I'm wondering if Mr. Anderson, so ready to pony up 20 cents for each disposable bag, is looking at the big picture or has the bag over his head?

For the thousands who signed the petition it wasn't the issue of cost - a Fauntleroy address or White Center - although there is something to be acknowledged about that.

How could this law possibly cover every shopping situation? How pervasive?

Would this be large grocery stores alone? And what of independents? Hardware stores? Specialty shops? Bakeries?

I hear it again and again: most who do have the cloth bags are on a mission and yet still forget to bring them.

And the point of "paper or plastic" for those who have done some reading, as opposed to mere tree hugging, is complicated. It is, we've learned, on par with electric cars and alternative fuels. When it all really gets broken down and added up it is no longer black or white. It is immense shades of grey.

There is, indeed, much to kvetch about in our current world. It's a new world and in many respects, not a better world, but if plastic is his bag he might find that it is not plastic bags that are littering the streets, it's more like plastic cups. Probably the kind he uses for his local latte.

Andy Helman

West Seattle