TO THE EDITOR: Sandeep Kaushik's most recent writing about the Nader candidacy ["He Came, He Spoke, He Failed," April 8] proves only one thing: Sandeep, like so many other Democratic Party-aligned columnists, imagines that a belligerent screed is an acceptable response to principled arguments.
Only days after announcing his first coherent economic proposal (lowering corporate income-tax rates), Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry has announced a "progressive" budget which promises to fail to balance the long-term fiscal outlook of the U.S. while simultaneously continuing the Bush-era military-spending train wreck at the expense of programs such as early-childhood education and mass transit. Don't hear Kerry issuing major criticism of the spectacular foreign policy flameout now taking place in Iraq, as long predicted? Well, that's because he can't; you see, he voted for it.
Does Sandeep have any substantial reply to these sorts of real issues with Kerry? Of course not. It does not seem that any Kerry supporter has any reply. All those who choose to question Kerry and support Nader get is an unending succession of belligerent screeds.
Cliff Frensley
ANNOY THY NEIGHBOR
TO THE EDITOR: I live one block from Calvary Christian Assembly, and in my opinion this ["Church Law," April 8] is a relatively minor example of how CCA is not a good neighbor. They "daylight" all three of the bedrooms in my house with their floodlighting all night long. I had to put in light-blocking curtains, and I can only imagine how bright and unpleasant the new signs will be. (Not to mention tacky!) They are the main force behind trying to keep the light rail line from going along Eighth Avenue--the western edge of the church property--which also happens to be along the freeway. They instead want it to bisect the entirely residential area of 12th Avenue. Not good neighbors, not at all. I can't wait to move.
Misha Williams
NO SPECIAL RIGHTS!
HEY, AMY: It infuriates me that Calvary Christian Assembly gets special rights. I'm all for rights but when they run roughshod over other citizens' rights (the sign issue) or endanger children (the Sumner kids being taught in an unsafe building) it is just WRONG! If the Roosevelt neighborhood plans to fight and wants help, here are the names of a couple of organizations that may be able to help them out: Americans United (www.au.org) and the Freedom from Religion Foundation (www.ffrf.org).
Lacy L. Gargan
BAD ARTIST, NO COVER
TO THE EDITOR: I was disappointed to see last week's cover of The Stranger featuring the art of Parskid. Parskid is a graffiti vandal who not only spray-paints his depressing art all over the city, he also paints those ugly big heads on businesses, vehicles, and even over other artists' work, namely the Troll in Fremont. For one artist to paint over another artist's work is very uncool. So I'm surprised to see you rewarded this person with the cover of your paper. If this gets published, and Parskid, if you read this, go get a life. Going out to tag buildings on Friday and Saturday nights is what losers who weren't invited to parties do.
Michael Oxard
STRANGER READERS PLEASE TAKE NOTE:
AprIL IS ALCOHOL
AWARENESS MONTH!
DEAR EDITOR: April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and with the school year nearing its end, young people in the Seattle area are getting reading to attend proms and graduations. When it comes to helping prevent underage drinking and drunk driving during these activities, we all play a role in encouraging safe, responsible celebrations.
That's [why] K & L Distributors, the local Anheuser-Busch distributor, has teamed up with parents, educators, community groups, law enforcement officials, and others to help prevent underage drinking and drunk driving. A key way to do this is by encouraging parents to talk with their children about difficult issues, such as drinking. One of the ways we help is by providing "Family Talk About Drinking" and "College Talk: A Guide for Parents of College-Bound Students About Drinking"--guidebooks and videos. These materials are available free for parents by calling 206-808-6080 or they can be downloaded at www.familytalkonline.com and www.colltalkonline.com.
As we delight in seeing our young people dress up in prom dresses and tuxedoes and caps and gowns, let's all do our part to remind them that responsibility matters and underage drinking should not be part of their celebrations.
Sincerely,
Gene Torrey
K & L Distributors
DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS: Last week, we reported that under a new plan for replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct proposed by the People's Waterfront Coalition, a four-lane, surface-level Alaskan Way would carry between 50,000 and 90,000 cars a day ["Nothing Goes Here," Erica C. Barnett, April 15]. In fact, the plan proposes dispersing that number of vehicles throughout the city by improving downtown arterials, upgrading I-5, and other changes. The coalition expects that only a portion of that traffic would be carried by Alaskan Way.
