Wayne Morse was a fiery, independent U.S. Senator representing Oregon for 24 years.
He started out in 1944 as a Republican and ended as a Democrat in 1968.
Between the two parties he served as an independent for four years.
Even though he chose parties at times he was not afraid to stand alone
for whatever he believed in, no matter how high the power he faced.
He was the greatest constitutional scholar our country has ever had.
At age thirty, he was the youngest dean in the history of the University of Oregon Law School.

Senator Morse was a very courageous man, and believed in open government without secrecy or corruption.
He worked consistently for what he deemed best for his fellow citizens.
He believed that if you give the people of our nation the truth, the people will make the right decision.

Date: May 12, 2006
Subject: Wayne Morse Youth Program - Update from the Chair

Regards from the board of directors …

Six weeks ago we were notified without warning that electricity to the Wayne Morse free speech terrace would no longer be available. We were told this decision was indefinite and we had no recourse. A county employee made this decision without the awareness of the county commissioners.

For six weeks our youth co-managers have been in a civics immersion program. Six months ago they accepted the responsibility to manage the terrace for the 2006 season .. April 1- October 20. Since then they have prepared to set up our canopy, public address system, table with info on Wayne Morse and push-toys for the toddlers. Because they were involved last season they were experienced at adjusting the volume so that the timid could be heard and the yellers weren't abusive. The youth were well prepared and eager for this season to begin. They arranged their schedules around their commitment to manage the Wayne Morse free speech terrace on Saturdays. When the board of directors offered them this position they understood we are grassroots and not to expect any money or help. All of us have been greatly disrupted by the government revoking our electric power. We have provided free speech at the terrace since 1993, this our 14th season has not begun as anyone would have expected.

Our youth co-managers continue to accept their responsibility. Even without electricity they follow through with what they promised. In addition to setting up on Saturdays they have spoken at 4 county commission meetings, 1 city council meeting, spent countless hours with emails, telephone, and meetings. They have been interviewed by the newspaper, tv and radio yet there is no plan to restore our electric. It is frustrating and shameful, yet we are proud of our youth managers. Wayne Morse would be outraged at our elected representatives and he would be in complete solidarity with our managers. Their decorum and attitude at each interview and meeting as well as their efforts at the terrace on Saturdays is admirable. They represent the spirit of Wayne Morse well. They have received little help or money, do your part to show them your support!

Date: Mon, 17 Apr 2006
From: ishiana@comcast.net
To: morsenow@efn.org
Subject: Free Speech

The following is the official statement by the Board of Directors of the Wayne Morse Youth Program.
It is our response to the confusion resulting from the County Commissioners decision not to allow the electrical outlets on the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza to be activated during hours the County building is not open.

Senator Wayne Morse passed on in 1974. At the time he was actively campaigning to return to his Senate seat. A grass roots effort to elect him was rapidly growing, largely among young people. Yes, he had support from people who had changed their minds on Vietnam, many had changed their hawkish stand on the war and once again supported him. In short, many who had not voted for him in 1968 returned and said," You were right Senator, I'm voting for you this time". Surely he was gratified to see his support returning but his spirits were even more gratified by the enthusiastic support of young people everywhere he went. He was eager to attend gatherings of young people wherever they were. He traveled all over Oregon to schools and festivals.

He didn't just give a rousing speech, he took time before and after his presentation to mingle and mix on an individual level with young talent. Afterwards although excited he also seemed peaceful and happy, perhaps feeling some hope for the future in the youth.

After his sudden passing his home and farm on Crest Drive, due to the generosity of his widow Mildred, their three daughters, and others, eventually became a park managed by the City of Eugene. A few years later the main entrance to the County building was designated The Wayne Morse Free Speech Terrace. The Wayne Morse Youth Program began "activating " the Terrace in 1993. We used the electric free until the County began charging us about 5 years ago. Last season we paid around $200. for electric.

In February of 2005 the life size statue was unveiled at the commemorization of the new remodel of the entrance to the County offices now called "The Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza". Over a million dollars has been spent to honor the Senator, including money from the County for the remodel and countless private donors for the statue and all the pavers with inspiring inscriptions. The complete entrance is designed and built for free speech, a fitting tribute to the teachings of this great man.

On March 6 2006 we began our efforts for this free speech season. We went to the Commissioners office paid for the electric and reserved our dates from April 1st and every other Saturday until the Senator's Birthday on October 20th. as we did last season. Our money was accepted and our dates were reserved. Our young people then designed and distributed flyers, rented sound equipment, assembled our canopies and info on the Senator and the other projects our program is involved in. On Friday afternoon, March 31st, we called the Commission office just to make sure the power would be turned on as in previous years. A few times county employees forgot and we had to find someone on Saturday morning. When we called we were informed there would be no power to the outlets at the podium the next day and for the rest of the summer. We were shocked and questioned "why", and were told it was because of illegal behavior at the plaza. We further asked if this was the Commissioners decision and were told that a county employee had made the decision. Many people young and old have appeared at Commission meetings, we have been told the decision stands, The effect of this decision is to lump our program with the negative behavior. Anyone who has been around there knows we are part of the solution not part of the problem. The negative behavior we are being penalized for has been going on for decades. It was there before we started in 1993, also during all of our 13 years there, and will continue after our power has been revoked. It will continue until a uniformed Deputy Sheriff or a City police officer is on duty. For years many, many have asked "WHERE IS THE LAW ENFORCEMENT?" We have persisted with our good efforts in the midst of this mess. We know all too well what is going on there. Anyone familiar with the scene knows we are a positive factor.

In closing, The Wayne Morse Youth Program is based on passing on the spirit of Wayne Morse.
The Board of Directors limits itself to "advice and consent".
We are a grassroots program "of, by and for" young people.

Our oversight is guided by the principles Senator Morse taught over many decades.
We do not micro manage our young people.
Our Co-Managers are held responsible for everyone involved in our efforts.
Anyone who knows what the Senator stood for would know that he would not condone any illegal, violent or abusive behavior. We don't either. We are proud of our reputation. Since 1993 we have been involved with many young people. We support the efforts of those involved in passing on the legacy of Senator Morse. Our mission is to empower youth to develop a political base with the potential to have more of a say so in their future as the current political atmosphere doesn't seem to represent their needs. The Wayne Morse youth have presented themselves in a mature and positive way at the free speech terrace for many years and the city and county should commend and respect their efforts and cooperate with them in this important civic responsibility.

For more information contact our Youth Co-Managers;
Iana Matthews-Harris or Ishi Maderas Woods at 683-0980.

Iana and Ishi can also be reached at our email: morsenow@efn.org

Photograph by Thomas Boyd
of the Register Guard