Corrode, then erode
The hypocrisy of our local government officials is unbelievable. Danny Westneat’s May 19 column “Who are we to judge Arizona?” [NWWednesday] quotes Mayor Mike McGinn saying the Seattle City Council’s boycott of Arizona speaks to our values.
How does it speak to our values based on the fact that the boycott bypasses the largest contract with Arizona for the red-light cameras? These cameras bring tons of money to local government, but we continue to hear about huge budget problems.
I may not agree with Arizona, but let the state deal with the fallout of its actions; let us worry about our own problems. Citizens’ support for local government would continue to erode based on what we see and hear, and it would have lasting effects for this area.
— Fran Whitehill, Shoreline
Turn off your red light
As a Seattle native, I am ashamed of the recent City Council action to boycott Arizona. Having served the city for more than 15 years, owned a business in Seattle and even ran for Seattle City Council, I am now retired in Tucson.
Sorry Seattle. I voted for a sunny instead of a rainy retirement.
I am embarrassed by the boycott vote. Did any of our seven council members read the law before they voted? I seriously doubt it. What it says, as an example, is if you are stopped for a traffic violation, you will be asked for your driver’s license and registration. If you do not have them, you might be held to check documentation.
You would not be questioned in any way because of the color of your skin. So what’s the difference? Your license is run through a system to check for any arrest warrants.
Is our esteemed City Council aware that a half of all illegal immigrants entering the United States do so through Arizona? Could it be any wonder that 70 percent of Arizonans support the new law? And exactly what business is it of Seattle or any other city to tell Arizona how to handle its laws, which are being violated?
Mexico President Felipe Calderón said that the illegal immigrants are not illegal despite 111,000 Mexicans entered legally last year and are now citizens of the United States. Los Angeles also did this and we reminded the city that a quarter of all their water-generated electricity is supplied through Arizona.
Perhaps a reverse boycott should be considered? I hope Seattle loses its red-light cameras and I am sure that would disappoint many Seattleites.
— Bob Days, Tuscon, Ariz.
Never again
Since the Seattle City Council has boycotted Arizona, I plan to boycott Seattle. I will never shop in Seattle again.
— Larry Blanchcroft, Shoreline
Staying on the Eastside
With Seattle being the latest city to pass a resolution boycotting Arizona, I thought I would chip in too. Wild Ginger, Pike Market and a couple of watering holes such as the Pyramid Alehouse around Safeco Field will not be getting any more patronage from my family. We are boycotting Seattle and will keep our money on the Eastside.
— John Hession, Redmond