BUILDING BLOCKS

TO ERICA C. BARNETT: With the economy and the government in Washington (as in many other states) owned and operated by the corporatocracy, builders, developers, and the military-industrial machine, and with profit before people being the state religion in Washington (as in many other states), don't expect Seattle or Olympia to be going all-out to build new community centers or new low-income housing in this century [In the Hall, June 26].

The main function of state and city governments is to generously grant the captains of industry the tax breaks, rezoning requests, height-limit exceptions, and everything else they ask for.

The political machines of Washington State and Seattle (euphemistically calling themselves "Democrats") work strenuously to build and to fill Paul Allen's and Benaroya's condos and office towers, thereby congesting cities like Seattle with condo gentry and their tanks, with legislative and city council rubber-stamp acquiescence.

They have housing departments that do nothing for baristas and Social Security survivors, who surely cannot afford to be tenants of Paul Allen, Benaroya, and their ilk. The day that Seattle or Olympia launch new low-income housing for all who need it will be the day that Seattle is blanketed in snow. But who knows what the 22nd century will bring?

If one thinks that snafus and false starts are to blame—and not deliberate policy, read up on the glorious history of the neocons, Iraq, and imperialism. Or read up on the great icons of statesmanship and advocates of low-income housing, like Nixon, Reagan, Clinton, and the current prophet in the White House.

On the bright side, one gives credit to the political establishment for the building, renovation, and maintenance of the libraries.

Bob Miller

MORMONSCHISM

TO DAVID SCHMADER: I appreciated the frankness of "How to Not Get Married: On a Deadline" [June 26]. As a Mormon, I have a hard time maintaining any sort of interest in the church while they are actively trying to suppress something that I feel should be an obvious right. (I was fuming when I heard about the announcement given to church members in the California area to put their money toward enacting the ban on gay marriage. That's just not acceptable.) I also appreciate the word of tolerance that was added. Some people are never going to understand certain issues and it is important that both sides accept each other as people, not as ways of being. This should be disseminated far and wide.

Greg Corey

YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH

TO PAUL CONSTANT: It's called a "Star Fleet Uniform" [How Not to Get Married: In a 'Star Trek' Outfit, June 26]. And everyone who is willing to put on that uniform is well aware of the responsibility and honor that come with it.

PB

ROACH CLIPPED

TO ANNIE WAGNER: I saw WALL•E yesterday morning and totally agree with your review [On Screen, June 26]. The movie is delightful, moving, and visually stunning. And all those references to previous films and Sigourney Weaver voicing the computer were brilliantly executed.

One thing though... as a native New Yorker, I have seen a cockroach or two in my life. WALL•E's companion/sidekick is not a beetle, but a cockroach. Which makes sense, as our hero is compacting and schlepping trash in a city that resembles a post-apocalyptic downtown New York. Besides, haven't we always heard that Twinkies and cockroaches would out-survive humanity? Ugh, I know....

Leave it to Pixar to create a cockroach we could both root for and actually fall in love with. Ahh, the power of film never fails to amaze, does it?

Viv

SISTERS AREN'T DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES

TO DOMINIC HOLDEN: Thank you for that short article on lesbian health care ["Gay Women's Health Crisis," June 26]. I moved here in 2004, and have noticed that there are few organizations here set up and run for the benefit of lesbians for any reason. You talked a little about funding, but what about the general lack of lesbian community in this city? And the lack of a volunteer mentality within the lesbian community? We have to do it for ourselves, no one will do it for us, but it would be nice if this topic were explored in more depth.

I don't read The Stranger very often anymore, but I turned to your article because I was disappointed with the queer feature section. Considering The Stranger's short attention span and lack of manners, I didn't figure on finding a short article on lesbian health care in your paper. Thanks—and keep on writing the way you do.

Theresa J.