FARMER DESERVES IT

I find it funny to note that in the Flagpole's November 27th article entitled "Commission To Re-Elect Farmer?" you failed to note several important facts, including Ms. Farmer's outstanding qualifications, such as being a registered nurse for almost 20 years, working for Athens Regional Medical Center for almost two years, then working for Family Life Enrichment Center for 14 years and most recently taking over as Marketing Director at Arbor Terrace a little over two years ago, as well as having extensive experience in city and county government on both the Planning Commission and Athens-Clarke County Commission. It also important to note that there has never been a registered nurse on the Hospital Authority, which, as a registered nurse, Ms. Farmer will only add experience and a knowledgeable mind to a body that, by your definition, "oversee[s] the operations of Athens Regional Medical Center – a facility vital to the public health." Incidentally, the Athens-Clarke County Commission's interview process only consists of a short 10-minute interview to fill positions, whereas the Hospital Authority conducts interviews that last approximately 30-45 minutes, which is process that has produced many qualified members to serve on its board, including the one you mentioned in your article, Karen Holbrook, the current president of Ohio State University. It would seem to me that the Hospital Authority is the body most capable of appointing its own nominees due to the experience and knowledge needed to approach the issues it handles. The Hospital Authority members would know best who could handle those issues, rather than commissioners who dwell on power politics instead of important issues that affect public health and many area employees.

Therese Farmer
Washington, D.C.



SEVEN BUCK SLAP

I read where Pete McCommons recently witnessed someone in the back of a van shout, "Queers!" as he rode past the UGA Trombone Choir while they were playing on the corner in downtown Athens [Pub Notes, Nov. 27]. Pete wondered why the guy in the van would shout such a word. Who knows? Maybe the shouter has repressed his own feminine side. Maybe he is a latent homosexual. Maybe he is an ignorant hillbilly. Maybe he is a provocateur. Pete wondered why "some guy paid $7 an hour to ride on the back of a truck" would disparage these blue-blazered musicians. The obvious inference was that anyone who only makes $7 an hour is a hayseed with a brain no larger than a roach. Perhaps true for our shouter. But, a real slap in the face for the honest, law abidin' citizens of our town who make $7 bucks (or less) an hour. Pete, are you a latent construction worker?

David Crowe
Athens


USE IT OR LOSE IT

Okay, so some folks will call me a reactionary freak and those who know me know I'm not. But enough of the angst about "Republican revolutions" and low voter turnout. We are required to jump through hoops for anything and almost everything in this country, from hunting permits and drivers licenses to paying taxes and registering for the draft. We have citizen responsibilities to show up at certain times, to take legally required steps, to fill out certain forms, and let the government know where we are. And, as with everything, there is a penalty when you don't play by the rules - warnings, fines, lost privileges. Well, why not with voting?

Make voting mandatory, or at least showing up to vote. You'd be assigned voter registration when you first register for a driver's license, register for the draft, and other pre-adult responsibilities, and it would takes effect when you turn 18. Just like with taxes or anything else, you then would have a responsibility to notify them when you move and change your district. Then, you have to vote, it is that simple - that is you have to cast a ballot, even if it is a blank ballot. Before everyone bellows their faux-totalitarian screams, the first block on every ballot entry should be "no vote," so your inner-anarchist can register her disgust, or everyday folks who are in fact disgusted after studying the issues can "no vote," but you have to at least show up and punch some buttons.

What happens if you don't (at least not without a valid voter exemption filed, such as if you are in the hospital or something like that)? First election missed: a mailed warning. Second election missed (in a row): a fine (like a stiff parking ticket, and not one of those lightweight downtown Athens $3 tickets). Third election missed (in a row): privileges lost, such as driver's license suspension for six months or HOPE scholarship revoked for one semester.

There ya have it. Simple, just like all of the other hoops we have to jump through for the privileges we receive that we both love and love to complain about. Such required voter registration/turnout will no doubt, in my opinion, naturally result in higher politician accountability and involvement and a far more educated and involved voting public. If we are serious about our embarrassingly low voter turnout, then let's get serious about requiring people to vote.

Tom Payton
Athens



BEER SNOB FOR HIRE

This is right up there with the pointless and mundane letters you receive on a regular basis I'm sure.

I just want to say that I miss Athens, dammit. And the Flagpole. And Blue Sky. Hell I even miss handing out change to the regulars on the sidewalk on Friday and Saturday nights.

Germany is okay (the beer is fantastic - I am now a beer snob), but it isn't as friendly as Athens. I don't mind learning a new language and adjusting to the culture, but I wish I didn't have to haul a translation dictionary around the grocery store.

And this country ruined me as a vegetarian. Someone please reconvert me upon my return home.

I just want to be back home where everyone is something tortured, be it a rock star, artist or waiter.

So, until April...

Oh. And someone also plan on EMPLOYING me upon my return home. That would be great.

Jenn Sams
Stuttgart, Germany