iStock LETTERS Things Do Look Different Here I have moved back and forth between Portland and the District of Columbia four times over the years I’ve been prac- ticing law, sometime practicing in both places during the same periods of time as a “road warrior.” I’m admitted to the bars in both jurisdictions. As I was read- ing the current edition of the Bulletin this morning, I was struck (yes, a bit slow on the uptake) by how different the two bars are. It’s difficult to describe, but I thought it might be worth the attempt. It is not a simplistic (inaccurate) “Oregon civility” versus “D.C. sophistication of practice” distinction. Nor is it purely a size-of-mem- bership difference. And of course, neither bar is monolithic in culture. But there is a prevailing culture of the Oregon bar that is discernible if one pays attention, and which (the point of this letter) is worth noticing, appreciating and preserving. I suppose I would describe it as mem- bers of the Oregon bar being aware of the disparate practices that our colleagues have defined and pursued and fully appre- ciating those choices. We’re different, but we share something, and what we share matters to us. We know that Oregonians are better served by having some of us engaged in a general practice in a small Eastern Oregon town, by having public defenders in Portland, by having sophis- ticated boutique firms representing clients across the country and internationally. Further, we can see that each of us ben- efits from being exposed to those disparate practices, areas of law that we wouldn’t know about from our own client base, and further, knowing those practitioners as individuals, not as caricatures of one prac- tice group or another. While my craft is use of language, it is frustrating to me right now to know that even these explanations don’t quite con- vey the “enlightenment” that came to me. Maybe that is because it’s not something I’m thinking, but rather something I’m feeling. In that case, I should (and will) stop trying to explain “it” and just say to all my colleagues, let’s all be sure, on a regular basis, to pause, ponder, feel and appreciate what we have here. Al Larsen, Arlington, Va. Take Time to See Others After reading this insightful article (“Bowling with Barbarians,” May 2016), I wish to add my experience as a disabled person. Humans are herd animals, according to psychology. If you don’t believe it, observe any social/networking event. Most every- one stands and mills around the room so- cializing, except those who are not physi- cally able to do so. I am unable to stand for any length of time and also have limited sitting ability. So I dread these situations and often end up sitting alone until I am so physically uncomfortable that I leave. Unless there’s dancing involved. Moving around is better than the other two op- tions. Some of you with back issues may understand what I’m talking about. The point in my writing this is to sug- gest that the next time you see someone sitting at a stand-up reception, etc., per- haps you might want to take a load off. Have a seat for a while. Have a chat with the person already seated and notice how most people don’t even see you because you are nowhere near eye level at a stand-up re- ception. Think about how difficult it is to interact under those circumstances. And if you’re planning future events, maybe think about an environment that is more accommodating. Nyla Jebousek, Newport Miranda Coverage One-Sided Imagine my lack of surprise when after picking up the OSB Bulletin with a glori- ous celebration of 50 years of the Miranda decision that teased “some say the right to silence is still golden but not everyone agrees,” only to find the standard one- sided criminal defense tirade (“Miranda at 50,” June 2016). Apparently none of the 400 prosecutors who deal with this is- sue on an even more personal basis were willing to return the author’s calls for comments? Or more likely, as a member of the OSB for 35 years, this article is further ev- idence of a disturbing trend over the last decade to marginalize those second-class attorneys who represent the people of the state of Oregon. The discussion of the Mathiassan deci- HOW TO REACH US: In Oregon, call us toll-free at (800) 452-8260. In the Portland area and outside Oregon, our number is (503) 620-0222. The fax num- ber is (503) 684-1366. Email addresses and voice mail extension numbers for Bulletin staff are: Paul Nickell, editor, pnickell@osbar.org (ext. 340); Julie Hankin, associate editor, jhankin@osbar.org (ext. 391); and Spencer Glantz, classified advertising and lawyer announcements, sglantz@osbar.org (ext. 356). ADVERTISING: For display advertising rates and information, please contact our display advertising representative, Paul Vollmar, LLM Publications, (503) 445- 2222; (800) 657-1511 ext. 2220; email: paul@llm.com; website: www.llm.com. For classified and lawyer announcement advertising rates and information, please call Spencer Glantz at OSB, (503) 620-0222 or toll-free in Oregon, (800) 452-8260, ext. 356; email: advertising@osbar.org. JULY 2016 • OREGON STATE BAR BULLETIN 5