Sinking bridge, sinking empire

The new 520 bridge leaks [“Cracks seep as bridge work goes on,” page one, Nov. 14]. Seventy years ago, Washington state built the world’s first major floating bridge. We didn't have problems of any major degree with it leaking until we cut several holes at the waterline during the month of November just before a major storm. Who would have guessed that would happen?

Now we have given a contract to a firm that builds pontoons that start leaking before they even leave the assembly area.

Along with our bridges sinking perhaps it's just our whole empire sinking. The solution: Let's get more money involved in politics and our elections.

— Francis Hamilton, Seattle