- Illustration by Suzette Smith
RE: "Grass Sass," a collection of letters in response to "Smoking the Grassroots" [News, July 12], in which commenter Blabby argues that legalizing and taxing marijuana would not generate any more revenue "than we would taxing apples."
DEAR MERCURY—Not arguing whether pot should be legalized, cuz I don't care. However the comment about it being a crop and the state not taxing things like "apples" is WRONG. Ever hear of the grape tax?? Yeah, we do make money off of crops.
-mttherapist
DEAR MERCURY—These letters about pot legalization are really off the mark, and I don't know where to begin. It's not about "cheap pot," as one letter suggests, and it's not even really about taxes. It's about all the money and lives wasted in pursuing, arresting, and jailing pot users and growers nationwide.
-evnjmevanjm
RE: Yes, we DO still have requests from women in area jails seeking pen pals—glad you asked! Make your new friend today!
Hi, my name is Rawnie. I am 33 years old, serving a life sentence, and enjoy writing and meeting new people. I am 5'5", 150 pounds, and enjoy running and exercising, and sharing my love for God. If this sounds interesting, write to: Rawnie Henry, Madison County Jail, 15 North 2nd East, Rexburg, ID 83440.
RE: "Pump Up the Volume" [Feature, July 19], about the prevalence of local podcasts, including a list that in no way claimed to be comprehensive.
DEAR PORTLAND MERCURY AND ALISON HALLETT—First off, you made a big, bad booboo by forgetting to mention permatorium.com in your recent podcast issue. Our Permatorium podcast talks about human turduckens, tanned b-holes, The Bachelorette, and Judge Genital, and usually features an idiotic, homemade song at the end.
-Kayarrhea and Beth Willie
RE: Cover art [July 12].
DEAR MERCURY—I couldn't be happier that you featured a Boris Vallejo painting on your cover last week. I love Boris and Julie [Bell]'s paintings, and it's been fun seeing those ridiculous proportions and hyper-masculinity around town all week.
-Dennis McMillan
RE: "The Last Black Bar" [News, July 19], profiling LV's Twelve-22's efforts to adapt to a changing neighborhood.
My wife and I (we're white) moved to the Fremont neighborhood last year, and while stumbling home from drinks on North Williams, we stopped in the Twelve-22 for one more cocktail. We knew nothing about its clientele or its reputation. We were low on cash, so when asked for a $10 cover at the door, we politely said "no thanks," and proceeded to leave. That's when a gentleman approached and told the doorman to let us in free of charge. He then thanked us for stopping in, led us to the bar, and personally introduced us to the super-nice gal bartending. We ordered a drink and danced to a set of fun '80s and '90s R&B classics for the next hour. We were welcomed and treated with respect by everyone. Check out Twelve-22—we want it to stay in the neighborhood.
-Jason and Sami
THANKS FOR SHARING, Jason and Sami—indeed the Mercury staff's experience at LV's thus far has been similarly delightful. Speaking of delights, we offer you tickets to the Laurelhurst Theater, where you'll find films depicting all walks of life.
