Letters to the editor for Wednesday, Dec. 24

I have literally spent hours watching the live feed of the review of the challenged ballots in the Senate election. Comments from individuals around the world are glowing: Minnesota should be so proud of the job being done to complete this recount in such an aboveboard and transparent manner. I can't help but be proud of my state.

Then I read about e-mails sent out stating that Al Franken is "stealing" the election, and money is being collected to help Norm Coleman get back what is rightfully his.

My thought: It's time for Gov. Tim Pawlenty to speak up in support of his state and not his party! He must state publicly that he supports Secretary of State Mark Ritchie and the process being followed to complete the recount. The governor must defend the honor of Minnesota.

BARBARA THOMPSON, COON RAPIDS

I was disappointed to read that the Republican president I voted for is unilaterally implementing a multibillion-dollar giveaway to Detroit automakers.

First, the move is a mistake because it subsidizes the failed management practices of the overpaid executives running these companies and rewards the union bosses who have helped destroy American car manufacturers' competitiveness by demanding 1950s-style employee benefits and inflexible, outdated work rules. The president's move also discriminates against the 113,000 or so Americans producing cars for Toyota, Nissan and other international car companies right here in the United States.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection would have righted Detroit back to profitability by demanding cost reductions and changes to bloated operating procedures. Auto executives can now artificially put off these tough but necessary reforms, thanks to American taxpayers.

Bush clearly feels strongly about his position, and has every right, albeit to the chagrin of conservatives, to use the bully pulpit of the presidency to fight for it, but his actions needed congressional consent.

American policymakers must do everything in their power to preserve and create jobs in these challenging economic times. And there are good ideas on both sides of the political aisle to get the mighty U.S. economy moving again. But federal subsidies for corporations failing because of mismanagement and excess are not the way to do it.

ANDY BREHM, MINNEAPOLIS

The Dec. 19 letter writer who argues that America should simply stop allowing immigration of any kind must be unaware that immigration fuels economic growth in this country, especially when immigrants take less-skilled, low-paying jobs that Americans increasingly turn down.

He also must not realize that the church does not condone illegal immigration, but instead believes in reforming the process so people are not forced to break the law to enter our country. The Catholic Church does not believe in a blanket "amnesty" for current illegal aliens, but to the contrary calls for a multistep, earned legalization process for those seeking to obtain legal permanent status. If America intends to remain competitive in the 21st century, it makes sense to formulate a process that allows people both their dignity and an opportunity for a better life, along with the chance to contribute to our great nation.

It is not uncommon to go to a college party and find people passed out on the ground. So why is it that our country is so infamous for excessive binge drinking, alcohol-related deaths and alcoholism? This is because people are taught from a young age to drink alcohol this way.

By making alcohol this "bad thing," young people go all out when they are exposed to it. Binge drinkers are more likely to become alcoholics than people who enjoy an occasional glass of wine or a beer.

My point is, why don't our youth learn how to drink from their parents? I'm talking about a responsible glass of wine at the dinner table, under the supervision of parents. Young people need to be taught that drinking is about relaxing with friends and family, not getting wasted every weekend and making bad decisions.

CHRISTINA KERSTEN, RICHFIELD

During an otherwise bleak fall and winter, three happy dudes came to town and made us smile this month:

• LeBron James, the great Cleveland basketball player. He jumped onto the scorer's table at a Timberwolves game and sang along during a Christmas carol.

• Yao Ming, another giant who graced Target Center with his smile and basketball ballet. He donates millions of dollars for schools in his native China.

Yes, Virgnia, there still are people who bring us joy at Christmas time and all year long.