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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Our view: The wolves' way ... Readings of new plays by local playwrights featured ... Ticket availability ... Our view: The wolves' way ... Readings of new plays by local playwrights featured ... Ticket availability ... LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor, April 11 Comment DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Apr. 11, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted Apr. 11, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News Yes to higher limits In response to Alan Ives (April 8), I'd like to offer some insights. I should first mention that I normally cringe whenever an elected representative brings up speed limits or anything else pertaining to rules of the road. I've spent close to 25 years in transportation/traffic planning, and usually find their technical rationale to be flawed. This case is no exception. Airbags and seat belts are after-the-fact devices, valuable in all driving environments, but GPS can be as much of a distraction as a driver's aid. However, GPS isn’t scrutinized that closely by most drivers in the limited-access driving environments identified by Representative Bentz. Now, down to basics and a salient case for increased limits in Oregon. The most obvious factor is that both California and Washington commonly post 70 mph on their interstates. I've also seen some non-interstate limited-access routes with 70 mph and a few remote areas with 75 mph. No flying debris and flashing emergency lights; just efficient mobility and good compliance. Considering the design speed for these highways was set many decades ago, 70 mph is more than adequate for safety given today’s automotive engineering. Our original interstate/limited access designs are based on German Autobahns. They’re not copies, but they’re darned good. I would urge Mr. Ives to consider this the next time he frets about speeds that are half of what many Germans normally drive. The Bentz proposal is neither "reckless" nor "socially undesirable." I support its intent and hope it passes. Andrew Kubik Ashland Deniers retreating Many congressional representatives continue to stick their heads in the sand, and many state and regional representatives do the same. Yet, even the hardiest of climate science deniers outside Congress are now retreating as they recognize the absurdity of positions that have been obviously flawed for years. The American Legislative Exchange Council long promoted efforts to undercut proposals addressing global warming — even in Oregon they opposed eminently sane renewable energy standards for utilities. ALEC continued promoting the falsehood that scientific uncertainty about global warming and its causes exists when, in reality, no uncertainty has existed for years. ALEC has now decided its previous position is untenable and has threatened legal action against organizations identifying what were obviously its convictions. The Heartland Institute, a right-wing think tank, has promoted climate denial for years, publishing articles by climate deniers that could never get published in credible peer-reviewed scientific literature. Now, a prominent Heartland spokesperson declares it “a rather extreme position to … allow dangerous pollutants to destroy the only planet we know of that can completely sustain human life …” and argues we should reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It is time for all climate science deniers to open their eyes and think. Alan Journet Jacksonville SOU's needs differ The outcomes-based funding model proposed by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission does not offer new funding, it changes the way the money is distributed to a zero sum game, where all gains in funding come at the expense of another institution. Changing to this model would negatively impact rural institutions like Southern Oregon University, Oregon Tech and Eastern Oregon University. Our universities meet different needs than the larger universities and serve smaller communities. We face higher operation costs because of the communities we serve. Additionally, we serve a substantial number of students in a rural university while completing general education requirements who then transfer to other institutions that match their discovered ambitions, such as the OHSU satellite near Southern Oregon University. Our regional universities are a key point of access for rural Oregonians to attend college. This purpose serves the local community and the state. Basing funding for these colleges on the number of degrees produced is short-sighted because the number of degrees given out is only one metric of success among many. Oneta Cantlon Ashland Liberal cowardice The folks at JPR are fond of touting their delivery of "fact-based" news. I find this amusing as it is a twee manner to deny that conservative organizations also deal in facts. I phoned in my usual pledge and offered to double it if they mentioned I also get my news from the FOX network. To my astonishment (according to a phone volunteer), they "decided not to read it." Is this evidence of backwards thought from a minor market station or a peek in to the depths of liberal cowardice? Hubert Smith Jacksonville DailyTidings.com Writer Posted Apr. 11, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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