Walked down to Occidental Park during lunch to see Michael Magrath’s salt sculptures of Iraqis, the ones that local news outlets are being stupid about. There are three of them in the square, scattered between the people and tables and trees. They are an Iraqi man, an Iraqi boy, and an Iraqi man carrying an Iraqi boy. Their details are an odd mix of careful and crude, and they faintly sparkle in the sun.

One of those Ride the Duck tour boats on wheels rolled up beside the park. The tour guide announced in his microphone: “The white statues are made of salt. They’re designed to melt in the rain. They’re a memorial to 9/11.” That was his whole explanation. “Here on the left is the best bookstore in Seattle…”

Sheesh.