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Letters to the Editor: Red Cross has rules for a reason I was rather perturbed by the article stating that Southern Oregon University was boycotting the Red Cross Blood Drive. The logic stated that since gay persons were excluded from donating the Red Cross was discriminating. It further alluded to the fact that HIV is not a disease peculiar only to gay people; that is indeed true. The rules pertaining to blood donors exclude many groups. The exclusions include people who have lived in parts of the world wherein they might have contracted Mad Cow disease, Hepatitis, etc. These exclusions are based on statistical probability, not political or social considerations. To ensure a safe blood supply the rules might seem overly cautious; so be it. Those of us who willingly and regularly donate blood to the Red Cross do so for the greater good. If that blood is needed by a gay person or one of a minority group or particular political stripe, fine. Thus far I have not needed blood; however, should that occasion arise I would like to be as certain as possible that the supply was safe. Weighing the value of that which is politically correct against the possibility of human lives saved is not that difficult a decision. Our people constantly face the possibility of disaster, both natural and imposed. We certainly don't need to become so self-involved that we lose sight of the big picture. However onerous the Red Cross rules may be, they exist for a reason. Gerald S. Insley, Ashland Stem the dietary death toll Last week, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization issued a milestone report on the effects of diet on chronic diseases throughout the world. Diet-related chronic diseases are responsible for nearly 60 percent of all deaths. They include cardiovascular disease, several forms of cancer, diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis. The report recommends limiting protein intake to 10 - 15 percent of total calories, total fat intake to 15 to 30 percent, and saturated fat to less than 10 percent. It recommends raising complex carbohydrate intake to 55 to 75 percent of calories. These conclusions are based on the collective judgment of 60 independent experts who reviewed the best currently available evidence on diet and health. In fact, since 1977, no fewer than 15 panels of experts have been convened to study the effect of diet on health. Every one of these panels recommended increased consumption of vegetables, fruits and grains, and reduced consumption of animal fat and meat. None reached a contrary conclusion. In the U.S., 1.3 million die each year of self-inflicted diet-related chronic diseases. If such a toll were inflicted by a new virus, we would be mobilizing all of our health resources and imposing a national quarantine. How many more expert reports will it take to stem the national dietary death toll? Allen Thiel, Ashland Guest forum: A Tribute to Briscoe School By Polly Greist Ashland "I have nothing against dying - I just don't want to be there when it happens." An appropriate sentiment for the Briscoe community, as we struggle to end our year with packing boxes and terminal traditions. There is no silver lining to our constraint, closing doors on a still vital school. The reality: This is a sorrowful and difficult year. A more meaningful reality: Briscoe moves beyond mourning and turns to the future, knowing fully we must hold as a district united, facing together the danger - grossly inadequate funding from a Legislature which disrespects education. As that great unifier of disparate minds, Martin Luther King, observed, "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." Today, however, I write on a most personal level, from the foundation of my heart, to thank the incredible staff which has so lovingly nurtured and educated my children over the years. When they are old grandfolks, they will yet remember the fun of kindergarten with Berit, Mary and Lori; the magic of reading with Peg and Elisa; the creativity of Lynn and Kelly; the music of Jill; poetry with the divine Martha and Debi; laughing with exquisite Adrienne; art! and inspired invention with Karen; the energy of Morgan and Nancy; the dedication of Michele; the enthusiasm of Stew; book magic with librarians; joy with Christina and Jared; incredible fun with Coach; spirit and magic with Pam. They will spend their long lives searching for cinnamon rolls like Donna's. They have enjoyed firm direction and unconditional love from Angie, Tara and Laura; sublime assistance from Geni and Marcia; total devotion from Sue; support and problem-solving with Linda and Joanne; unswerving kindness from Barb and Amanda; been kept safe by Donnie, Diane, Troy and Lillian. How favored to have had the intelligent direction of Karl; how lucky to bask in the fun and humanity of the years with Principal Jeff. Such leaders and role models for young people, walking the talk and setting standards. To see parents jump in and become part of the total team - what a community Briscoe has been, working together to educate the minds, spirits and hearts of these lucky children! Special thanks to Michelle, for jumping into an impossible job, a double-principalship. Thanks to all schools reaching out in our time of grief and opening doors of inclusion. Heartfelt gratitude to Barbara and Helman staff in its extraordinary welcome; most families are headed there and will find open arms. We Briscoe 'Trees' have lived through so many good times, and some sorrow too. Our little brick school brims with memory and laughter. We disperse and will invest our Briscoe energy into our new communities of learning. I recall the words of Abraham Lincoln, another great unifier of conflicting minds, speaking to national unity and consecrating the fallen: "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." Briscoe children, our song rings true: "Briscoe, we'll carry you inside." Briscoe staff: I salute you; I adore you; I will always remember you. "With love, from me to you..." (the Beatles). LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -