151 Comments
User's avatar
Bill's avatar

Absolutely stupid law. This is why people lose faith in legislators who try to fix everything with a law as if that will be the answer. You hit the nail on the head, John. It starts in the home with parents teaching their kids common sense decency and with others who object to those who do these things and are quick to apologize to those offended. Kids make mistakes which are teachable moments.

We adopted our daughter from Korea. She came home in tears one day saying some fifth grade boys made fun of her "slant eyes." I went to the school, found out who these boys were and through the principal we had a meeting with them and their parents. We simply talked to the boys about why this type of behavior was wrong. It's now years later and I met one of the boys recently who is now a grown man with his own kids. He said he never forgot that conversation and it changed his entire attitude toward others. This is how we do it....not through some law that punishes the wrong people.

jon joseph's avatar

'Nothing is more dangerous than a legislative body in session.' Mark Twain - Ditto from 3/20/23

John, please inform your readers as to whether the solon who introduced this nonsense calls you back, or not.

Thank you for doing your part to help rein in this stupidity. The small group of students' behavior was atrocious but as you so well noted it need not be responded to by more stupidity.

Rob's avatar

The absurdity of Oregon’s legislature never ceases to amaze me.

John Canzano's avatar

I'm a little puzzled by the whole thing.

Barbara Cameron's avatar

Our lawmakers should stick to what’s important not the ridiculous. Her time would be better served in teaching parents of college students a class on accountability, kindness and respect to fellow human beings and how to have good old fashioned fun..like cheering for your team. Lord help us!!!!

T.J. Beck's avatar

John,

You mean that a head coach and AD can’t control 50k worth of individuals? Lol! What a joke! Further, the legislation just proposed by a state rep from Independence Oregon to require universities to have state legislative approval by vote to change leagues or divisions is about stupid as well. Thoughts?

John Canzano's avatar

Saw that. Washington proposed similar legislation in this session, but backed away after the universities (UW and WSU) expressed that it was unnecessary.

T.J. Beck's avatar

Sounds like a please don’t leave me behind legislation!

Pedro in Texas's avatar

I have nothing nice to say so...

Tom Marinaro's avatar

Thank you for your sane and logical response to this silly proposal from Rep. Bynum.

Jhowell's avatar

I enjoy your articles. I'm also a BYU fan. Oregon handled it perfectly and the issue should have been over at that point. Absolutely a stupid proposal for a law.

John C's avatar

While stadium security personnel can evict unruly patrons (not just students), is there a corresponding need to kick butts and take/publish names? The kind of behavior exhibited at the BYU game proof-positive of symptomatic bigotry learned at home. Until I wised up, my father was the source of all my religious, political racial, et.al, biases.

Volman777's avatar

I'm sorry - but Oregon lawmakers do some of the dumbest things of any state in the nation. We have a drug crisis, homeless crisis, businesses are closing, but the real focus should be a handful of drunk fans at a football game?

I'm a former Duck fball season ticket holder- we had unruly fans every so often around us. Usually because of alcohol consumption. I never once thought of the coach or ad being responsible. Why? Because they weren't.

This is stupidity ×10 and needs to be dropped and forgotten.

Gordon Howe's avatar

Something ridiculous from the Oregon legislature? What a surprise!!

Chris Spence's avatar

If the legislature decides to hold a coach responsible for the unruly and bad behavior of the home fans, then shall we hold the representatives of all Oregon counties responsible for the unruly criminals that live in their countries? Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it?…..just like the bill Rep. Bynum has proposed.Let’s hope common sense wins here.

Gay Mckinlay's avatar

WELL SAID!

Robb Wochnick's avatar

I guess there is a little stupid in everybody...especially in elected officials from Clackamas

Ken Goe's avatar

Spot on, JC.

Terry Hammack's avatar

Massive government over reach