Letters to the Editor

GODFORSAKEN HELLHOLE

Stranger: I find myself in the position of devil’s advocate on this
one (no pun intended) [“Rock God: The Holy Spirit Comes to Neumos,”
Jonah Spangenthal-Lee, Nov 20; see also “Crossed Out,” page 17]. While
I am a liberal agnostic and have no interest in the Mosaic Community
Church and would probably disagree with their politics, I must say that
I feel that they have a point. To be blunt, Capitol Hill IS a
godforsaken hellhole. When I do plug my nose and go to a show at a club
on Capitol Hill, I can’t help but get the feeling that I am in the
coldest and most heartless place on earth. I want to take a bath when I
get home. I say that Mosaic Community Church should have a presence on
the Hill; they couldn’t make it any worse than it already is.

Steven Martin

GOD: UP-AND-COMING

Dear Editor: They pay, let them be. Neumos has always been a popular
spot for up-and-coming artists; why can’t the MCC be thought of as the
same? If you don’t agree with the message, don’t listen. Simple. I’m
sure this won’t last in Capitol Hill, but give them their 15
minutes.

Dani Johnson

MAGIC UNDERWEAR

EDITOR: Mormons are annoying, but so are you [“Let’s Mock Mormons!”
Nov 20; see also “Let’s Mock Mormons… Again!” page 9]! I agree that
it’s frustrating that the Mormon Church used their power and influence
to get their members to pay their way to a Prop 8 victory, but I think
it’s equally frustrating that The Stranger is so juvenile when
it comes to handling the aftermath. How about using that creative
energy in other, more productive ways? Like, say, actually having a
lucid debate column analyzing what has happened instead of referencing
magic underwear two times a paragraph. Cheap shots and disrespect will
only get you so far.

Unsigned

HAVE A DRINK

Editor: The Washington State Bartenders Guild’s number-one goal is
to expand our state’s awareness of cocktails, spirits, wine, and
beer—and Bethany Jean Clement’s story we believe really hit the
spot with what we believe in and what we will achieve in the coming
years [“Spirit Portfolio,” Nov 20]. As you sit at the bar of one of the
bartenders of the WSBG, you can feel pretty comfortable in knowing that
this bartender really cares about the drink that he or she is making
for you, whether it’s a classic pre-Prohibition cocktail, perhaps a
cocktail of their invention, or a great wine or beer. There are many
spirits at our bars that most people are unaware of, and you can trust
a WSBG bartender to find great uses for these liquors—so stop in
to one of our bars, sit at the bar, and ask the bartender to mix for
you your new favorite cocktail.

Andrew Friedman, President, WSBG

A MARRIAGE
PROPOSAL

EDITOR: I understand and respect both sides of the Proposition 8
issue [“Anatomy of a Protest,” Nov 20]. However, if marriage was
traditionally a Christian practice, then why are we rewarding that
practice with tax breaks, benefits, etc. for married couples? I have no
problem welcoming gay marriage and various other gay rights. However,
there will need to be massive changes done to our current legal and tax
laws.

We should revoke every religion’s 501(c)(3)—a federal tax
exemption for charities, research organizations, and various other
organizations that are of some benefit to society. How many charitable
organizations have the massive buildings that religious organizations
have? Do we see scientists with Armani suits, lavish homes, and flashy
automobiles?

The funds that are created from the taxing of religious institutions
should go toward fixing our legal system and tax codes so that people
who truly want to get married should be able to do so and do it for the
reason that it was originally intended: love.

Matthew Thomas
Cornwall

LAPEL-PIN GESTAPO

EDITOR: I’m one of those people who—since the
election—feels proud to be an American for the first time in
eight years. To show it, I’ve decided to buy an American flag and fly
it from my house on Inauguration Day in January. I’ve never owned a
U.S. flag before, much less displayed it on my house. But it feels
right to do it now. I sure think it’d be cool to drive around Cap
Hill—and the rest of Seattle—and see flags everywhere.
After having our patriotism questioned for so long, isn’t it time to
show those Republican/red-state SOBs that we really DO love our country
just as much as they do? Let’s reclaim our flag from the lapel-pin
gestapo.

Paul