Mailbag

The Border Was a Good Thing for Many Yaquis

When Jose Matus says, "We didn't cross the border; the border crossed us," that does not describe the situation with any accuracy ("The Border Crossed Us," Currents, May 24). It was fortunate for the Yaquis that there was a well-established border for them to cross, because from the Porfirio Diaz era until the years following the Mexican Revolution, the time of many of their migrations, they faced extermination or slavery south of it. No border, no escape.

Garth Gould


A Helpful Money-Saving Idea From a Reader

To save money, why not put the laws passed by the Arizona Legislature in the News of the Weird? Just a suggestion.

Judy Hubbard


We Should View Streetcar Construction as a Unique Opportunity

I like Tig Collins' turn of mind—especially how she views the streetcar construction project as an opportunity (TQ&A, May 24).

It's an opportunity that the downtown and Fourth Avenue powers that be are missing out on. Why? Because this construction project could spark a lot of creativity in an area that's known for it.

Why not have evening art shows on the fencing? Or a Battle of the Buskers on Fourth Avenue sidewalks? How about promoting the construction project as a backdrop for music videos?

We could have construction-watching parties. Ever watched a construction job in progress? It's fascinating. I seem to recall reading about a Chicago project that became so popular that the construction company had to set up bleachers.

One final idea: Offer some recognition to the people doing the hot and sweaty work on this job by featuring them on trading cards. Or throwing them a big party. After all, we're Tucson. We're good at throwing parties. All of these things could bring money into an area that really needs it.

Martha Retallick