LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

It's interesting that your candid photo of Jim McDermott holding the sign "Bush Lied" ("Safe in His Seat," Feb. 15) hit such a nerve with the right-wing crowd. It was so refreshing. I am one of the many readers who was delighted with both the image and the message.

Of course Bush lied. Not only did he lie, he cheated and stole as well. McDermott's sign didn't mention those. For starters, with the help of his brother and a dishonest Supreme Court, Bush stole the presidency. From the minute he took office he has cheated the American public of its hard-earned tax dollars for the benefit of his cronies. And, yes, he lied. While I doubt that anyone has managed to live an entire life without the occasional untruth, including Rep. McDermott, the stakes in this instance were particularly high. Bush's lies have cost the American public their cherished constitutional rights. Try getting on an airplane, or even getting paid by a federal agency. Bush's lies have led directly to the deaths of many thousands of innocent people in Iraq, not to mention the needless deaths of hundreds of Americans. Bush's lies have led to a world in which no country can afford to trust any other, where international cooperation has become impossibly risky. That's quite a record.

If I lived in McDermott's district, I would happily vote for him. And as long as Pacific Northwest magazine publishes such images, I will be very happy to read it.

— Marianne Edain, Langley

A grateful constituent

I wish you would have printed the letters in support of Jim McDermott (of which there were many, I'm sure). I and many of my friends truly appreciate The Times' courage in reporting "all" the news, not just what some may think is the "popular" reporting.

Over the years, Mr. McDermott has done so many good things for his constituents, and many people have ultimately forgotten, it seems. Maybe they're too young or just uninformed.

Thank you again.

— Michelle Newbury, Tacoma

An overdose of cynicism

While I can appreciate the humor involved in the pursuit of healthy, sustainable food, Lynda Mapes' article ("It's What's for Dinner," Feb. 8) missed the point: People engaging in this pursuit take great pleasure in it. The acquisition, cooking and eating of wonderful food is fun and is, more fundamentally, a joyful privilege. Further, refusing to give unscrupulous food producers what they most want (your money) feels good. Nothing like "voting" with your pocketbook.

Mapes also offends by making it seem that in buying local, organic, sustainable products, one still causes considerable negative impact. Nothing could be further from the truth. She owes us an explanation of the benefits of this type of commerce to counteract the spirit of hopelessness she proffers. The article was, to an extent, "tongue-in-cheek," but the helping of cynicism was too large, leaving no room for the good stuff.

— Carolyn Boatsman, Mercer Island

Goodness knows

Thank you for printing a letter from Mary E. Embleton ("Eating Locally," March 14). We need more people and more letters like hers. First of all, I believe in supporting anything grown or made locally. It simply makes sense to use local products. I miss the smaller stores we used to have. Each one had different things to choose from, and it was exciting to go shopping. It is more of a drudge now.

I have always disliked buying the huge stalks of celery that all stores carry and most of which is wasted as simply too much. Recently I shopped at our local organic store (Manna Mills) and picked up a nice green and small stalk of celery. I couldn't believe the difference in taste. It was so good I ate several ribs before I put it away. Needless to say I get all my celery and many other organically grown veggies there. The taste is worth the few pennies more that they cost. And certainly it is much better for our health.

Life was much better when we all bought from local producers.

— V.I. Johnson, Mountlake Terrace

Seeds of knowledge

To Valerie Easton, this is just a note to let you know how much I enjoy all of your articles in The Seattle Times, especially ones that include book reviews. I ordered "Flora: A Gardener's Encyclopedia" right after reading your review (Plant Life, Nov. 2, 2003), and have learned much from it. Your Now in Bloom segments are also fun and informative. Thanks for your thoughtful research and fine writing; I look forward to reading many more of your articles!

— Michelle Margroff, Seattle