Angel Tower

Re “A Towering Achievement Is in the Works Downtown,” June 17: I don’t want to wake up everyday and behold yet another belligerent image in our society--this time a sword-wielding angel. Why a sword?

Driving downtown on another smoggy summer day, I realized that we wouldn’t even be able to see the tower half the year anyway. On second thought, that would actually be a good thing. If this project goes through, I might just come to appreciate our L.A. smog!

PAUL D. STEENHAUSEN

Santa Monica

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It is amazing that Brett-Livingstone Strong’s “City of Angels Monument” is taken seriously by the city government. For Councilman Mike Hernandez and the mayor to issue resolutions supporting the project is silly. It is similar to issuing resolutions in favor of a bad movie. But unlike a movie we will have to look at this hideous tower every day for a long time.

Why would a city of this size and stature support the design of an architectural monument by a sculptor whose biggest claim to fame is an obscure statue of John Wayne? If Strong really wants to create an amazing monument for Los Angeles, he would use his financial backing to sponsor an open, juried architectural competition for the design, and not force his unenlightened vision on the city’s millions.

JEFFREY ALLSBROOK

Silver Lake

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Strong should build his monument out in the bay. Then it would be California’s answer to the Statue of Liberty.

EDDIE BAKEN

Los Angeles

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I enjoyed seeing Strong’s rendering of his proposed project. I must, however, voice two concerns with the project: The $25 entrance fee is extremely excessive considering once in the facility patrons will be spending money in shops, museums, cafes, etc.

More important, I strongly object to the image of the towering angel wielding a sword high above its head. It is a violent and unnecessary choice. The Statue of Liberty holds a torch and a book--I find light and knowledge far more inspirational than weaponry. Instead of brandishing a deadly weapon, I would rather see the angel with open arms or pointing skyward.

BRIAN FOYSTER

Los Angeles

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Pugin lives! The 19th century architect who brought back recognition for Gothic style and the neo-Gothic decoration of the House of Parliament in London is with us again. Gothic style that has represented for Western culture the expression of religious feeling is now, in the late 20th century, in our City of Angels the expression of today’s religion: entertainment.

GERMAN C. SONNTAG

Santa Monica

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Upon seeing the photo of the proposed Angel City project, I thought, “Batman.” Will we be changing the name of Los Angeles to Gotham City? Where will the roller coasters be located?

Holy monstrosity, Boy Wonder!

JANE GILBERT

Ventura