Muralist’s Arrest

* Re “Artist Allowed to Challenge Legality of Arrest for Mural,” May 27: Artist Mike McNeilly paints gigantic advertising murals on the sides of buildings for profit. When L.A. Councilman Mike Feuer blocked the painting of one of these unsightly monstrosities, McNeilly decided to try an end run by claiming his right to free speech was being violated.

Knowing that an advertisement would elicit little sympathy for his claim, however, he began to paint the Statue of Liberty. Who could complain about something as patriotic as the Lady? Should his claim be upheld, though, I can pretty much guarantee that his next mural won’t be of his mom holding an apple pie. It’ll be right back to the lucrative beer, jeans, cars, etc. I do hope the courts won’t be taken in by this man’s patently money-grubbing ploy.

MIKE KVAMMEN

South Pasadena