LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

[September 8th, 2004] NO LEGS ON THAT WHINE

If there was a point to the Eric Lemelson feature ["Son of Invention," Aug. 25, 2004], it was impossible to identify. Is it that the Lemelsons are "thoughtful stewards" of their fortune, "revered for...philanthropic contributions" or somehow disgraced by the murky association of being their father's sons? It seems the point was to simply throw out a bit of juicy gossip and malicious innuendo, leaving the goal of responsible journalism unaddressed.

The essential point is the Lemelsons--whom we all now know, thanks to WW, could live anywhere and do anything--have chosen to make their base in Oregon, to invest their considerable talents, responsible social consciousness, profound love of the land, intense appreciation for fine wine, art, agriculture and family in a deliberate and energetic effort to sustain and enhance the community of Oregon. This is a treasure for all of us.

Nancy Ponzi
Newberg

Editor's Note: Ponzi is co-founder of Ponzi Vineyards.

DON'T BUY THE DOGMA

In response to the article "Cured" [WW, July 28, 2004], I have to say, "What a crock." Poor Drew bought into the fundamentalist Christian preaching that he was bad or a sinner for being born a person who is probably bisexual. Any reputable sociologist would tell you sexuality is on a continuum: One end of the continuum would be totally heterosexual, and the other end would be totally homosexual, and then there's everything in between! But many people like to label or "pigeonhole" everyone--it makes them uncomfortable if people can't just choose up sides or the "team" they want to be on.

It sends the worst kind of message to tell people they have a "choice" about their sexuality or that they are bad or evil if they are not heterosexual. I say don't buy that negative dogma, it's all just another form of "witch hunt" and further divides us as human beings.

Suzanne Stoughton
Southeast 24th Avenue

SUPPORT THE KIND

I was a co-author and chief petitioner for the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act passed in 1998. Measure 33 will not hurt OMMA patients but will help any patient who runs out of medicine ["So Totally Harsh," WW, Sept. 1, 2004].

We are happy OMMA helped some like Stormy Ray find access to a safe, steady supply of medicine. But what about those patients left behind, such as cancer chemotherapy patients who need medicine immediately? Measure 33 creates dispensaries that will act like pharmacies and sell safe medicine to patients in a safe environment rather than forcing patients underground. Measure 33 is not legalization. Only patients qualified by an attending physician can register as a patient.

We cannot let the war on medical marijuana interfere with choice in medical care. Voters who liked the OMMA should love Measure 33, because it is truly a patient's bill of rights. Vote Yes on 33.

Rick Bayer, MD
Southwest Canyon Drive