Where in this newspaper is the feeling that I have in my mind laying responsibility of a dead spaced-out drug addict at the feet of the parents who let him become that way? They should be prosecuted for turning such a predator into our midst! Not the officers trying to subdue that animal!

No wonder New Times is free. Who'd actually spend money for it?
Chuck Rehfeldt
via Internet

Editor's note: Chuck, I'm just so moved--even overwhelmed--to know that you're the kind of nonsocialist American who doesn't mind being strapped into a chair by a sheriff's deputy who wants to play like he is an electric bug zapper, and your testicles are blood-swollen mosquitoes. Really. I just don't know what to say.

So, in his latest publicity-seeking venture of the female chain gangs, Sheriff Joke Arpaio was heard to state: "Let them earn their baloney sandwiches." Well, someone should tell the sheriff that regardless of whether they earn them or not, he has to feed them by law! He is full of baloney, anyway.

Marshall Yingling
via Internet

Graves Concern
In response to Michael Kiefer's article about the many remains that are still being exhumed at various locations within Arizona, the writer stated that there is speculation that the Pima may have driven out the Hohokam ("Carlota Complaints," September 12).

Please be informed that there is also speculation that the Pima brought the Hohokam into their group, and/or vice versa.

It is always important to do good research, especially when a writer is in speculation mode. Thanks.

Adrian Hendricks
via Internet

I am writing concerning Michael Kiefer's article "Carlota Complaints." It is pretty obvious to me that not very many people want to see this mine go through. The only group truly pushing for it is the mining company itself. So why do we continually allow our cultural and environmental heritage to be plundered?

Big money is the root of these problems with our political system. The Mining Law of 1872 is still on the books because mining pals lobby our representatives with thousands of dollars in campaign contributions. Typical congressional candidates usually only receive 20 percent of their funds from small contributors in their districts. It's time we demand our representatives start representing the people in their districts rather than special interests and wealthy outsiders.

Americans Against Political Corruption is a campaign of concerned citizens asking politicians to support widespread campaign finance reform. We are asking candidates to commit to passing the following reforms in the first 100 days of the next Congress:

1. Make politicians raise 75 percent of their funds in their districts.
2. Limit campaign spending with a constitutional amendment. This is the only way to set mandatory limits on total spending and use of personal wealth.

3. Limit campaign contributions to $100.
4. Give voters better information by providing all candidates with free time on TV and radio and free mailings.

5. Give voters more choices on the ballot by establishing a national initiative petition process.

Reform is critical if democracy is a true goal in American politics.
Brian Lowry
Tempe

Paper Rings
Gotta say New Times has been more than inspirational to me and my "New Times-addicted" friends over the past years. I only wanted to take time out to inspire the staff in its efforts to continue providing the excellent "real-life adventure" stories, calendar of events, affordable classified ads, etc., for all.

Please consider covering the following topics, as I'm sure they would be very interesting, especially with the New Times edge: the Phoenix Zoo's ZooLights (this must be seen to believe); weekend get-aways," where to go, how much money, etc.; organized desert adventures/campouts for the hip; "local focals," selected photographs/stories from the average Arizonan (who submit, gratis).

I apologize if some of these are already covered and I am unaware of it. I don't get New Times as often as I would like. It is the best, however, and thanks for the awesome Web site. It's one of the coolest around!

Charles R. Gillespie
via Internet

Electric Endorsement
Thanks for mentioning Electric Ballroom in Best of Phoenix 1996 (September 19). I'm convinced that David Holthouse is well on his way to picking up where Lester Bangs signed off. His "Shooting Stars" article was a classic and is still taped to my fridge. However, the "Best" review contained a couple of inaccuracies that I'd like to drive a stake through.

This constant Los Angeles comparison is driving me up a wall. I am from New York City (born in the Bronx)! I did live in L.A., briefly promoted (with my partner Jim Torgensen, who's an L.A. native) shows at the Roxy and Whisky and played drums in Radio Free Europe. However, after dealing with "pay to play," earthquakes, the 1992 riots and the other seven plagues of the Bible, I got entirely sick of the place and couldn't wait to move to the land of the $5 table dance. In fact, the No. 1 reason that I decided to buy Electric Ballroom was because it reminded me of my favorite club, the Ritz, when it was located in Greenwich Village during the late '70s and '80s.

As far as being reviled by the Tempe scenesters--I don't know, are we? One has a residency every Monday, the Refreshments have played here more than 30 times (including a full weekend in August), the Chimeras have their record-signing party here when they play with the Sand Rubies on October 11; the last time I checked, these bands were considered among Tempe's finest. The Fender Showcase Room (maybe because it exudes that charming "cramped dive bar" atmosphere) has been extremely effective in attracting Mill Avenue bands since we opened it in 1995. Which, by the way, was the very last year that I wore my notorious vest. (Give a guy a break. It takes a while to get used to 150 degrees in the shade.)

David J. Seven, owner
Electric Ballroom
Tempe

I was really pleased with "The Thrash, the Techno and the Metal" article by Frank Smith about the music scene (September 19). He's great!

M. Reynolds
via Internet