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I have often admired the skill of TOL's host in bringing out all sides of the issue, keeping the conversation moving, and questioning guests with perspicacity. I find her to be quite calm and balanced.

Many thanks also to Peter Steinberger for representing Reed so well.

posted 5 years ago
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I'm a Reedie from the mid-80's. I have two comments: College is a time of rigorous intellectual and personal exploration. Drugs were definitely available at Reed (as they are at most colleges), but not in the rampant, dangerous way depicted by Mr. Pitkin. I tried illegal drugs, hallucinogens, all of 3 times in my time there, and smoked marijuana approximately every couple of months. While there were certainly students who pursued drug experimentation much more actively, I would guess I was a fairly typical Reedie. I support Reed as an unparalleled educational and personal experience, based in freedom, integrity, community, and hard work.

Second point: It's important to bear in mind that the Willamette Week only occasionally produces high calibre investigative journalism. It is first and foremost an entertainment weekly, and consistently offers inflammatory, titillating stories. It is a commercial venture, based on selling advertisements for restaurants, clothes, concerts, home decoration, etc. The zeal of one reporter to write a scandalous story for this entertainment weekly should not be mistaken for ethical, truth-seeking journalism.

I enjoy the Willamette Week as entertainment, and support Reed College as an institution and community of the highest integrity and care.

Juliet Wyers, MAT
Portland, Oregon

posted 5 years ago
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