value of education—and draw into that web the reasoning that a public dollar spent on education is a future dollar saved; namely, by creating a productive and self-sufficient person who doesn’t rely on municipal services—whether those are jail, welfare or hospitals—and, yes, Republicans, paying taxes. But really, […]
Posted inOpinion
One Day at a Time
MONDAY 27 This just in: Amanda Bynes was NOT “slapped on the vagina” by police—at least according to the police. Why are the police being accused of slapping Amanda Bynes on the vagina? Apparently she’s still very bottom-sore over last week’s arrest when police arrived at her residence, and she responded by tossing a bong […]
Posted inOpinion
The Wrong Approach
My best friend was killed by a drunk driver. It was nine years ago, and I am still angry. He was living in Maui and returning from lunch hour to visit his one-month old son when a woman, fresh from a booze cruise, smashed into him. His car stopped her from careening off the highway […]
Posted inOpinion
Letters 5/8 – 5/16
BPRD candidates respond to endorsements To the Editor, I respect the endorsement process. Considerable questions arise when considering the BPRD endorsements. Both Bend newspapers endorsed "establishment" candidates; the "safe" choice. I have significant concerns regarding my opponent’s position as a bureaucrat and paid city of Bend employee. Decision makers have chosen the "Rubber Stamp" of […]
Posted inOpinion
Golden Opportunities Squandered
You may notice that this season’s Voter Pamphlet is a bit thin, and that there aren’t too many names crowding the ballot. That’s because, well, apparently the candidates forgot to show up for the party. Maybe they didn’t know they were invited. Of the four open seats on the Central Oregon Community College board, only […]
Posted inOpinion
More Letters 4/24 – 5/2
Mt. Bachelor Removing Decades-Old Service Starting next season, Mt. Bachelor will no longer have a season locker room. There are patrons that have had a locker there for over two decades. It will especially hurt older skiers who ride the bus to the mountain, and will no longer have a place to keep their things. […]
Posted inOpinion
Letters 4/24 – 5/2
In reply to Use All You Want: When it comes to water rates, Bend has it wrong (Feature, 4/28) Having recently moved to Bend from drought-stricken areas, I'm a pro at water conservation. I have lived 58 years consciously protecting a precious resource. I live alone, don't flush every use, don’t shower every day, nor […]
Posted inOpinion
Phil’s Fix No Fix At All
Let’s consider the Bend of the future: With even more locals and tourists looking to access singletrack mountain biking, hiking, trail running and primo dog walking territory within a 15-minute drive from the nearest brewery, areas like Phil’s Trailhead will become even more popular than today. But when these recreators arrive at Phil’s Trailhead, what […]
Posted inOpinion
Talk Among Yourselves, They’ll Give You a Topic
In a democracy, every few years we have the option of throwing out those elected officials who refuse to listen to the people. But really, we’d prefer basic rules that allow us the opportunity to say our piece in the meantime, too. Bend city council sure isn’t making it easy. Consider its recent decision on […]
