Dick Russell
Los Angeles
Missing Numbers
Subtraction faction: Contrary to the opinion of Tom Rex, identified by New Timesas an economist for Arizona State University, that Arizona must increase taxes to assure a healthy future, the state must do the opposite -- reduce taxes and spending as rapidly as possible ("Fiscal Fissure," John Dougherty, November 29).
Arizona needs to sink to the bottom of every statistical list concocted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census and the liberalogues, such as Carol Kamin, boss of the Children's Action Alliance.
The quicker the state goes to the end of such lists, and the more national publicity it gets to that effect, the sooner people will stop coming to Arizona. Better yet, some of the people who live here now will pull up stakes and rush to such centers of enlightenment as California and Washington, D.C.
Benefits of fewer people for Arizona will be enormous. Among these will be improved air quality, particularly in Maricopa County; less precious groundwater extracted; fewer crimes committed; fewer dropouts; etc.
It is obvious that Rex, one of those taxpayer-supported academicians, hasn't thought this matter through. Arizona requires more low-wage jobs and all that goes with them so that people will go, go, go.
Earl Zarbin
Phoenix
Ballpark Basics
Armchair quarterback: Count me among those who agree with Name Withheld ("BOB Bailout," Letters, November 29). Bank One Ballpark has indeed shown itself capable of handling football, and the fact that it is already built in a great location should make it an easy decision for its multiple use. However, since there are no peripheral development rights to be garnered by the Bidwills, I'm betting that they'd turn it down flat.
J. Patrick Mertz
Phoenix
Water War
Trading places: How big of an ass is Ken Kendricks?! Don't rich people have any decency? Any shame? Any kindness ("Dry Noon," Jennifer Markley, December 6)? This guy acts like he is a victim. He should step off his soapbox and wise up. Elissa Fulton has every right to the water from the well. Fulton's business has existed longer than Kendricks', so it's basic common sense to share it, but it's apparent that Kendricks lacks common sense and doesn't know what sharing is.
Fulton's trading post is probably what gives Bumble Bee its character and has its regulars who come for some good food and a drink. Small towns like Bumble Bee are all about places like Fulton's trading post: a charming place to get homemade food and unique gifts. Kendricks is just cashing in on more people who have money to throw around and who think camping is spending a few nights in a ranch house.
I am sickened by Kendricks, and he needs to realize he isn't in competition with Fulton, so why does he feel the need to run her out of business? He may not look at it that way, but that's exactly what he is doing. I think Elissa Fulton should keep up the fight and take Kendricks for all of his "deep pockets."
Maggie Courtney-Hubbard
Phoenix
Dead Ahead
Keep on truckin': Sorry to see that Andy Klein is as unoriginal a writer as the rest of the "Dead Dislikers/Haters" ("Jerry Meander," November 22). It really is time to let go and take a breath. The movie Grateful Dawg was about a collaboration. It wasn't a biography. It wasn't intended to be a tell-all. Clearly, Mr. Klein is quite preoccupied with Jerry's death due in part to drug use and, sadly, abuse.
I suggest Andy do his own tell-all and let the world know what a weak and, I guess, talentless guy Jerry Garcia was. I know he is probably champing at the bit to let the world know that Jerry and the "Dead" were just a bunch of lucky chaps who just got onstage and "jammed" (hell, anyone can jam, right?) and somehow made a lot of money and created a lot of fans.
Andy is right. They never showed (in the movie) Jerry shooting heroin, and therefore Grateful Dawg has no credibility. Come on, Andy, you can do better than that! I know there must be something profound within you.
Robert J. Ward
Chaska, Minnesota
Music Man
Missed hits: You missed a couple of albums devoted to being "famous and tired" ("Famous and Tired," Serene Dominic, November 29). One that has probably been mentioned is The Wall by Pink Floyd, which is based in part on the fall of Syd Barrett (original guitarist of the band). The other album is the Kinks' Lola vs. the Powerman & the Money-Go-Round, Part 1. (Part Two became the Preservation albums.) It is a fierce attack on the music industry, ranging from song publishers ("I hate your music and your hair is too long/But I'll sign you up because I'd hate to be wrong"), unions ("Get Back in Line"), the media ("Top of the Pops"), those who actually make the money off of records ("The Moneygoround" and "Rats"), touring ("This Time Tomorrow," "A Long Way From Home"), trying to cope with it all ("Apeman"), and finally, withdrawing ("Got to Be Free"). Plus, the album contains the megahit "Lola."
Christopher Heckman
Tempe
