Dobbs abortion ruling a dark cloud over Title IX and all it stands for | Letters to the Editor
Title IX in the face of Dobbs
Recent R-G articles espouse Title IX as the way to equality in sports. Yes, as we have seen it with our women’s basketball right here at the U of O. What wonderful teams they have produced, filling the arena better than the men’s basketball team in recent years.
The U.S. women’s soccer team reaching equal pay agreement is a groundbreaker. Hopefully this will carry over to other sports and other arenas. Perhaps the WBA pay and schedule will equal the NBA in the near future.
Sadly, there is a dark cloud forming over Title IX and all it stands for. The Supreme Court denied all women the right to control their bodies and when they want to give birth. No doubt that decision will be extended to birth control, ignoring the constitution, Amendment XIV, “nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law; nor deny any person within its jurisdiction equal protection under the laws.
No government nor corporation should stand between a person and their medical providers and their decisions for treatment. Pregnancy is a medical condition. Health care is a fundamental right.
Lou Sinniger, Elmira
Gung-ho about carrying babies to term, but that's where it stops
One of the fundamental problems I observe in today's world is overpopulation. I do believe that if everything else was running efficiently and with respect for our dwindling resources, mainly space, fertile soil, potable water and clean air this planet could support even more than the 7.7 billion humans on board.
If a woman and a man “get pregnant” and realize there isn't a practical way for them to provide for their child in the any of the multiple ways easily thought of, the option to have an abortion, which should primarily be the woman's, is beneficial to society as a whole.
Many pro-lifers are all gung-ho about carrying fetuses to term, but after that, they consider their holy duty done and wash their hands of the rest of the child's needs.
David Ivan Piccioni, Eugene
Freedom for all, even the animals
When we think about our independence and freedom in the United States, I wonder how many people think of the freedom of farmed animals. There are 1.6 billion animals in our nation’s 25,000 factory farms who often never see the light of day. Cows, chickens, pigs and more are subjected to unnecessary breeding, overfeeding, abuse and slaughter every day. The majority of these animals are raised in environments unfit for any beings and there seems to be no end in sight. But releasing animals from cages, crates and the psychological torment of Big Ag and slaughterhouses can happen and is a step towards independence for all. When we stop treating animals as commodities, overall suffering in the world reduces, the planet can heal, pandemic and antibiotic-resistance risks are reduced and human health will improve. Luckily, there are options. Browse any grocery store or food co-op and you’ll uncover a variety of delicious and nutritious plant-based burgers and more. Companies like Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Gardein and Field Roast are showing up at cookouts across the country and prove that the Fourth of July can be freedom for all. Edward Newland, Eugene
Eugene, city of process
Must the city "fathers" of Eugene process everything to death, i.e. what do about the "Ems"? The city has been processing this ever since Civic Stadium burned down in June of 2015! Seven years to settle what seems - to me - two simple questions are enough time:
1. Does Eugene really need/want a minor league ball team?
2. Is there a publicly owned space where a new stadium could be built? Barring that, is there a privately owned space — for sale — that could accommodate one?
Now, choose the most financially do-able one, and get it done.
Being Eugene, you will have protests and a "demand" for more process, but for pity's sake do it! Seven yearsis enough time.
Ed Reiman, Cottage Grove
Justice matters
This debacle over the 2020 election shows the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the Electoral College system, where a few corrupt politicians can attempt to overturn elections against the will of the people and impose their own agendas. It's time to abolish the Electoral College and adopt the National Popular Vote strategy. Regardless, people with ill intent will always try to find vulnerabilities in any system. We have seen they can get into office with enough money and a coordinated disinformation campaign. These people should not hold public office.
The Justice Department must do its job and indict and convict Trump and participants for their crimes of seditious conspiracy and attempts to overturn the election, so this doesn't happen again. No one is above the law. Justice matters. The Jan. 6 Committee is doing a good job in its expose of Trump's crimes. It must clarify the laws and refer the guilty for prosecution. We must pass the Congressional Voting Rights Act. States can't be trusted to make up their own laws that discriminate against voters. The SEC must prosecute Trump for campaign finance violations, bilking money from donors for election fraud.
Matt Laubach, Eugene
Israel, a loyal friend
In his recent letter criticizing U.S. foreign policy towards Israel, M. Reza Benham ignores the importance of the mutually beneficial relationship between the two longtime allies.
Israel is a loyal friend that protects the national security interests of the United States in the Middle East.
Examples include Israel‘s destruction of a Syrian nuclear reactor in 2007 which prevented ISIS from obtaining the raw materials for a nuclear bomb. Years earlier, Israel destroyed Iraq’s nuclear program that allowed the U.S. to successfully defend Kuwait in the Gulf War.
The U.S. collaborates with Israel in the fields of missile defense, homeland security, cyber security, energy and intelligence. Israeli and U.S. intelligence agencies cooperated to impede Iran’s nuclear program during the Obama administration. Iran threatens to annihilate Israel in a nuclear holocaust.
The U.S. provides Israel with generous military aid. American funds for weaponry are spent in the United States, which provides jobs for many Americans.
Israel effectively counters Iranian imperialism and Islamist terrorism. Former enemies such as Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia are increasingly deepening their security cooperation with Israel. It is no surprise that President Biden would want to visit this staunch ally during his visit to the Middle East.
Craig Weinerman, Eugene
A moral reality
The violations of human rights in Israel mentioned in M. Reza Benham's letter (Letters, June 29) impels me to prop up this moral reality:
Of the 436 million Arabs living in the Middle East, 2 million enjoy the freedom of speech, thought, vote and open congregation.
And they all live in Israel.
Bill Sarnoff, Eugene
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Title IX in the face of Roe v. Wade abortion ruling, veganism: letters
