Painting a pretty picture. (reader forum).

Has Los Angeles painter Jeff Griggs been sniffing too much paint ["The President, the Painter, and Porn," May 27]? I'll give him credit for a beautiful painting, but when he says "He's for us" in talking about George Bush, I wonder which "us" he's talking about. If he is talking about GLBT Americans, I refer him to the story on page 14 of the same issue of The Advocate, in which White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the president believes that Sen. Rick Santorum "is an inclusive man" despite the senator's antigay remarks.

Dave Cutler, Tampa, Fla.

I felt some sympathy for Jeff Griggs when I read of the way some were trying to diminish his accomplishments and talents due to earlier experiences. That sympathy quickly turned to believing the gentleman to be quite naive when I read that he actually thinks Bush is "for us." The Bush administration takes actions every day (and encourages inaction) that threaten "our" ability to live lives as good partners, loving parents, successful employees, and engaged citizens. As soon as the Administration supports ENDA, domestic-partner benefits, freedom to adopt, same-sex unions, increased domestic AIDS funding, and so on, I will be convinced. Mr. Griggs must believe, however, that "we" want something else. Maybe it's that booming economy that is making him feel so good!

Kevin Howley, Blue Bell, Pa.