Having lived on the Island for 32 years now, I must say I agreed with Will North (“Vashon’s plastic candy canes: Are they past their sell-by date?”) for the first decade or two, about the plastic candy canes. But lately, it warms my heart to see those amazingly kitschy, ugly canes adorn our fair town for the “season.” They’re almost a thumb in the nose to slick, commercial Xmas.

First, I’m amazed that they still exist. And they still light up. And they say, “Happy indulgence in sugar and spice,” which we can use more of in these troubled times.

I say let’s spend the money that we might spend on more modern decorations on the homeless people being forced from the woods.

And who’s the Grinch who tried to squelch our beloved elves? What’s this Island coming to?

— Stephen Silha