What Obama said in Albany

I am writing this letter to help clarify the newspaper’s report of Barack Obama’s recent visit to Albany. The senator was asked a question about his position regarding nuclear energy and also about the use of depleted uranium in weaponry.

The newspaper article states that he supports the use of depleted uranium if science supports using it safely. This was his answer to the nuclear power production question; he also spoke about the depleted uranium in munitions, saying that he felt we must clean up areas of contamination and that reparations should be made to the victims of this technology.

I hope that pointing out the two-part nature of the question, with its separate responses, will help clarify Senator Obama’s position on these matters.

Kay James Stapp, Albany

Apparel flap: An exception

About “What not to wear at UO,” by Steve Lundeberg, May 13:

I know this article was meant to rile up the Oregon Duck haters. Make UO look like this big, bad place. But three quarters of the front page? C’mon! I doubt the students wear their Beaver apparel every day. They wore it to the UO campus to get a reaction. I don’t agree with the tour guide telling them to cover it up or take it off. You will find most Duck fans wouldn’t be happy about that. Most can co-exist with the Beaver Nation, and any other school for that matter, peacefully.

It’s the exception, not the rule, for something like that to happen there. UO did the right thing by apologizing. Since the article had to bring to light the big controversy — NOT — let’s reverse the situation. If that happened at the Oregon State campus, I would dare to say, there would be more than one comment.

Several years back, a radio station did a little test. They sent someone to the Oregon State campus, dressed in head-to-toe Oregon apparel. I can’t remember the exact stats but just about everyone made comments, threatened to beat them up. They did the opposite at the UO campus. As I recall, only a few people commented; it may have only been one person.

This kind of stuff goes both ways and happens all the time!

Becky Castle, Albany

Bike to work day, May 16

May has been declared National Bike Month by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) and Bike to Work Day is Friday.

Ride your bike, not just for recreation, but because it lowers air pollution, reduces car traffic and helps make Albany a more livable community. Of course, you also save gas.

Biking to work and running errands in town is a high percentage of most car usage. A bike is a much more energy efficient means of transportation. It’s also good for your health. Visit your local bike shops if your bike needs a tune-up.

There are bike lanes on almost all major roads in Albany. Most businesses have bike racks and there are bike lockers at the railroad station, downtown in the parking lot next to Wyatt’s on First Avenue and on Hickory Street behind the bus stop. Bike maps of Albany and the mid-Willamette Valley are available at Albany Parks and Recreation.

When you ride a bike, wear a helmet and follow Oregon traffic laws, especially by riding with traffic on the right side of the road. Talk to your employer about installing covered bike racks, shower and locker facilities. Install lights on your bike if you will be riding at night.

The Albany Safe Routes to School task force is working hard to encourage more kids to walk or bike to school. This program helps to fight the obesity epidemic among children and to lower car traffic around schools. A parent driving their children to school is a major cause of congestion around schools. Talk to your school administrators about how you can help with this important program.

Riding a bike is a fun way to do your part to reduce global warming, too.

Bill Pintard, Chair, Albany Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission

A ‘quiet, intelligent giant’

Talk about qualified, ethical and over experienced!

I have to write in support of Cliff Wooten, a contender for House District 17 representative. I have known Cliff Wooten many years now and what amazes me of this quiet, intelligent giant is his determination and knowledge of the situation or problem of discussion.

He always does his homework to make the best, most educated decision for our county and his constituents. Often these hard choices may not be the most popular, but always what is best!

Cliff Wooten is a good, righteous and cost-effective manager of the people’s problems and money. He will not mislead you or skirt around an issue. You will always get an honest, educated answer.

He will do us good, if you place him in the Legislature.

Becky Badger, Scio