I usually look at Wally’s World first thing after the police blotter and always enjoy his column and this last one was no exception. I could not agree more on Wally’s assessment of local life and I really like hearing his accounts of Enumclaw’s history as well as the larger world we all have to share.

I have only one issue regarding Michael Jackson. His impact cannot be judged from our Eurocentric perspective. I think I get the adoration he still enjoys worldwide. I think he made it OK to be a person of color and blasted through barriers in pop music. Wally, remember the elation we felt after seeing “A Hard Day’s Night?” Let the rest of the world feel that same elation. His personal history is going to be pretty muddy for a long time. But after living out their lives, false icons always end up being like the rest of us, don’t they?

I was one of the folks that downloaded “Thriller” after Michael died.

Wally, call me sometime. I’d like to buy you a drink.

Jeff Chang

Enumclaw