Art in tough times.

• Position: Letters to the Editor - Letter to the editor

As a graffiti writer, I must first point out one thing in Luis J. Rodríguez's article, "In Hard Times, Turn to Art" (Match issue). A graffiti writer and a graffiti artist are not one in the same. Notable graffiti artists, such as Fafi, turn an artistic talent into a career. A graffiti writer paints in protest.

We paint our identifying moniker on businesses and city property, but never personal vehicles or homes. We steal our paint and other supplies. They choose to silence the faceless poor? We force our face upon them and let them pay our way. Believe me when I tell you, a real graffiti writer, whether an artistic visionary or a crude...