Road rage
I am outraged that the new transit system called LogistiCare wants to save money by reducing riders ("No Transit for You!," 6/17/11). They are doing it on the backs of the mentally ill, who can least afford it. It is discriminatory and illegal to hire an out-of-state private company that puts profits ahead of people. It should be state-run transportation. I have a friend who is poor, and if this passes she cannot afford to pay. Besides, they are asking too many questions - this should be confidential.
Russell Novkov
Bohemian rhapsody
Thanks for remembering our old friend "Android P. Bohemian," as writer and political activist Andy Boehm often called himself ("The Milieu at the 602 " Isthmus 1986," 6/17/11). You also brought to mind other onetime denizens of the depths of "The House of Sparkling Glasses" with whom we're no longer able to share a schooner - film mavens Colin McCamy, Tim Onosko and Mark Bergman. And there was bartender Mitch, the longtime right-hand man of 602 Club owner Dudley. Mitch didn't suffer whiners gladly. One day, a fellow at the bar was complaining about what a rotten town Madison was and announced that he was moving to California. Mitch's response: "Out the door. Turn right."
As another late Isthmus contributor, legendary broadcaster and writer George "Papa Hambone" Vukelich, said, "Memento mori, paisan."
Rick Murphy
Fearless Lueders
With the departure of Bill Lueders, Isthmus has surrendered the services of a top-flight investigative storyteller and columnist (Making the Paper and "Fond Farewells," 6/17/11). Whether rousing the rabble or raking the muck, Lueders could be relied upon to enlighten, educate and entertain.
He wrote in a fearless fashion. His making public the facts and fictions that pertain to the administration of our society by powerful forces certainly has made him enemies. He went where the story took him and probably found himself in dark alleys at late hours more than he might like. But he went there for us.
No one will be able to fill Bill Lueders' shoes, and we readers will miss him. Thanks, Bill, and may your inkwell never empty.
Bill Sumner