Letters to the Editor

Regarding Jessica Blanchard's May 3 piece on arsenic in schools, I would like to think that the lab technician was "credited with spotting the problem during routine review." However, he was not named by the reporter or by Ron English. English compounded the error by remarking, "He did not know whether it was a stroke of luck or just good work."

My thought is that since arsenic testing is not usually done, it is exceptional that the employee identified the problem and reported it. That requires a fund of knowledge and a sense of responsibility to the public. He should be recognized and lauded by the paper and his/her boss. The school district should publicly thank him for his service.

Shirley Nelsen
Seattle

RIGHT TO WORK

Don't confuse the issue with basic human rights

In regard to the recent article describing an individual's suit against his union, it is important to realize the true motives of the National Right to Work Foundation and not confuse this situation with issues of either religious freedom or lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.

The case is a clear example of how conservative groups manage to use gay rights as a wedge issue, slowly attempting to divide the labor community from its historic commitment to equality. The National Right to Work Foundation is concerned with little more than stripping individuals' rights to join unions; let alone Daniel Gautschi's access to religious freedom.

First of all, the AFL-CIO does not support "special rights for homosexuals." It simply believes in equity for all workers. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals modestly seek equality.

Further, it should be pointed out that, as a member of his union, Gautschi is given many venues to express his thoughts and concerns about, for example, the use of his membership dues. At the local, national, and international level, unions pass resolutions and take stances on worker-related issues. As members, we all play a crucial role in the development of such decisions. Our unions, indeed, the labor movement as a whole, are only strong when members do in fact take advantage of their position in this democratic process.

The National Right to Work Foundation is hoping that word about this suit will obscure the issues and reveal a risk for labor unions to continue fighting for equality for all workers. The last thing working Americans, especially already susceptible LGBT workers, need is a weakening of either of our movements. As a member of both, I urge you all not to be fooled by these attempts to pit us against each other.

Bruce McIntosh
Seattle

CIGARETTES

Nanny-staters won't be happy till they're illegal

It's obvious that the nanny-staters have a lot of work to do. It must be rather discouraging to see that Washington state sold more cigarettes in spite of the most ridiculous, restrictive smoking ban in the country on top of the third highest tobacco tax. Well, the next step is clear, right? Extend that 25 feet out to 25 miles! That'll do it. But no, that seems rather extreme. So why not just go right for your real goal and ban smoking in cars, apartments, and homes. That's what you're really after. Or just ban sales of tobacco outright. I'm sure the state can get along without that $440 million they'll collect this year.

John Bradford
Poulsbo

VIADUCT

Fix for the structure is absolutely perfect

After months upon years of civic handwringing over the fate of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, we have a winner! Dave Petrie's "perfect solution for the viaduct" (May 11) appears, from the far side of Puget Sound, to be the answer.

This exceeds the removal of San Francisco's Embarcadero freeway -- because for all the benefits provided there, the fact that surface traffic can still bog down in front of the Terminal Building leaves that city with only a partial waterfront solution.

Petrie didn't even mention the subtle perk that his proposal offers: a new "dike" to protect lower downtown Seattle from the 500-year tsunami. Enough of dueling mayor vs. WSDOT. I hope the next P-I front-page feature about Alaskan Way prominently aligns with Petrie's solution.

I'm ready to hear some real news: a waterfront strategy that could cost less than a billion.

Forest Shomer
Port Townsend

LETTER FROM IRAN

Bush should welcome opportunity for dialogue

Instead of scorning Iranian President Ahmadinejad's letter, President Bush should welcome it as an opportunity to open a dialogue over matters of common interest, a dialogue that would be informative not only to the Iranian people but also to Muslims all over the world.

On the topic of religion, a major focus of the letter, Bush might mention that Americans believe in the separation of church and state and in the freedom of everybody to express religious views without interference from the government.

Richard Pelz
Seattle

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