Dear Editor,

To the man in line outside the soup kitchen in Ballard: I am now ready to return your "greeting" from the other day.

I was walking past you, in my sunglasses, deep in thought, having recently lost my uncle, aware of a pain in my back, and reviewing my commitments for the day. When you addressed me without first making eye contact, I was startled and uncomfortable and chose not to respond.

You called after me, under the guise of talking to your companion, with sarcastic drama, "Welcome to Ballard, the friendliest neighborhood in town. So she can't even say hello and give me the time of day. Thinks she's so high and mighty."

My mother always told me if I was uncomfortable being addressed by someone on the street, just ignore them. For this reason I was invoking my choice to be silent.

Did you stop to think how I might feel, walking home alone and being harassed by a strange man? After I told my neighbor what happened, it turns out you and your friends did this to her, too.

I can see how you've ended up in the soup line, blaming others for your predicaments; looking only at your perspective on life. Looks like the world keeps doin' you wrong.

Ironic, that as you bemoaned the "unfriendliness" of Ballard, you were waiting for a free lunch prepared lovingly by volunteers who arrived well before mid-day to give their time and energy to serve you in a clean, heated environment with chairs, tables, dishes, and cutlery for your comfort and convenience, while you gave nothing but derisive comments to a passerby.

Welcome to Ballard, the unfriendliest neighborhood in the city. I have a feeling, wherever you go, it will feel the same.

Kristine Anderson
West Ballard