I read your recent article (Tom Shafer, Oct. 18) in the West Seattle Herald and absolutely enjoyed it. I was born and raised in West Seattle. My father was raised here, and my grandmother lived in the same home in West Seattle for almost 50 years. My father, and I both graduated from West Seattle High School. I have seen the West Seattle political environment change over the years.

My grandmother was the secretary of the Republican Club in West Seattle for years. She loved a good debate and it was these debates that made me really think. It seems now people just listen to the sound bite on the evening news and believe what is said.

When I was growing up, being a Republican in West Seattle was acceptable, now, not so much. The new liberal point of view in West Seattle has come from many outsiders moving to the area. I don't mind Democrats, I just have noticed that Democrats in the area have no tolerance for a conservative point of view. I find this ironic as Democrats call conservatives "closed minded," and not "tolerant" of others beliefs. I find that Democrats are not tolerant of my beliefs despite my continued respect of others.

I have subscribed to the West Seattle Herald for years, and for years I have been exposed to the liberal point of view. I am pleased to read that you will be writing about another point of view. I know how it feels to be the lonely Republican. I am a Conservative woman living in West Seattle. Keep up the good work.

A Federal Employee

Admiral