Seattle is facing a troubling rise in graffiti along the I-5 corridor, with estimates surpassing 10,000 tags, reflecting a deteriorating city image. Authored by Charlie Harger, the article captures the frustration of residents and taxpayers burdened by cleanup costs. Vandals are using innovative methods, such as fire extinguishers filled with paint, making graffiti more visible and harder to remove. Although some police efforts have led to arrests, the overall problem persists. Harger links unchecked graffiti to urban decay and diminished community pride, referencing the 'broken windows' theory to argue for a reevaluation of law enforcement priorities.

He calls for treating graffiti as a serious crime and emphasizes the need for rapid cleanup programs to restore order and pride among Seattle residents.