"What is the problem with graffiti? Why do we hate it so much? Why is it considered "a blight on our community?" Certainly other public art forms don't garner as much negative publicity" - Alex Davis

George,

What are you smoking? Are you kidding me? Art form? Public art? Mr. Davis mocks his own intelligence via such an absurd and ridiculous rationalization. Unless he comes out and tells us exactly what he truly believes. I think it's called wealth redistribution or distributing private property to the public? If not he's got a flawed argument.

George I am absolutely and completely stunned by Mr. Davis' misunderstanding of private property. And ... his insistence to insert class warfare as a tool to rationalize it. I am an artist who has shown his work in town. Please give me Mr. Davis' address so I may paint my art work on the side of the house that he owns.

Lets call it for what it is and not hide behind words like "urban decay." Vandalism becomes public art when you believe it was painted by a person who has a limited income? Oh please.... if I painted the side of your house George, you would not call it a mural. You would call the police. If you'd like to test this premise, I'll come right over. Better yet ... I'll get a poor child to paint the side of your house. Then what would you call it?

It may even be pretty, but it is not public art. It is vandalism. It is not legal.

Tyler Sewell (electronic mail, April 10, 2002)

PS. If you truly do not believe in the, "dare I say concept," of private property, don't sugar coat it Mr. Davis. Say I think property owners should not have the right to determine what will happen to their property. Say the public should determine what private property owners should do. If you have socialist leanings explain them truthfully.