Letters

Having successfully spent millions on infrastructure and a host of other perks for the ballpark, our parasites had no qualms about raping us with another hefty act of corporate welfare and guarantee of tens of millions if private industry cannot make a profit to suit its agenda ("The Hotel Emergency," Flashes, July 1). The insolence in overriding the clear wishes of the citizens indicates they believe they have the money to continue to win elections.

As the burdens of education, police, fire protection, infrastructure, transportation, utilities, courts, prisons, ecology, water, trash, etc., continue to increase and overwhelm, more and more corporate structures with political muscle get exemptions from taxes. The program of city, county and state is simple; show the need and raise sales taxes, entirely unmindful of the "simple" fact that sales taxes are a cut in income, particularly for those who can least afford the cut.

It doesn't look as though the voters will take action in view of the barrage of propaganda on one side and the absence of money to disprove the spin.

Name withheld by request

Amy Silverman was right on the money when she said there was a "crisis of confidence" for the Phoenix City Council ("Four Bore Years," June 24). When the council members invoked an "emergency" clause to put the Marriott deal through, it cheated the public out of its right to vote on what happens to their downtown (not the council's). Phoenix voters will not forget that. And they shouldn't, either.

The money used to pay for Marriott could've been used on homelessness, education and any number of other things. Is it more than just coincidence that this Marriott deal came down at the same time that a state agency decided to cut back on programs that provide services for mentally ill children?

The Arizona Republic said this vote was a vote for progress and the future. If so, what kind of dark future are we progressing to?

Jon Krieger
Phoenix

Molest We Forget
As the founder and director of the National Foundation to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse (www.childsexualabuse.org), I cannot thank you enough for your article exposing the darkest side of the foster-care system in Arizona ("Fostering Sexual Abuse," Terry Greene Sterling, July 1). Unfortunately, I suspect that the situation is not much different in other parts of the country.

Terry Greene Sterling's writing style grabs the reader by the throat and does not let go. She does great work.

Jody Gorran
via Internet