I wrote a Letter to the Editor for my final thing for my internship... and they published it in the paper!

Here's a link:
http://www.times-standard.com/letters/ci_10283737?source=email

And, here's the text, if you can't get to the link for some reason:

Support local business
Letters to the editor
Article Launched: 08/23/2008 01:16:30 AM PDT

As I cuddle with my Tabby, preparing to watch a movie, I turn on the television, but before I can switch to VCR mode, something catches my eye. I take a moment to let it sink in. There is a blatant advertisement in this program. I can't name the show, but I can certainly recognize the logo. The actress is drinking a specific cola. I feel used as a viewer, like my eyes are property. A moment turns to several as I ponder this well-placed can, and its effect on me.

Corporate advertisements bombard viewers in every way. Advertising is the most obvious way that corporate America brainwashes our minds, but what about our politicians? Corporations have more power then many realize. Corporations buy favors with political contributions, resulting in the corruption of government policy making. How can the U.S. be a true democracy when a few have more power than the majority?

Here in Humboldt we have a unique law called Measure T that prevents outside corporations from contributing to political campaigns. This law is vital to keep our politicians working for people invested in Humboldt rather than in national headquarters. I wonder what else we can do to ensure local control?

Let's take Humboldt's economic freedom and well-being into our own hands by spending our money at local, independent businesses who make decisions that strengthen our community!

For more information about Corporate Rule or Measure T, contact Democracy Unlimited at (707)269-0984 or www.DUHC.org.

Joanna DeMars

Eureka