LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

[September 27th, 2006] TEENS WORTH THE FIGHT

Your piece last week on Measure 43 ["Abortion Wars"] implies that a law affecting "only" 600 teenagers a year was a waste of the money and efforts of the people involved with the measure. While much more money needs to be put into preventative and supporting efforts for teen mothers, both sides of this measure would strongly agree that the teens we are fighting over are very much worth the efforts and debates taking place. To suggest that the numbers you disclosed somehow makes this debate less important is appalling.

As for the "only real life story" attached to this measure, tell that to the people who loved Spring Adams, the Idaho teen whose father killed her after learning of her attempt to terminate the pregnancy that resulted from his rape. While most parents do care about their daughters more than a boyfriend would, this is not necessarily the case for teenagers who come from abusive families (Child Protective Services receives hundreds of thousands of calls each year). The possibility of a teen being abused or seeking an unsafe illegal abortion to prevent her parents from finding out is enough for me to vote NO on Measure 43.

Joyce Wondolowski
Northwest Flanders Street

GOOD ENOUGH FOR GOVERNMENT WORK

In most other cities, the story of South Waterfront ["Magic Kingdom," Sept. 20, 2006] would put the word "corruption" on residents' lips. In Portland, I fear, folks will dismiss this story by saying, "Officials are doing the best that they can. They'll get it better next time."

Jim Davis
via wweek.com

TELL IT TO THE JUDGE

Your designation of Leslie Roberts as Rogue of the Week [Sept. 13, 2006] is outrageous. By all accounts, she alone has correctly interpreted the eligibility rules for judgeships. This is precisely the type of determination that judges are called upon to make. Her neighbor was illegally appointed to the bench by the governor, who, as a former justice of the Oregon Supreme Court, might be expected to follow the law. Those who dislike the current requirements should stop whining and work to implement changes.

Christopher S. Shiner
Southwest 48th Drive

CONDUCT UNBECOMING

I am ashamed for both Leslie Roberts and her husband. What pitiful behavior.

Joyce C. Draper
via wweek.com