Hopkins, Larry

Dennis,



Thanks for writing back. I must not know what a syndicated writer is. I thought, as editor, you would approve of publications based on content.



By all accounts, Lance Armstrong is the number one contender in the toughest most prestigious bike race in the world which, has the highest number of spectators of any sport, averaging more than one million per day. Add to that we have an American who can kick the crap out the French the rest of Europe on their own soil makes for some pretty good news. I feel Chad's article published in the Oregonian, July 7th, is not only disrespectful to the sport but embarrassing to a city that is committed to cycling and has in the past been named the best cycling city in America by Bicycling Magazine. Why the paper needed to degrade a fellow American out to make a difference, I don't know. I would be happy to write a rebuttal as you suggested but suspect you will receive a few responses like this one to ponder and put things in perspective. To find out more about what it's like to "make a difference" check out the Lance Armstrong Foundation at www.laf.org and see what greatness is capable of when put in the right hands. On the other hand I heard today one of our star basketball players got busted again for drugs. Perhaps Chad's talents could be applied more directly to things that matter.      



Larry Hopkins   



-----Original Message-----

From: Dennis Peck [mailto:denni-@news.oregonian.com]

Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 1:59 PM

To: Hopkins, Larry

Subject: Re: Norm Chad TDF Stink S S UNLISTED S S





Chad is a syndicated writer, writing for dozens of the largest

newspapers across the country, so this was not an idea I gave to him. If

you'd like to write a letter for publication about how you think his

column was lacking to the extreme, I'd be willing to consider it for

publication (unless you somehow think that's what I was aiming for all

along which, I can assure you, it wasn't).



   "Hopkins, Larry" <lhop-@Huntair.com> 07/07/03 01:36PM >>>

Dennis the sports editor,



So the formula for popularity is conflict? Chad doesn't believe what

he wrote anymore than you do. It was obviously done to get attention.

You weren't even original, the same stench came out in an article last

year in Ohio for crying out loud. So, don't be surprised when this

issue fizzle like the head on your beer.      



Not much to say for Norm, other than some people have no integrity.



Larry Hopkins