google/civil_comments · Datasets at Hugging Face

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I've tried it, and now feel its too cumbersome. Plus, when somebody evaluates a comment, they may vote down just because they disagree or they may not care for the commenter.	0.1	0	0	0	0.1	0	0
So you presume to speak for humanity as a whole?	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I like the idea of peer comment review and hope the practice of down voting someone you disagree with is done. I find it hard to follow the thread - it's jumbled and the auto setting is for highest ranked? how does that allow for time relevancy, move anything forward or allow for other aspects of a story to be equally considered?	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Why do universities and colleges need to make voter registration information available? I thought everybody was getting registered with their driver license. Besides, college is too late; most people are old enough to vote before they leave high school. We also don't need an awareness month for anything. But this legislature has long preferred symbolism over substance in its quest to look like it's doing something.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
as to the new system...there was abuse on the disqus system. I know I had used language I regretted, that would not have been allowed through...with good reason. but I did and do value the quick response ability as it lead to some spirited discussions that moved right along. civil feels clunky...over analyzed...like being overweight and living with a nutritionist. "are you gonna EAT that? are you SURE you're gonna eat that? are you REALLY going to put that into your mouth? what DID you just eat? do you know what you JUST ate?" every comment goes through the review? one never becomes "vetted"?	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Why do the brilliant minds in Salem think that "we the people" want to surrender our rights to the likes of LTD or Trimet?? LTD is already the the poster child to bureaucratic overreach. Combined with the lack of common sense route management, their history of spending, for example the boondoggle hybrid bus purchases, use of eminent domain and arbitrary county fee increases they have too much power. What they need is more control by the people not less.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
is there a way to stop the comments from being presented by rank first? "settings" didn't do it and it just reverts back to the default anytime the page changes.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Limiting free speech is is just another bit of control. What gets me is that the peers were already reviewing comments and flagging them when they were over the top. What would be nice is if comments were allowed on EVERY article. Not just the ones the RG wants them on.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I always try to be civil when I comment. However, I tend to 'lose it' (while maintaining civility) in the face of Progressive-Socialist-Leftwing 'misinformation' (aka lies). Unfortunately, my suspicion fro the Left leads me to conclude that this switch in comment carriers is more about creating another leftwing cherished 'Safe Space' free from facts than is is about civilizing the discussion. Or more pragmatically, to blunt the pointy tip of a perspective lawsuit for 'allowing' a perceived 'micro-aggression' uttered by a sensible poster to remain on the boards without squelching (aka 'selective moderation') Let's see what happens to this comment. Whaddya say?	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I feel kind of the same way - disqus was also peer review in a cruder form perhaps but it allowed for an actual discussion to break out. I never had a problem flagging an abusive post and didn't have a problem if someone wanted to flag mine - i'm no innocent. I really don't like how the comments are presented in this format. I inquired to the RG as to why some stories were open to comments and others not. their response was to let local stories be open for comments. clearly not all local stories...impending litigation would a reason to not allow comments.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
throw in a superbowl and get ready to rock...	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
It's interesting Oregon finishes conference play with the same record and essentially the same schedule the 2001-02 Ducks finished their championship season with. That eventual Elite 8 team was 9-2 and then was swept in the Bay Area (losing both games in a combined 3 OTs). The Ducks then made short work of the three Pacific NW teams in Eugene by an average margin of victory of 24 points. The conference title was finally clinched in LA - both games were nail biters. It will be surprising if there aren't two losses coming Oregon's way over the next 7 games, but keep it to that and the P12 title looks promising.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I don't care for the having to vote on comments before posting them. I think folks will eventually just hit yes just so their post will go through. Other than that this will have to work. By the way I think all of us regulars have gone over the top a time or two!	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I will keep my opinions in check, regarding the register guard's new comment forum. I hope it is not a way to ace out radical speech. Sometimes speech hurts and that's the point of not limiting those voices	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I'm sure you've heard the adage: "A lie gone unchallenged becomes the truth in 24 hours." Why would you advocate allowing lies to stand unchallenged, simply because you can deal with them? Sorry, but I find that level of complacency disgusting. Unless... The idea of floating lies is not unique to the Left, but it is a prominent arrow in their quiver and has been used so frequently, that it has permanently altered the political climate for both sides. Objoke: Q: How can you tell when a Republican is Lying? A: Look to see if he's been backed into a corner by aggressive questioning. Q: How can you tell when a Democrat is lying? A: 1) See if his lips are moving. 2) Determine if he wants something. 3) Is he Campaigning? 4) Has he just promised you Government Largess (other people's money)? 5) Has he promised to cut spending? 6) Is preparing to vote on a law that is supposed to be for your own good? 7) Is she testifying under oath? list truncated by space	0.166667	0	0	0	0	0	0
Pilot, this is Aja from Civil. We are reading and seriously considering this feedback. The peer reviews are designed to prevent the types of "downvoting" you describe, and it's working, but re: the reviews feeling too cumbersome: we're planning to roll out a "vetting" system in the next few days to allow for bypassing the reviews once basic requirements are met. Please hang in there; we're new, and we want to find the right balance for everyone.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
We're rolling out a fix for this today, so it remembers your most recent setting. I agree, the "highest rated" sort isn't great for people who comment frequently!	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
This is the problem with this new system, it doesn't matter what I think about peer reviews. The stuff of reading three comments giving my opinion and then my comment is still reviewed seems to me is to control thoughts and speech	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
DG, we're planning to roll out a "vetting" system in the next few days to allow for bypassing the reviews once basic requirements are met. Hang in there!	0.166667	0	0	0	0	0	0
A mass transit system will seldom be self-supporting. Were it to be, the cost of using it would be so prohibitive that it would cease to exist. It will be used more by some citizens than others....and, yes, some won't use it at all. The same can be said of libraries, parks, walking and riding paths, city or county owned sports/entertainment venues, citizen recreational facilities, and all other public facilities Publicly owned mass transit systems directly serve the riders and, additionally, serve the rest of the community by decreasing private vehicular traffic and the resulting congestion and pollution. As I said, were we to choose to fund such facilities and services only through direct user-fees, there would be no such facilities and services. That said, it should be the city or special districts responsibility to convince the taxpayers that any tax or increase in tax is merited. To give LTD unilateral authority to imcrease a tax or impose a new one is not justified.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
A highly unwelcomed change. I like being able to see posts from all of my varied interests and fora I participate in under the Disqus moniker. By changing comment providers, the RG is separating some portion of my content from the bulk of my commentary. I consider this an unfortunate decision. Ciao mia compagni	0.166667	0	0	0	0.166667	0	0
It's "debatable" whether religions starting wars is worse than expressing moral objection to theism (however "obnoxious" you may find it)? Now there's an incredible claim. I'd be willing to engage in that debate with you Matthew Singer. But I probably shouldn't because that would be rude, right?	0.166667	0	0	0	0	0.166667	0
yes, I already skim the comment and hit yes, yes...except for one by christa...I said it was not civil...gotta keep them honest. lol. I wonder if anyone will choose a new identity here to start over so to speak. with a few exceptions of very cool heads, probably everyone has tipped over the line. I always want to encourage thought and to challenge or provoke is not a bad thing in my book. language and name calling are the no-no's and I have done both. regrettably..; **but now it's on you to control me, LOL. it takes a village, ya know?	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
All these guys I used to think were brilliant, then I gradually realized they are just the other side of the same coin: basically secular fundamentalists. Seeing Hitchens argue that male circumcision is exactly the same as female circumcision was final straw for me.	0.166667	0	0	0	0.166667	0	0.166667
Posted one comment. Activity tracker said it was "peer published." Even got two replies. It appears nowhere in this thread. Good trial. Glad the RG and "Civil" could experiment on us.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
That comment was very civil.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
From what I have seen in these comments, the R-G may have already lost some customers due to "uncivil" comments.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I'd like to learn more about how this system works. While I trust that for the most part, people will respond truthfully when rating whether a comment is "civil" or not, how does this program avoid the possibility that people will more likely rate a comment as not civil if it disagrees with their opinion?	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
If you can figure out a way to stop people from lying, you'd be rich. It's human nature.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Hey Wayne, your first comment's still in the thread.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
The way I see it is that the RG owns this speech platform and so can do whatever it likes in terms of limiting free speech. It is however a profit platform, so the RG wants as many comments as possible. If people are abusive, fewer people comment. If people are too restrictive, fewer people comment. This system presents an interesting attempt to balance those two competing challenges.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
It's good to see council is willing to reconsider using this tool that most other great cities use, and with little controversy.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Pointing out the hypocrisy of cyclists. Why should I as a pedestrian back down? Cyclists forget they are the top of the food chain on MUPS and that they are not the vulnerable user. You lose the moral high ground calling out vehicles for being unsafe around cyclists, then act in the same way as drivers do around cyclist when riding on a MUP. Pedestrians deserve the same consideration from cyclists as they expect from drivers. Respect for the vulnerable user. And if you look at those 30K deaths, the majority are the occupants of the motor vehicles. Somehow cyclist always throw out that statistic as if every one of those killed was outside the vehicle.	0.3	0	0	0	0.3	0	0
Hi Tim, Glad to see your comments here. Given your interests in programming, I am sure this is an interesting experiment. And thanks for your support for our community.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
You're exactly right, David, A Progressive's definition of "troll" is anyone who disagrees with their narrative.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
That's not true. Our air travel infrastructure is self-supporting; so are taxis, ride sharing services, and national bus services. Local bus service could be as well, but it would need to be scaled and priced and operated based on rider demand. Ultimately, LTD already receives a massive amount of taxpayer revenue from a variety of sources, including the taxes on local employers and the self-employed. Imposing a sizable tax on employees as well is a very hard sell.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Semantics.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I am tired paying for other people's renewal. If there's going to be any renewal going on out here, it's going to happen in my house.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I think I have a partial answer. Some comments seem to go through without a peer review and others go through with a peer review. In the first instance it seems an algorithm makes the decision. But as they say in computer speak: "You're only as good as your algorithm."	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Do you actually believe bicycles present an equal danger to pedestrians as cars do to pedestrians and cyclists? I'm not at all convinced that's a defensible position, but I'm prepared to be convinced if you have data. You're right that the 30K number includes mostly motor vehicle occupants. It also excludes injuries, no matter how severe, that are nonfatal. In 2014 4,735 pedestrians and 743 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles; the number of pedestrians killed by bicyclists is so low no one appears to have compiled statistics. You're comparing throwing rocks with throwing hand grenades.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
JP My single experience so far with the "civil" test was this; I was given an over the top rude "comment" I checked the "it's civil" box and was NOT allowed to proceed until I changed to "it's not civil". So it seems, at least in this case, my choice was predetermined.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Ludlow is so right. What is Courtney thinking? The legislature giving a politically appointed, heavily biased local transit board the authority to unilaterally impose a new income tax on every employee in their district is indeed taxation without representation. Worse yet it is precisely the kind of unscrupulous political racket like rigging that fosters anti-government sentiment making it difficult to get voter support when it is merited. I've read much about this and watched the hearing. TriMet stands to gain a vast new revenue stream from this stunt enabling them to borrow billions for their agenda which their voters do NOT support. The idea they would try and roll over them with such a dirty tactic is a disgrace.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
ok - now the civil site seems to be remembering how I want the comments shown. keeping it to most recent. I feel like a total test subject. this is the first daily paper to use this format? someone is sitting there tweaking software as we continue here? ok....	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
How many peaceful takeovers involve building fortifications and bearing rifles that are less for game and more for human aim? Being smug about charges while filming for the greater audience speaks to a missing maturity among the remaining "foreign" insurgents. Is there a reason you couldn't do this where your families live? Go home, and leave our people alone.	0.166667	0	0	0	0.166667	0	0
Here we go. Another attempt at regulating and controlling civil discourse. Too bad some people have gotten to the point of using on line media as something to hide behind and talk trash. Unfortunately, it's always been and always will be that way. Human nature.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I wonder if this new format will lead to the RG allowing more articles to be commented on. It seems sometimes the articles that would get some good comments, aren't set up for commenting. Or, maybe the RG doesn't want the "bad press".	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
"I think this might help break away from the two-party system that isn’t working and give more voters more choices in our political process." And this is the main reason why your suggested changes will not occur; not the media desire to make money. The two major parties know how to game the current system; they have no interest in reducing the control they now have on the process in any way.	0.166667	0	0	0	0.166667	0	0
Rural property owners are already coughing up for the EMX project which they will not be served by, and were not allowed to vote on. Now they want to pick the pockets of all Lane County workers. Enough! Bad, bad move Courtney.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Uninteresting snark by Mr. Singer. Which sky god does he believe in? I'll take Ricky Gervais over the Pope any day.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
It's good to let kids get some exposure to manufacturing at the high school level. but, it's no substitute for the trades classes that used to be taught in middle and high schools. At many of the career events I go to, I talk to young men and women who want to enter the trades or a career in manufacturing. We're missing a big group of young people by cutting trades classes out or schools.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
LTD needs to be neutered.	0.7	0	0	0.7	0.1	0	0.1
The problem will be that each person's definition of "civil" seems to be different. I'm sure there will be endless complaints of censorship. Already many of the comments below are just making the assumption that the new system is nothing but a way to automate censorship of certain points of view.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I am all for saving Kesey Square/Broadway Plaza. I almost felt like I was reading satire. This isn't a group anyone with decision making powers is going to listen to.	0.166667	0	0	0	0	0	0
I'm a devout agnostic, if you must know.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Thank you for writing this piece and putting out the facts in context. Much appreciated. While the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is the current "thorn in our paw" over public lands my hope is that folks understand that it is just a small, but painful element of a much larger plan to wrest away our public lands to allow exploitation. That it is being done with lies about our US Constitution and our Founding Fathers is appalling and should anger all of us. If the militias and protesters are so anxious to deal with "tyrants" and those destroying the promise of America they have only to look at the forces bent on stealing our lands for exploitation and buying our political system. Thanks again for arguing for lawfulness and reminding citizens that our public lands legacy is on the line.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.166667
Well, I'm reading your comment just fine. I'm seeing a lot fewer comments calling posters "libturds" though, so maybe there is some censorship or self-censorship going on after all.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Currently, can all residents of Lane County get to where they need to go safely, practically and affordably? Do people have good options to choose from to determine how to get from place to place? Transit consultant Jarrett Walker equates frequent transit service with freedom. And more frequent service costs more money to operate. A good discussion should start with people's needs and how good are their options. As for SB 1521, it is pretty clear from this story that it isn't going anywhere this short session, so really not worth debating.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
It is also an investment on Tim's part, so the interest may be more than academic! But his support is welcome even if tainted by lucre.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I too would like to thank Mr Johnson for his statement in support of conserving our public lands. These lands are being assailed from all sides, each wanting to exploit their resources and most of all put money in their own pockets. These lands are in our trust. These lands are ours to protect from greedy developers and those who would use their resources until those resources disappeared and we were left with bare land and destroyed water courses. Those people would then move on to other public lands, where they would proceed with the process of total destruction all over again. It's up to all of us who reside on this planet to care for it, in trust, for future generations and put a stop to those intent on using up those resources until there is nothing left for anyone to enjoy. Thank you Mr Johnson.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
As often on new government sanctioned journeys, there are issues to be worked out of our legalized marijuana. The State took care to make sure they got their money (taxes) but have done nothing to secure oversight that any of us and especially medical patients are consuming safe marijuana. Almost ALL dispensaries in Lane County have 'dropped' the organic. They have NO IDEA if pesticides were used. This is unsafe.....and just asking for tragedy. State: "Where's the oversight and protection"? L2g	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Gary is correct that transit systems must be subsidized to operate. But that is true of all forms of transportation. No air travel infrastructure is not self-supporting. The Eugene airport recently received a federal grant of $7.4 million. http://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/eugene-airport-receives-74-million-grant And car drivers pay just 51% of the costs to maintain the roads they drive on. http://usa.streetsblog.org/2013/01/23/drivers-cover-just-51-percent-of-u-s-road-spending/ So, yes, there is a question of priorities and what to support with limited public funding.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
With this change we are trying to add comments to more stories with the hope that the discussion will remain civil. That said, we'll watch those sensitive stories and if comments get out of hand we may move back to our previous policy of not including comments on stories with a high likelihood of uncivil comments.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
The point isn't allowing lies to go unchallenged – exactly the contrary. Think about it. How often does what one person believes is true seem like a lie to another person? Frequently, right? Look at the national discourse in politics right now. So my point is exactly the discussion you want, one person offering evidence and arguments to the other, instead not having so-called lies show up. What you're calling a level of complacency is quite the opposite. Let the comment one person thinks is a lie stand, so that person can refute it. I want both to be civil, and both to show. This exchange is an example. The comment you responded too says the opposite of how you took it. It says let the discussion show, not hide the discussion. You answered as if it said the exact opposite.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Not sure about this experiment. The road to squelching the free exchange of ideas, even onerous ones, may be paved with RG's good intentions. We shall see. Another thing: Does the RG still need a "flag' if it is now moderated through a computer algorithm? And does this new system eliminate some human's job? Just asking.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
@ScienceDuck yes, that's true ... and I don't mean to hide that either, because "tainted by lucre" should be disclosed (nice phrase there). I just went to my profile on this system and added it in as a disclosure there. The truth is that as soon as I saw the early prototypes of this system I volunteered to start advising because I was excited by how it could improve situations like the comments here. I write a column for this paper once a month, in Blue Chip, and I read it every day. Last year when I was interested in one particular issue and delved into the comments, I discovered toxic waste in comments, name calling, bullying, and a lot of other problems. Then when I saw what this startup was looking to do, I wanted it to happen. And I'm delighted to see it here now, finally. My financial involvement is very small, but my emotional involvement isn't. I see this as a huge improvement, a way to recover real discussion from what had become just a mud bath.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Mass transit is just another form of self sustaining government and TriMet is a prime example of political thievery from good honest hard working citizens of Oregon. LTD has done and is currently doing little different in following in TriMet footsteps. This is what you get when the Demonic are in charge of government affairs, “taxation without representation” pretty much sums it up.	0.2	0	0	0	0.2	0	0
I dunno. When posters like CT Yankee insist on referring to the posts of progressives as "lies," I don't find that particularly civil, do you?	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Or it is already all rolled up with votes to slam it through? TriMet & Metro are in far worse trouble than they reveal. Their agenda, projects, cabal and staff are in a real bind for BIG revenue.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
CT didn't say that posts of progressives were all lies, just that CT loses it when there are lies. It is a perfectly normal response to get ornery when someone lies, so it all seems civil enough. I suspect CT's judgment about a "lie" might be different from some others, though.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
There would probably be fewer "sensitive" stories if some folks would simply grow some skin. When people intentionally deviate from the norm to get attention (ie; Caitlin Jenner or Donald Trump), they should be able to deal with the negative feedback as well as the positive. There are too many self identified victims in our society IMHO. And stifling open and civil free speech on any topic is never good for society.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
What bothers me about the proposals on Kesey Square – not this specific story, but the larger issue – is that they seem to be addressing the symptoms, not the causes.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
So a fictional town was named after a road that Quale’s family lived “near,” and he claims a “deeply personal connection” with the author? I grew up a block away from Lewis Street and sadly never developed such a connection with the explorer. Quale has protested income inequality in the past. News flash: one way to guarantee future income inequality is to quit a job and sit on a bench typing spontaneous prose.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
That's not my definition of a troll, and I consider myself a progressive.	0.4	0	0	0	0.4	0	0
<i>“Public space creates and increases consciousness about what we can create and what we can imagine,” she says.</i> As long as proponents for Broadway Plaza have nothing more meaningful to say than gibberish like this, it will be difficult for the rest of us to take them seriously.	0.3	0.1	0.1	0	0.2	0	0
Yep. It's also the smart, courteous thing to do: From Oregon Revised Statutes: 814.400 Application of vehicle laws to bicycles. (1) Every person riding a bicycle upon a public way is subject to the provisions applicable to and has the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle concerning operating on highways, vehicle equipment and abandoned vehicles, except: (a) Those provisions which by their very nature can have no application. (b) When otherwise specifically provided under the vehicle code. (2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section: (a) A bicycle is a vehicle for purposes of the vehicle code; and (b) When the term “vehicle” is used the term shall be deemed to be applicable to bicycles. Slow Drivers When you drive slower than the normal speed of traffic, you must use the right lane or drive as closely as possible to the right curb or edge of the road, unless you are getting ready to make a left turn. – Oregon Drivers Manual, page 35	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
No, I presume simply to understand the changes that have occurred in our attitudes toward the world in the last 50 years.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I am a contibuting member to this community I work two jobs both are located downtown, and I spend alot of money downtown supporting the local businesses. I do alot of community service on my own accord, My social circle includes mostly downtown business owners, employee's, artists, and patrons of downtown. If I do not represent someone that anyone with decision making powers will listen to than I ask you who will they listen to? Is that necessarily how we want decisions made as a community? Every voice matters! ~ Jessica Love	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
The Goodman's plan in general is a good one, bringing in investment and housing in place of parking lots. However, provisions should be made for existing food carts -- say moving to one surface lot nearby while another is being developed -- and getting compensated for move costs. The other thing that needs to happen is the city needs to require that every parking space lost to development will be replaced at comparable cost whether it's in the new high rise or in a separate parking structure.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Does this mean if a new company moves into town bringing several high paying employees with them, causing housing prices to go up, I can sue them?	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
The voter registration information is absolutely an emergency! There are 24,548 students over at Duck U alone. They are being carefully instructed and guided in the best liberal doctrines available. They are residents of Oregon as long as they are here and need to be voting to support the values they are being taught.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Man... I moved here from Vegas about 3 years ago. I miss eating Del Taco's shrimp tacos! I lived just down the street from one and was my go to place on Fridays during lent.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
That seems odd and counter productive. If this actually happening, we'll hear more comments like yours.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I have yet to receive any e-mail from Civil although the site wide bar indicates stars have been given to some of my posts and that I have had replies. Disqus sent the replies to me by e-mail. what have you been receiving?	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Imagine a person who doesn’t pay social security and Medicare taxes but saves the equivalent to be used in the same manner. According to this economist, this person is not paying his fair share of taxes although economically he is exactly equal to one who does. You can’t talk about the burden of payroll taxes without talking about the benefits bestowed. To be fair you either have to add in all the savings for retirement and medical treatment in old age or in case of loss of income, or exclude payroll taxes from the discussion of tax burdens. A much more sophisticated analysis can be found at http://www.kotlikoff.net/node/541, which I have not yet read, but a summary appears in the Oregonian today under “The True Measure of Economic Equality in the U.S.” by Clive Crook. The WW editorial policy does not allow enough space for a more complete response to this silly editorial	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
As a member of the Budget Committee, I appreciate that Council is having serious discussion about this tool. We have relatively few revenue options as it is. I especially appreciate Councilor Syrett's comment that we need funding strategies for these important items, whether it's this Urban Renewal district or not. We can't simply decide we don't like this revenue source without looking at the implications of scrapping it.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Fair point, well made. I meant "we" in the citywide, civic sense - does Portland care, or not, about the travel/tourism benefits of having a nationally recognized street food scene, and if so, what are we going to do about the potential displacement of downtown pods? I think that the Food Cart Alliance has some (limited) pull with the city, but you're 100% correct that the developers are under no obligation to listen to any proposal from the broader "we." Removing parking spaces so that food carts can live on the street also seems like a non-starter, but that's an opportunity for the civic "we" to weigh in.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Thinking/dreaming burns calories, so at least you've got that going for you.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
But how can something be so salty and so bland at the same time? Wizardry!	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I find the majority of RG opinion "bullying" to come from the right, often the far right. I suppose its a matter of perspective.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
For every dollar an LTD rider spends on fares, someone else has to kick in $5 to pay for the cost of the ride. The rider only pays 16% of the cost. On top of that, the 4,400 lbs per tire buses inflict major damage to our city streets. What is really needed is a tax on LTD riders to help pay for street maintenance. They should pay their fair share.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Whether prior council or not does not fly. A promise is a promise. What's next from the council, that because asked for it on a Monday this one different. Today is Tuesday, that's what is different?	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Yes, air travel is self supporting. Ever take a look at all the taxes and fees that get tacked on to an airline ticket? Big money for govt. Federal excise tax alone is 7.5%. http://www.travelzoo.com/info/	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
And once again the liberals want the decision of a judge (an attorney who once knew a Governor) to replace the judgment of a group of scientists. Of course, there are lots of law firms and non-profit corporations whose entire livelihood is dependent on getting money from these liberals and filing these lawsuits.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
That's what the craft brewing industry looks like. I guess the only thing that can be done is be a woman and start a brewery.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
"LTD hasn’t taken an official position on SB 1521, lobbyist Edward McGlone said. But he told the committee that new money from an employee-paid tax could help fund increased bus frequency on major transportation corridors, such as River Road and Coburg Road in Eugene or Main Street in Springfield." So did you 'accidentally' let it slip LTD that the phony survey that you have posted on your website for folks to vote on a Route increase that is important to them? Say for example #93/Veneta. We've been telling you that we have a great need to add another Saturday run (only one run) and to add a Sunday run. We have a lot of new family housing construction as well as new businesses. They've had great difficulty hiring from Eugene due to the lack of bus service. Isn't this very issue the principal behind adding new routes? Well it should be this than pandering to the areas that have more money. LTD it's time for you to do a better job w/ your stewardship. This is absurd. L2g	0.2	0	0	0	0.2	0	0
motleycrew, that's not good. Is it possible they're going to your junk folder? If they aren't in there, let me know, and we can try to track it down on our end. Thank you!	0.4	0	0	0	0.3	0	0
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I just can't resist: "I disagree, but not with your point, but with the suggestion that it was uncivil. That’s a delightfully powerful way to put it, not uncivil at all. Civil doesn’t mean bland or boring. And look – yours is the highest rated. :)" What are you, a cheerleader for Civil? LOL	0.166667	0	0	0	0.166667	0	0
The fewer people you need to convince (bribe?) the easier it is to covert public lands to private use. Convincing both the president and congress in a way that is legal (must convince the courts too) is a lot harder (more expensive)than convincing the sheriff. I am amazed that anyone is buying this vision of converting the United States into little county sized fiefdoms of some sort with the sheriff as the ruler.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Wow! Thanks, Mark, for writing a super article that catches Eugene's eclectic artistic spirit, zanier than many towns! Kesey 's statue represents an intrepid spirit of free thinking. Consider how Wayne Morse, Rosa Parks & Ken Kesey statues symbolize embracing freedoms of speech, movement and mind. It was hilarious when Mike Clark from City Council 1.27 stated that some people want downtown to look like Oakway Plaza! Downtown Eugene is a different rare space influenced by music halls like McDonald, WOW Hall, Shedd, Hult, art galleries, boutiques, shops, 2nd hand stores, cafes, groceries, taverns, bakeries, pizza & tattoo parlors, a DVD exchange depot, dance, martial arts, yoga studios & nonprofits that contribute spirit & zest to this unique town. Oakway is like malls in Anytown, USA, hosting big box stores. People visit downtown Eugene because they prefer business NOT as usual. Keep Eugene weird - a motto that we share with creative Austin, TX.	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

I've tried it, and now feel its too cumbersome. Plus, when somebody evaluates a comment, they may vote down just because they disagree or they may not care for the commenter.

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So you presume to speak for humanity as a whole?

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I like the idea of peer comment review and hope the practice of down voting someone you disagree with is done. I find it hard to follow the thread - it's jumbled and the auto setting is for highest ranked? how does that allow for time relevancy, move anything forward or allow for other aspects of a story to be equally considered?

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Why do universities and colleges need to make voter registration information available? I thought everybody was getting registered with their driver license. Besides, college is too late; most people are old enough to vote before they leave high school. We also don't need an awareness month for anything. But this legislature has long preferred symbolism over substance in its quest to look like it's doing something.

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as to the new system...there was abuse on the disqus system. I know I had used language I regretted, that would not have been allowed through...with good reason. but I did and do value the quick response ability as it lead to some spirited discussions that moved right along. civil feels clunky...over analyzed...like being overweight and living with a nutritionist. "are you gonna EAT that? are you SURE you're gonna eat that? are you REALLY going to put that into your mouth? what DID you just eat? do you know what you JUST ate?" every comment goes through the review? one never becomes "vetted"?

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Why do the brilliant minds in Salem think that "we the people" want to surrender our rights to the likes of LTD or Trimet?? LTD is already the the poster child to bureaucratic overreach. Combined with the lack of common sense route management, their history of spending, for example the boondoggle hybrid bus purchases, use of eminent domain and arbitrary county fee increases they have too much power. What they need is more control by the people not less.

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is there a way to stop the comments from being presented by rank first? "settings" didn't do it and it just reverts back to the default anytime the page changes.

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Limiting free speech is is just another bit of control. What gets me is that the peers were already reviewing comments and flagging them when they were over the top. What would be nice is if comments were allowed on EVERY article. Not just the ones the RG wants them on.

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I always try to be civil when I comment. However, I tend to 'lose it' (while maintaining civility) in the face of Progressive-Socialist-Leftwing 'misinformation' (aka lies). Unfortunately, my suspicion fro the Left leads me to conclude that this switch in comment carriers is more about creating another leftwing cherished 'Safe Space' free from facts than is is about civilizing the discussion. Or more pragmatically, to blunt the pointy tip of a perspective lawsuit for 'allowing' a perceived 'micro-aggression' uttered by a sensible poster to remain on the boards without squelching (aka 'selective moderation') Let's see what happens to this comment. Whaddya say?

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I feel kind of the same way - disqus was also peer review in a cruder form perhaps but it allowed for an actual discussion to break out. I never had a problem flagging an abusive post and didn't have a problem if someone wanted to flag mine - i'm no innocent. I really don't like how the comments are presented in this format. I inquired to the RG as to why some stories were open to comments and others not. their response was to let local stories be open for comments. clearly not all local stories...impending litigation would a reason to not allow comments.

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throw in a superbowl and get ready to rock...

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It's interesting Oregon finishes conference play with the same record and essentially the same schedule the 2001-02 Ducks finished their championship season with. That eventual Elite 8 team was 9-2 and then was swept in the Bay Area (losing both games in a combined 3 OTs). The Ducks then made short work of the three Pacific NW teams in Eugene by an average margin of victory of 24 points. The conference title was finally clinched in LA - both games were nail biters. It will be surprising if there aren't two losses coming Oregon's way over the next 7 games, but keep it to that and the P12 title looks promising.

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I don't care for the having to vote on comments before posting them. I think folks will eventually just hit yes just so their post will go through. Other than that this will have to work. By the way I think all of us regulars have gone over the top a time or two!

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I will keep my opinions in check, regarding the register guard's new comment forum. I hope it is not a way to ace out radical speech. Sometimes speech hurts and that's the point of not limiting those voices

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I'm sure you've heard the adage: "A lie gone unchallenged becomes the truth in 24 hours." Why would you advocate allowing lies to stand unchallenged, simply because you can deal with them? Sorry, but I find that level of complacency disgusting. Unless... The idea of floating lies is not unique to the Left, but it is a prominent arrow in their quiver and has been used so frequently, that it has permanently altered the political climate for both sides. Objoke: Q: How can you tell when a Republican is Lying? A: Look to see if he's been backed into a corner by aggressive questioning. Q: How can you tell when a Democrat is lying? A: 1) See if his lips are moving. 2) Determine if he wants something. 3) Is he Campaigning? 4) Has he just promised you Government Largess (other people's money)? 5) Has he promised to cut spending? 6) Is preparing to vote on a law that is supposed to be for your own good? 7) Is she testifying under oath? list truncated by space

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Pilot, this is Aja from Civil. We are reading and seriously considering this feedback. The peer reviews are designed to prevent the types of "downvoting" you describe, and it's working, but re: the reviews feeling too cumbersome: we're planning to roll out a "vetting" system in the next few days to allow for bypassing the reviews once basic requirements are met. Please hang in there; we're new, and we want to find the right balance for everyone.

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We're rolling out a fix for this today, so it remembers your most recent setting. I agree, the "highest rated" sort isn't great for people who comment frequently!

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This is the problem with this new system, it doesn't matter what I think about peer reviews. The stuff of reading three comments giving my opinion and then my comment is still reviewed seems to me is to control thoughts and speech

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DG, we're planning to roll out a "vetting" system in the next few days to allow for bypassing the reviews once basic requirements are met. Hang in there!

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A mass transit system will seldom be self-supporting. Were it to be, the cost of using it would be so prohibitive that it would cease to exist. It will be used more by some citizens than others....and, yes, some won't use it at all. The same can be said of libraries, parks, walking and riding paths, city or county owned sports/entertainment venues, citizen recreational facilities, and all other public facilities Publicly owned mass transit systems directly serve the riders and, additionally, serve the rest of the community by decreasing private vehicular traffic and the resulting congestion and pollution. As I said, were we to choose to fund such facilities and services only through direct user-fees, there would be no such facilities and services. That said, it should be the city or special districts responsibility to convince the taxpayers that any tax or increase in tax is merited. To give LTD unilateral authority to imcrease a tax or impose a new one is not justified.

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A highly unwelcomed change. I like being able to see posts from all of my varied interests and fora I participate in under the Disqus moniker. By changing comment providers, the RG is separating some portion of my content from the bulk of my commentary. I consider this an unfortunate decision. Ciao mia compagni

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It's "debatable" whether religions starting wars is worse than expressing moral objection to theism (however "obnoxious" you may find it)? Now there's an incredible claim. I'd be willing to engage in that debate with you Matthew Singer. But I probably shouldn't because that would be rude, right?

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yes, I already skim the comment and hit yes, yes...except for one by christa...I said it was not civil...gotta keep them honest. lol. I wonder if anyone will choose a new identity here to start over so to speak. with a few exceptions of very cool heads, probably everyone has tipped over the line. I always want to encourage thought and to challenge or provoke is not a bad thing in my book. language and name calling are the no-no's and I have done both. regrettably..; **but now it's on you to control me, LOL. it takes a village, ya know?

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All these guys I used to think were brilliant, then I gradually realized they are just the other side of the same coin: basically secular fundamentalists. Seeing Hitchens argue that male circumcision is exactly the same as female circumcision was final straw for me.

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Posted one comment. Activity tracker said it was "peer published." Even got two replies. It appears nowhere in this thread. Good trial. Glad the RG and "Civil" could experiment on us.

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That comment was very civil.

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From what I have seen in these comments, the R-G may have already lost some customers due to "uncivil" comments.

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I'd like to learn more about how this system works. While I trust that for the most part, people will respond truthfully when rating whether a comment is "civil" or not, how does this program avoid the possibility that people will more likely rate a comment as not civil if it disagrees with their opinion?

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If you can figure out a way to stop people from lying, you'd be rich. It's human nature.

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Hey Wayne, your first comment's still in the thread.

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The way I see it is that the RG owns this speech platform and so can do whatever it likes in terms of limiting free speech. It is however a profit platform, so the RG wants as many comments as possible. If people are abusive, fewer people comment. If people are too restrictive, fewer people comment. This system presents an interesting attempt to balance those two competing challenges.

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It's good to see council is willing to reconsider using this tool that most other great cities use, and with little controversy.

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Pointing out the hypocrisy of cyclists. Why should I as a pedestrian back down? Cyclists forget they are the top of the food chain on MUPS and that they are not the vulnerable user. You lose the moral high ground calling out vehicles for being unsafe around cyclists, then act in the same way as drivers do around cyclist when riding on a MUP. Pedestrians deserve the same consideration from cyclists as they expect from drivers. Respect for the vulnerable user. And if you look at those 30K deaths, the majority are the occupants of the motor vehicles. Somehow cyclist always throw out that statistic as if every one of those killed was outside the vehicle.

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Hi Tim, Glad to see your comments here. Given your interests in programming, I am sure this is an interesting experiment. And thanks for your support for our community.

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You're exactly right, David, A Progressive's definition of "troll" is anyone who disagrees with their narrative.

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That's not true. Our air travel infrastructure is self-supporting; so are taxis, ride sharing services, and national bus services. Local bus service could be as well, but it would need to be scaled and priced and operated based on rider demand. Ultimately, LTD already receives a massive amount of taxpayer revenue from a variety of sources, including the taxes on local employers and the self-employed. Imposing a sizable tax on employees as well is a very hard sell.

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Semantics.

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I am tired paying for other people's renewal. If there's going to be any renewal going on out here, it's going to happen in my house.

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I think I have a partial answer. Some comments seem to go through without a peer review and others go through with a peer review. In the first instance it seems an algorithm makes the decision. But as they say in computer speak: "You're only as good as your algorithm."

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Do you actually believe bicycles present an equal danger to pedestrians as cars do to pedestrians and cyclists? I'm not at all convinced that's a defensible position, but I'm prepared to be convinced if you have data. You're right that the 30K number includes mostly motor vehicle occupants. It also excludes injuries, no matter how severe, that are nonfatal. In 2014 4,735 pedestrians and 743 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles; the number of pedestrians killed by bicyclists is so low no one appears to have compiled statistics. You're comparing throwing rocks with throwing hand grenades.

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JP My single experience so far with the "civil" test was this; I was given an over the top rude "comment" I checked the "it's civil" box and was NOT allowed to proceed until I changed to "it's not civil". So it seems, at least in this case, my choice was predetermined.

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Ludlow is so right. What is Courtney thinking? The legislature giving a politically appointed, heavily biased local transit board the authority to unilaterally impose a new income tax on every employee in their district is indeed taxation without representation. Worse yet it is precisely the kind of unscrupulous political racket like rigging that fosters anti-government sentiment making it difficult to get voter support when it is merited. I've read much about this and watched the hearing. TriMet stands to gain a vast new revenue stream from this stunt enabling them to borrow billions for their agenda which their voters do NOT support. The idea they would try and roll over them with such a dirty tactic is a disgrace.

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ok - now the civil site seems to be remembering how I want the comments shown. keeping it to most recent. I feel like a total test subject. this is the first daily paper to use this format? someone is sitting there tweaking software as we continue here? ok....

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How many peaceful takeovers involve building fortifications and bearing rifles that are less for game and more for human aim? Being smug about charges while filming for the greater audience speaks to a missing maturity among the remaining "foreign" insurgents. Is there a reason you couldn't do this where your families live? Go home, and leave our people alone.

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Here we go. Another attempt at regulating and controlling civil discourse. Too bad some people have gotten to the point of using on line media as something to hide behind and talk trash. Unfortunately, it's always been and always will be that way. Human nature.

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I wonder if this new format will lead to the RG allowing more articles to be commented on. It seems sometimes the articles that would get some good comments, aren't set up for commenting. Or, maybe the RG doesn't want the "bad press".

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"I think this might help break away from the two-party system that isn’t working and give more voters more choices in our political process." And this is the main reason why your suggested changes will not occur; not the media desire to make money. The two major parties know how to game the current system; they have no interest in reducing the control they now have on the process in any way.

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Rural property owners are already coughing up for the EMX project which they will not be served by, and were not allowed to vote on. Now they want to pick the pockets of all Lane County workers. Enough! Bad, bad move Courtney.

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Uninteresting snark by Mr. Singer. Which sky god does he believe in? I'll take Ricky Gervais over the Pope any day.

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It's good to let kids get some exposure to manufacturing at the high school level. but, it's no substitute for the trades classes that used to be taught in middle and high schools. At many of the career events I go to, I talk to young men and women who want to enter the trades or a career in manufacturing. We're missing a big group of young people by cutting trades classes out or schools.

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LTD needs to be neutered.

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The problem will be that each person's definition of "civil" seems to be different. I'm sure there will be endless complaints of censorship. Already many of the comments below are just making the assumption that the new system is nothing but a way to automate censorship of certain points of view.

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I am all for saving Kesey Square/Broadway Plaza. I almost felt like I was reading satire. This isn't a group anyone with decision making powers is going to listen to.

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I'm a devout agnostic, if you must know.

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Thank you for writing this piece and putting out the facts in context. Much appreciated. While the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is the current "thorn in our paw" over public lands my hope is that folks understand that it is just a small, but painful element of a much larger plan to wrest away our public lands to allow exploitation. That it is being done with lies about our US Constitution and our Founding Fathers is appalling and should anger all of us. If the militias and protesters are so anxious to deal with "tyrants" and those destroying the promise of America they have only to look at the forces bent on stealing our lands for exploitation and buying our political system. Thanks again for arguing for lawfulness and reminding citizens that our public lands legacy is on the line.

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Well, I'm reading your comment just fine. I'm seeing a lot fewer comments calling posters "libturds" though, so maybe there is some censorship or self-censorship going on after all.

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Currently, can all residents of Lane County get to where they need to go safely, practically and affordably? Do people have good options to choose from to determine how to get from place to place? Transit consultant Jarrett Walker equates *frequent* transit service with freedom. And more frequent service costs more money to operate. A good discussion should start with people's needs and how good are their options. As for SB 1521, it is pretty clear from this story that it isn't going anywhere this short session, so really not worth debating.

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It is also an investment on Tim's part, so the interest may be more than academic! But his support is welcome even if tainted by lucre.

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I too would like to thank Mr Johnson for his statement in support of conserving our public lands. These lands are being assailed from all sides, each wanting to exploit their resources and most of all put money in their own pockets. These lands are in our trust. These lands are ours to protect from greedy developers and those who would use their resources until those resources disappeared and we were left with bare land and destroyed water courses. Those people would then move on to other public lands, where they would proceed with the process of total destruction all over again. It's up to all of us who reside on this planet to care for it, in trust, for future generations and put a stop to those intent on using up those resources until there is nothing left for anyone to enjoy. Thank you Mr Johnson.

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As often on new government sanctioned journeys, there are issues to be worked out of our legalized marijuana. The State took care to make sure they got their money (taxes) but have done nothing to secure oversight that any of us and especially medical patients are consuming safe marijuana. Almost ALL dispensaries in Lane County have 'dropped' the organic. They have NO IDEA if pesticides were used. This is unsafe.....and just asking for tragedy. State: "Where's the oversight and protection"? L2g

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Gary is correct that transit systems must be subsidized to operate. But that is true of all forms of transportation. No air travel infrastructure is not self-supporting. The Eugene airport recently received a federal grant of $7.4 million. http://defazio.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/eugene-airport-receives-74-million-grant And car drivers pay just 51% of the costs to maintain the roads they drive on. http://usa.streetsblog.org/2013/01/23/drivers-cover-just-51-percent-of-u-s-road-spending/ So, yes, there is a question of priorities and what to support with limited public funding.

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With this change we are trying to add comments to more stories with the hope that the discussion will remain civil. That said, we'll watch those sensitive stories and if comments get out of hand we may move back to our previous policy of not including comments on stories with a high likelihood of uncivil comments.

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The point isn't allowing lies to go unchallenged – exactly the contrary. Think about it. How often does what one person believes is true seem like a lie to another person? Frequently, right? Look at the national discourse in politics right now. So my point is exactly the discussion you want, one person offering evidence and arguments to the other, instead not having so-called lies show up. What you're calling a level of complacency is quite the opposite. Let the comment one person thinks is a lie stand, so that person can refute it. I want both to be civil, and both to show. This exchange is an example. The comment you responded too says the opposite of how you took it. It says let the discussion show, not hide the discussion. You answered as if it said the exact opposite.

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Not sure about this experiment. The road to squelching the free exchange of ideas, even onerous ones, may be paved with RG's good intentions. We shall see. Another thing: Does the RG still need a "flag' if it is now moderated through a computer algorithm? And does this new system eliminate some human's job? Just asking.

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@ScienceDuck yes, that's true ... and I don't mean to hide that either, because "tainted by lucre" should be disclosed (nice phrase there). I just went to my profile on this system and added it in as a disclosure there. The truth is that as soon as I saw the early prototypes of this system I volunteered to start advising because I was excited by how it could improve situations like the comments here. I write a column for this paper once a month, in Blue Chip, and I read it every day. Last year when I was interested in one particular issue and delved into the comments, I discovered toxic waste in comments, name calling, bullying, and a lot of other problems. Then when I saw what this startup was looking to do, I wanted it to happen. And I'm delighted to see it here now, finally. My financial involvement is very small, but my emotional involvement isn't. I see this as a huge improvement, a way to recover real discussion from what had become just a mud bath.

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Mass transit is just another form of self sustaining government and TriMet is a prime example of political thievery from good honest hard working citizens of Oregon. LTD has done and is currently doing little different in following in TriMet footsteps. This is what you get when the Demonic are in charge of government affairs, “taxation without representation” pretty much sums it up.

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I dunno. When posters like CT Yankee insist on referring to the posts of progressives as "lies," I don't find that particularly civil, do you?

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Or it is already all rolled up with votes to slam it through? TriMet & Metro are in far worse trouble than they reveal. Their agenda, projects, cabal and staff are in a real bind for BIG revenue.

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CT didn't say that posts of progressives were all lies, just that CT loses it when there are lies. It is a perfectly normal response to get ornery when someone lies, so it all seems civil enough. I suspect CT's judgment about a "lie" might be different from some others, though.

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There would probably be fewer "sensitive" stories if some folks would simply grow some skin. When people intentionally deviate from the norm to get attention (ie; Caitlin Jenner or Donald Trump), they should be able to deal with the negative feedback as well as the positive. There are too many self identified victims in our society IMHO. And stifling open and civil free speech on any topic is never good for society.

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What bothers me about the proposals on Kesey Square – not this specific story, but the larger issue – is that they seem to be addressing the symptoms, not the causes.

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So a fictional town was named after a road that Quale’s family lived “near,” and he claims a “deeply personal connection” with the author? I grew up a block away from Lewis Street and sadly never developed such a connection with the explorer. Quale has protested income inequality in the past. News flash: one way to guarantee future income inequality is to quit a job and sit on a bench typing spontaneous prose.

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That's not my definition of a troll, and I consider myself a progressive.

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<i>“Public space creates and increases consciousness about what we can create and what we can imagine,” she says.</i> As long as proponents for Broadway Plaza have nothing more meaningful to say than gibberish like this, it will be difficult for the rest of us to take them seriously.

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Yep. It's also the smart, courteous thing to do: From Oregon Revised Statutes: 814.400 Application of vehicle laws to bicycles. (1) Every person riding a bicycle upon a public way is subject to the provisions applicable to and has the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle concerning operating on highways, vehicle equipment and abandoned vehicles, except: (a) Those provisions which by their very nature can have no application. (b) When otherwise specifically provided under the vehicle code. (2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section: (a) A bicycle is a vehicle for purposes of the vehicle code; and (b) When the term “vehicle” is used the term shall be deemed to be applicable to bicycles. Slow Drivers When you drive slower than the normal speed of traffic, you must use the right lane or drive as closely as possible to the right curb or edge of the road, unless you are getting ready to make a left turn. – Oregon Drivers Manual, page 35

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No, I presume simply to understand the changes that have occurred in our attitudes toward the world in the last 50 years.

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I am a contibuting member to this community I work two jobs both are located downtown, and I spend alot of money downtown supporting the local businesses. I do alot of community service on my own accord, My social circle includes mostly downtown business owners, employee's, artists, and patrons of downtown. If I do not represent someone that anyone with decision making powers will listen to than I ask you who will they listen to? Is that necessarily how we want decisions made as a community? Every voice matters! ~ Jessica Love

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The Goodman's plan in general is a good one, bringing in investment and housing in place of parking lots. However, provisions should be made for existing food carts -- say moving to one surface lot nearby while another is being developed -- and getting compensated for move costs. The other thing that needs to happen is the city needs to require that every parking space lost to development will be replaced at comparable cost whether it's in the new high rise or in a separate parking structure.

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Does this mean if a new company moves into town bringing several high paying employees with them, causing housing prices to go up, I can sue them?

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The voter registration information is absolutely an emergency! There are 24,548 students over at Duck U alone. They are being carefully instructed and guided in the best liberal doctrines available. They are residents of Oregon as long as they are here and need to be voting to support the values they are being taught.

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Man... I moved here from Vegas about 3 years ago. I miss eating Del Taco's shrimp tacos! I lived just down the street from one and was my go to place on Fridays during lent.

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That seems odd and counter productive. If this actually happening, we'll hear more comments like yours.

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I have yet to receive any e-mail from Civil although the site wide bar indicates stars have been given to some of my posts and that I have had replies. Disqus sent the replies to me by e-mail. what have you been receiving?

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Imagine a person who doesn’t pay social security and Medicare taxes but saves the equivalent to be used in the same manner. According to this economist, this person is not paying his fair share of taxes although economically he is exactly equal to one who does. You can’t talk about the burden of payroll taxes without talking about the benefits bestowed. To be fair you either have to add in all the savings for retirement and medical treatment in old age or in case of loss of income, or exclude payroll taxes from the discussion of tax burdens. A much more sophisticated analysis can be found at http://www.kotlikoff.net/node/541, which I have not yet read, but a summary appears in the Oregonian today under “The True Measure of Economic Equality in the U.S.” by Clive Crook. The WW editorial policy does not allow enough space for a more complete response to this silly editorial

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As a member of the Budget Committee, I appreciate that Council is having serious discussion about this tool. We have relatively few revenue options as it is. I especially appreciate Councilor Syrett's comment that we need funding strategies for these important items, whether it's this Urban Renewal district or not. We can't simply decide we don't like this revenue source without looking at the implications of scrapping it.

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Fair point, well made. I meant "we" in the citywide, civic sense - does Portland care, or not, about the travel/tourism benefits of having a nationally recognized street food scene, and if so, what are we going to do about the potential displacement of downtown pods? I think that the Food Cart Alliance has some (limited) pull with the city, but you're 100% correct that the developers are under no obligation to listen to any proposal from the broader "we." Removing parking spaces so that food carts can live on the street also seems like a non-starter, but that's an opportunity for the civic "we" to weigh in.

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Thinking/dreaming burns calories, so at least you've got that going for you.

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But how can something be so salty and so bland at the same time? Wizardry!

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I find the majority of RG opinion "bullying" to come from the right, often the far right. I suppose its a matter of perspective.

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For every dollar an LTD rider spends on fares, someone else has to kick in $5 to pay for the cost of the ride. The rider only pays 16% of the cost. On top of that, the 4,400 lbs per tire buses inflict major damage to our city streets. What is really needed is a tax on LTD riders to help pay for street maintenance. They should pay their fair share.

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Whether prior council or not does not fly. A promise is a promise. What's next from the council, that because asked for it on a Monday this one different. Today is Tuesday, that's what is different?

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Yes, air travel is self supporting. Ever take a look at all the taxes and fees that get tacked on to an airline ticket? Big money for govt. Federal excise tax alone is 7.5%. http://www.travelzoo.com/info/

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And once again the liberals want the decision of a judge (an attorney who once knew a Governor) to replace the judgment of a group of scientists. Of course, there are lots of law firms and non-profit corporations whose entire livelihood is dependent on getting money from these liberals and filing these lawsuits.

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That's what the craft brewing industry looks like. I guess the only thing that can be done is be a woman and start a brewery.

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"LTD hasn’t taken an official position on SB 1521, lobbyist Edward McGlone said. But he told the committee that new money from an employee-paid tax could help fund increased bus frequency on major transportation corridors, such as River Road and Coburg Road in Eugene or Main Street in Springfield." So did you 'accidentally' let it slip LTD that the phony survey that you have posted on your website for folks to vote on a Route increase that is important to them? Say for example #93/Veneta. We've been telling you that we have a great need to add another Saturday run (only one run) and to add a Sunday run. We have a lot of new family housing construction as well as new businesses. They've had great difficulty hiring from Eugene due to the lack of bus service. Isn't this very issue the principal behind adding new routes? Well it should be this than pandering to the areas that have more money. LTD it's time for you to do a better job w/ your stewardship. This is absurd. L2g

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motleycrew, that's not good. Is it possible they're going to your junk folder? If they aren't in there, let me know, and we can try to track it down on our end. Thank you!

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LOL

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I just can't resist: "I disagree, but not with your point, but with the suggestion that it was uncivil. That’s a delightfully powerful way to put it, not uncivil at all. Civil doesn’t mean bland or boring. And look – yours is the highest rated. :)" What are you, a cheerleader for Civil? LOL

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The fewer people you need to convince (bribe?) the easier it is to covert public lands to private use. Convincing both the president and congress in a way that is legal (must convince the courts too) is a lot harder (more expensive)than convincing the sheriff. I am amazed that anyone is buying this vision of converting the United States into little county sized fiefdoms of some sort with the sheriff as the ruler.

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Wow! Thanks, Mark, for writing a super article that catches Eugene's eclectic artistic spirit, zanier than many towns! Kesey 's statue represents an intrepid spirit of free thinking. Consider how Wayne Morse, Rosa Parks & Ken Kesey statues symbolize embracing freedoms of speech, movement and mind. It was hilarious when Mike Clark from City Council 1.27 stated that some people want downtown to look like Oakway Plaza! Downtown Eugene is a different rare space influenced by music halls like McDonald, WOW Hall, Shedd, Hult, art galleries, boutiques, shops, 2nd hand stores, cafes, groceries, taverns, bakeries, pizza & tattoo parlors, a DVD exchange depot, dance, martial arts, yoga studios & nonprofits that contribute spirit & zest to this unique town. Oakway is like malls in Anytown, USA, hosting big box stores. People visit downtown Eugene because they prefer business NOT as usual. Keep Eugene weird - a motto that we share with creative Austin, TX.

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