LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

[July 5th, 2006] Open a File, save a Life

I find it difficult to understand why some people might object to having their medical records used anonymously for research [Rogue of the Week, WW, June 21, 2006], when it might in future help them or their descendants live a better and longer life.

For instance, two of my nieces and a nephew were diagnosed with childhood diabetes in the 1940s and '50s. The two older ones died as young adults, but the younger is still alive and well into her mid-50s, thanks to advanced medical research. I lost a 9-year-old daughter to congenital heart disease in 1964—a condition that today, due to advanced medical research, can be corrected immediately following birth.

Such research deserves to be viewed in the greater context of its value to all mankind, and warrants our support. Our children, or grandchildren, could be the ones who benefit.

It is sad that some people can't feel the pain until their shoe is pinched.

Jean Bradley
Southwest Westwood Drive

DON'T MAKE BROWN BLACK AND BLUE

I'm very disturbed by the tone of this article ["Citizen Clara," WW, June 28, 2006], which boils down to being a pointed attack on a Latina leader who has done so much for her community—and, indeed, for all of us. WW makes it seem like there is some kind of "Hispanic" cabal running Multnomah County. Why not focus on the connection between big developers and the PDC? How about all the tax breaks they get for building condos no one can afford? Clara Padilla Andrews knows how to accurately use her influence to obtain services for a population that has historically been underserved. That's Advocacy 101. As for lobbying municipal government for favorable contracts, when white businessmen do this, they win big deals and praise for "building the local economy." When a brown woman does this (and, yes, sometimes fails), she gets trounced in the media. Even Donald Trump makes bad business decisions! I believe Padilla Andrews has done nothing illegal. A little less sensationalism and xenophobia, please, and a little more reporting of the real rascals.

Stephanie D. Stephens
Board Member, Communications
Center for Intercultural Organizing