Oregon

Ballot Measure 58

A letter to the Editor of the Medford Mail Tribune in response to a very misleading commentary on Ballot Measure 58, by Russell Sadler.

October 25, 1998

Editor
Medford Mail Tribune
Medford OR

Re: Russell Sadler Commentary Ballot Measure 58

Dear Editor:

You do the readers of your newspaper a disservice when you publish a commentary that misrepresents an issue. Russell Sadler does not accurately portray the effects of Ballot Measure 58. Sadler's commentary repeatedly states that "Measure 58 opens all Oregon adoption records-past, present and future- to public inspection."

Ballot Measure 58 does not open any records to public inspection. Measure 58 does not allow anyone, including an adult adopted person, access to any adoption records, such as the decree of adoption. This measure only restores an adult adopted person the Equal Right to receive an unofficial copy of their original birth certificate.

Sadler's degrading "Me Generation" comments are most insulting. Yes, it is me whose Equal Rights have been taken away. Is Sadler saying to me, that I am not worthy of equal treatment under the law? Is he telling me, I do not deserve to have my needs my needs met? Will Sadler tell me what I have done to lose my Civil Rights? No, I am not saying, "I want my Mommy." I am saying I want Equal Rights.

Thank you Helen Hill for investing your money in this most important issue! I have dreamed of a ballot measure for many years. Oregon has the initiative process to counteract an unresponsive legislature. A legislature that Oregon's voters know does not always do what is desired by its citizens.

Measure 58 is easy to understand. Measure 58 allows an adult adopted person the Equal Right to receive a copy of their original birth certificate, and only their original birth certificate, and no other adoption records. Vote yes if you do not "want to open all Oregon adoption records-past, present and future-without restriction." Vote yes if you want to restore Equal Rights to adult adopted persons. Vote no if do not feel adult adopted persons are worthy and deserving of Equal Rights.

Sincerely,

/s/
Ginni D Snodgrass,
Found-October 17, 1985
Post-adoption Lay Counselor

There is a bulletin board where you can find many rebuttals to Sadler's commentary. Sadler refuses to acknowledge the error in his misrepresentations on this measure.
Jefferson Public Radio

Ginni D Snodgrass
© Copyright 1998