LET'S ALL BE THE BEE
Thank you for your article from Mac McGregor with his 'Be the BEE' safety tips [SGN, Oct. 18] . Happy to see it is an ongoing series.

Some may remember Matthew Shepard, the 21-year-old young man who was beaten and murdered by two thugs and hung on a fence to die near Laramie, Wyoming. It has been 15 years since this horrible tragedy. Since then, we have seen many attacks on Gay people and those thought to be Gay although they were not. We cannot let go of the fact that many foreign and undeveloped countries carry out the same outrageous attacks. Your safety article should be printed and posted in all Gay bars or in organizations that assist our citizens, whether they are Gay, straight, young, or old. It could mean their lives.

Lenny Larson
Chicken Soup Brigade/Lifelong AIDS Alliance
Seattle



REMEMBERING TOM FOLEY
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Speaker of the House Tom Foley. Though I know he has found much-needed peace now, I miss him intensely, and my heart is with his family today.

A giant of American politics, Tom was an urbane and erudite man who embodied the noble institution that is the United States House of Representatives. He was a deeply learned student of history, and he brought to his sage leadership of the House enormous tactical skill and profound understanding of our political system. The House of Representatives was a very different place in the age of Tom Foley, and it is a sad irony that the institution we know today has just emerged from one of its most ominous chapters.

Tom believed in American politics, and he served this country with great distinction for more than three decades. A polished and very effective representative of Washington's 5th Congressional District, Tom was a critical leader of the post-Watergate reforms that re-energized the House after that dark period. He became a splendid Majority Leader who eventually became one of the most respected Speakers in the history of the House of Representatives. Tom left the House in the Gingrich sweep of 1994, but he continued to serve the country masterfully as the very able Ambassador to Japan during one of that nation's most difficult periods.

Tom Foley was a dear personal friend, a mentor, and a great teacher. His passing takes a truly great man from our midst. He will never be replaced, but he will be long remembered with great admiration and deep love.

U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott
Seattle

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