Friend of the harasser

A recent Supreme Court ruling in a case (Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis) allows companies to make forced arbitration a condition of employment. It thus prohibits workers from taking collective legal action against employers. For the one in three women victimized by sexual harassment, this is the harasser’s best friend.

There is an act going through Congress and hopefully to the president’s desk later this year to end the forced arbitration act and restore the Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial.

If it fails, the #MeToo Movement is in trouble.

Richard Asadoorian

Sunriver

Improper criticism

I took issue with the criticism in your editorial about the job Clint Burleigh does as spokesman for the Bend Police Department.

I found him to be thoughtful and well-spoken in any of his television interviews. He seems to provide the public with information that we need to be safe and informed, as well as protecting the privacy of the individual. He appears to care about the rights of the victim as well as the rights of the accused.

We can’t know what your reporters’ experience with him has been. He is a public servant and can’t make everyone happy with the way that he does his job. Could he improve? Probably. Most people work to be better at their jobs. Perhaps there is fault with the manner in which your reporters attempt to gather the news. Your editorial didn’t speculate on their shortcomings.

Atticus Finch said in “To Kill a Mockingbird” to never judge a man until you walked a mile in his shoes. If your staff hasn’t done that walk yet, perhaps it’s time.

Jennifer Stenkamp

Redmond

Support Moseley

Please consider signing his petition and supporting Bill Moseley with a contribution/work on his campaign. Since he was elected to the City Council, I have had numerous electronic conversations with him and, while we do not agree on every issue, his responses have exhibited concern for and understanding of the city’s biggest needs. He also knows that doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome is not only silly, it is extremely costly to the taxpayers of Bend (consider the term “waste” when you drive by a newer ADA curb ramp being demolished and rebuilt). Please join me in supporting Bill Moseley for mayor of Bend.

Don Ptacnik

Bend

Oppose Trump

In a guest column on July 11, Paul deWitt states, “There are no boundaries to liberal resentment of Donald Trump.” He cites a few examples of very poor behavior but is apparently willing to overlook the shocking behavior of Trump himself. Since starting his campaign, Trump has insulted — in the language of a 10-year-old — anyone who has opposed him, heads of state of our most valued allies, women, racial minorities, the entire news industry and even those in his own camp once they are forced to resign. He repeatedly admires savage dictators like Putin, Kim and Duterte, while ridiculing our own government. It is not “liberal” to oppose a man like Trump, it is the best interests of our country. Spare us your patriotic tone while you defend this man’s pathetic behavior, Mr. deWitt.

Les Adams

Bend

GOP becomes Trumpist

The corruption and inhumanity of this president have become disgustingly more evident over recent weeks. This is no surprise since it reflects everything he exhibited for years in business and throughout his campaign. Though Trump’s ignorance, incompetence and self-serving exceed any other president, this represents no more nor less than his campaign promised.

What is disturbing, however, is that the Republican Party has abdicated all pretense of being the party of sanity, fiscal responsibility, family values or Lincoln. Caving before each vile and disreputable act committed by this administration, the Republican Party is now the Trumpist Party.

Southern Oregon Republicans running for the Oregon Legislature and Commission must know their banner stands for Trumpist destruction of our environment, economy and health. They must know they support kidnapping children from their parents’ arms. Is there no humanity or integrity left? We must find some common ground on which all of us can agree — Trump is not the answer.

Trisha Vigil

Medford