MARRIAGE IS A BASIC RIGHT

I wish I could say that I'm disappointed in HH's ill-informed Nov. 20 editorial, "Politics counts in culture wars," but it's far beyond disappointment. No mid-valley resident should be surprised to learn that HH is opposed to same-sex unions; he's frequently demonstrated bigotry toward sexual minorities. Though I could cite several instances, in an 11-08-00 editorial HH spoke of Nevada and Nebraska, writing, "Banning gay marriage is one thing, a sensible thing." Now he harangues the Massachusetts Supreme Court for its ruling on same-sex marriage, saying "The assertion about marriage being the most basic right is obviously bunk." This, along with the rationale of his entire argument, not surprisingly reveals a complete lack of legal knowledge.

In fact, the ruling in this case cites nearly a dozen instances of case law, which claim the opposite. Comparing forms of oppression is rarely constructive, but here it may be instructive. The ruling states at III B, "For decades, indeed centuries, in much of this country (including Massachusetts) no lawful marriage was possible between white and black Americans. That long history availed not when the Supreme Court of California held in 1948 that a legislative prohibition against interracial marriage violated the due process and equality guarantees of the Fourteenth Amendment, Perez v. Sharp, 32 Cal. 2d 711, 728 (1948), or when, nineteen years later, the United States Supreme Court also held that a statutory bar to interracial marriage violated the Fourteenth Amendment, Loving v. Virginia, 388 U.S. 1 (1967)."

Clearly, there is a long-standing tradition in the U.S. court system, which recognizes marriage as a fundamental right, directly contradicting HH's remarks. One shouldn't need a JD to digest this. HH has an obligation to research his topic before misinforming the mid-valley and perpetuating the oppression of so many citizens deserving of equality. Instead, HH shoots from the hip, fast and loose, exposing us all to his bias.

Human and civil rights are not always popular; thus it is fortunate that we have legal structures in place to protect minorities from a majority that would deny them freedom, liberty, and most importantly, equality.

Michael Brumbaugh, Hamilton, N.Y., and Albany

WATER RATE CRITIC NEEDS INFORMATION

Oh my gosh, I didn't realize that someone could be so misinformed until I read the Chris Johnson letter entitled "Reduce Albany's water rates" on Dec. 3.

Mr. Johnson argues that the water company has exaggerated our water rates, that they are greedy and that they are out to gouge the citizens of Albany. He states that the citizens of Albany don't have a say in the projects that are "jacking up the rates."

He calls for an outside audit of the water company and that the audit figures should be published somewhere. He says that we know that water shouldn't cost as much and he bets that the paying public can cut some of the water company expenses and reduce the charges to us.'

Mr. Johnson should understand that he can do something about water rates, but first he needs to know what he's talking about.

Mr. Johnson should learn a little about the water company before he complains.

The city of Albany is the water company. It is owned and operated by you, me and the citizens of Albany. Up until now you, Mr. Johnson, have not participated in the process that decides how the water department will operate. You have not shared your great ideas with the public works department. You have not attended public works meetings and presented your cost-saving plans.You have not served on city committees and shared your wisdom. You have not walked into City Hall to review the water department budget or to see the capital improvement project plans. You have not served on the City Council and spent hours deciding these important matters.

Water does not fall out of the sky and into your drinking glass. It comes from the Santiam River by way of a narrow canal to the water treatment plant. Pipes and equipment must be maintained, repaired and replaced on a regular scheduled basis. Plans for future needs must be considered and new water lines must be installed where needed.

Everyone has a right to grumble about government cost, it's the American way. I suggest that Mr. Johnson should lead, follow or get out of the way.

Eugene Belhumeur, Albany

GOLDSCHMIDT STARTED SMART

Former Gov. Neil Goldschmidt is once again making headlines for making things happen in Oregon. As a leader, visionary and advocate for positive change in Oregon, Goldschmidt's most striking characteristic is his ability to get things done.

An example of that is the SMART (Start Making A Reader Today) program, which he founded in 1992. At that time, Oregon children lagged behind in early literacy skills. Goldschmidt saw a simple, yet effective, solution - give private citizens a way to get involved and help kids learn to read. Goldschmidt had faith that caring Oregonians would willingly donate their own time to help ensure that young children develop a love for reading. He was right.

Sixty-six thousand children and 1.5 million hours of volunteer service later, SMART continues to galvanize communities and touch the lives of Oregon's children. Thanks to Goldschmidt's ability to mobilize strong statewide leadership and community-based support for SMART, it has become one of the most cost-effective nonprofit literacy programs in the nation. This year alone, more than 10,000 volunteers will get involved in the SMART program.

Great leaders get things done. They look for better solutions. And in taking action and spearheading change, sometimes they make waves. Goldschmidt's visionary leadership has and continues to benefit this state, and thankfully, he's still making headlines.

Mary Jubitz, CEO, Oregon Children's Foundation/SMART, Portland

SLOGAN: ANOTHER SUGGESTION

Oregon gets a new slogan? How much did it cost the taxpayers to come up with the (not so) brilliant theme of "Oregon. We love dreamers"? Weiden and Kennedy probably got paid well to come up with this phrase and its publicly funded hype. My two cents? Offered for what it's worth? "Oregon. Porkbarrel spelled backwards."

Paul Donkin, Lebanon