Branching out
I appreciate your article on the deforestation of Madison's east side ("A Tree Falls in Madison," 10/2/09). Be aware that a massacre of more than 100 healthy trees could occur in the Hillcrest-Upland Greenway (Sunset Village neighborhood), on the near west side.
This story deserves its own coverage, but for a quick synopsis, it involves the removal of multiple dozens of mature trees so that city engineering can address water runoff/sewer problems.
Many in the neighborhood support an alternative plan that keeps the existing stream open and as natural as possible. It would retain the majority of trees now scheduled for slaughter.
If canopy coverage is a priority for this city, now is the time to voice concern about this proposed project.
Jane Raymond
Cutting a tree down is not a tragedy. Children dying in a war is a tragedy. Cutting a tree down is not murdering a tree. Slitting another human's throat is murder. I am a liberal Madisonian tree hugger, but come on, folks, let's get a reality check.
Chris Quandt
How about some kudos for the tree-trimming that private tree services have been doing these many years? By your own account, 90% of the trees in the city of Madison are privately owned.
Dennis Harrington, The Care of Trees & Turf
Police arrogance
I read with interest your story about Chris Dols (Watchdog, 9/11/09), who was cited by Madison police for hawking the Socialist Worker to passersby. Major crime, huh?
Then I read with interest your story about Nathanial Abrams (Madison.gov, 10/2/09), who was cited for playing music in Lisa Link Peace Park. Another major crime, right?
Methinks the cops are skating on mighty thin ice. This is police arrogance on top of a personal power play. What better use of police power and resources? Ask any taxpayer.
Kristen Zehner, Marshall
What that photo shows
Your article "Robert Rauschenberg's Closeup," (9/25/09) describes one image as showing "soldiers on patrol in Vietnam." This is not correct. The photo actually shows a jeep carrying members of the California National Guard's 40th Armored Division at the Watts Riot in Los Angeles in the summer of 1965.
I know. I was there with the 49th Infantry from Northern California. The 40 DELTA sign painted on the jeep bumper indicates that it belongs to the 40th Armored Division (the DELTA being the shape of the armored division shoulder patch).
You have a GREAT PAPER! The first thing I do when I come into Madison is look for Isthmus.
Jack Greenspan, New Glarus
