WW welcomes letters to the editor via mail, e-mail or fax. Letters must be signed by the author and include the author's street address and phone number for verification. Preference will be given to letters of 250 words or less. Hell No, He Won't Go Of course I sympathize with the Delta flight attendant who has been fired for producing a urine sample not quite robust enough for corporate standards (Rogue of the Week, Nov. 23, 1999). But perhaps the Rogue award would be better presented to the millions of American workers who sheepishly accept the deep invasion into their privacy that drug testing represents. Inevitable false accusations are a minor inequity compared to the basic affront of being judged guilty by corporate America until proved innocent by pissing into a Dixie cup over and over again while someone watches. Besides indicating who may or may not be doing something on this decade's list of proscribed substances, drug testing can yield up many other secrets--who is pregnant, who is taking mood-altering prescription medication and who may be a bad risk on the company health plan. The potential for abuse is Orwellian in scope. We could recapture our dignity and our right to privacy tomorrow if American workers would just collectively say no to the next escorted trip to the john. I did it and survived; you can, too. Otherwise, it will next be not just what you're smoking, but what you're thinking. Rest assured, someone is working on the test right now. Rick Browning Northwest 27th Avenue Wouldn't You Like To Be A Loser Too? In the Nov. 17 issue of Willamette Week, you labeled Metro Councilor David Bragdon a "loser" for putting forward a responsible, honest proposal [Scoreboard]. That proposal dealt with a plan for reinvesting some of the $60 million Metro will save the region in wholesale garbage disposal rates over the next 10 years. While I did not agree with the mechanics of his proposal, the concept of using dollars generated from degrading the environment to restore the environment is something I do support. By tagging him a "loser," you appear to be agreeing with those who think the potential return of 35 cents a month to the ratepayers is worth more trucks on the road carrying more garbage to the landfill in Eastern Oregon, less recycling, and the resulting harm to the environment. That kind of view from a paper that is supposed to be progressive is simply mystifying. I would also point out that just the week before, you honored Councilor Bragdon in your special 25th Anniversary issue as one of the region's new wave of politicians who is willing to think creatively while holding high his responsibility to the public. A winner one week, a loser the next. If David Bragdon--who has integrity, intelligence, and a passion for protecting the nature of our region--is your definition of a "loser," I'd rather be a "loser" than a "winner" any day. Rod Park Metro Councilor, District 1 WWelcoming Committee I would like to thank you for the special pull-out section "25 Years: Portland 1974-1999" [WW, Nov. 10, 1999]. I moved to Portland in March from Dallas--the one in Texas, not the one in Oregon. (Who knew there was a Dallas in Oregon?) I love living in Portland, but your retrospective gave me something that I had thus far been lacking--a better understanding of the politics, culture and social issues that have helped define this city. The pieces were both entertaining and informative; never have I turned the pages of your weekly with such anticipation. While there is, obviously, more to each story you wrote about, your retrospective was a great introduction to Portland's past 25 years. As a transplant to this city, I greatly appreciate my new insight into the character of Portland and of Oregon, and I am proud to call the Northwest my home. Stacey Sexton Southeast 47th Avenue Class Act In the Nov. 23 issue ["Tax Fraud," 500 Words, WW] you decried the fact that the top fifth of Oregon taxpayers are receiving over half of the kicker refunds. Please remember that the money is being returned to the taxpayers, not taken from the state, and the people who paid more in taxes should receive a refund that reflects that. Certainly the appropriateness of the kicker should be debated, but please analyze the logic of your arguments before making them, and don't resort to class politics. Eric Carter Northeast 167th Place - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Willamette Week | originally published December 1, 1999