Letters to the editor

[April 18th, 2007] PALE BODIES, THIN SKIN

After reading the letter sent by Robyn Gregory in last week's WW, in which she feels insulted the writer described the crowd of naked bodies as "pale," I was mildly amused by the description she referred to, and more exasperated at the complaint itself.

In this "white man's world," it seems we even have to make sure that, when criticizing, we're using broad enough strokes to insult every minority possible, lest one feel victimized by not being victimized. I see no racism here: No one's keeping Robyn or the black community from enjoying the human experience, and no one's saying blacks don't possibly have disgustingly wan skin from being inside all day.

Instead of bemoaning the phrase "pale bodies" if your body is another color, why not fight racism by cultivating a sense of humor and showing the world, including us of other minorities, that the race card isn't on the top of your deck.

Erik Olson

Southeast Portland

STAND AND DELIVER

The candidate endorsement process for Stand for Children [Winners & Losers, WW, March 28, 2007] is both rigorous and thoughtful. In the case of incumbent Portland School Board candidate Doug Morgan and his challenger Ruth Adkins, our team chose a "Dual Endorsement." Both candidates have worked tirelessly and effectively to support public education locally and statewide, and both are clearly qualified and capable of working successfully with the current School Board and District Administration. So while the Stand Team was unable to endorse a single candidate by consensus, we were able to conclude that, for the previously stated reasons, both candidates are qualified to fill the position.

Stand for Children is a grassroots, nonprofit advocacy group that is committed to winning concrete, long-lasting improvements for children at state and local levels through organized and effective grassroots political action. We have a very successful track record of endorsing some of Oregon's most effective political leaders that are strong advocates for children. And we are confident that our work here will contribute to that record.

Mike Rosen

Portland Chapter Chair, Stand for Children

Southeast 20th Avenue

CORRECTIONS

In last week's "Minor Leagues, Major Superstition," WW botched its film history when it screwed up the reference to a film with a voodoo slugger. The correct movie is Major League.

Also, in last week's Winners & Losers, we erred in the limit that Gov. Ted Kulongoski and first lady Mary Oberst will face next week in their food spending. The correct amount is $42.

WW regrets both errors.