Letters to the editor for Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Wearing her theologian's hat and her patronizing attitude, Katherine Kersten informs us that it's the "pride," not the "gay," that the Catholic Church objects to ("The real story behind the gay pride issue at St. Joan," June 30). Presumably, then, a prayer service held as part of a gay humiliation festival would be perfectly acceptable.

Somehow, "pride is sin" rings false coming from an institution that claims that its own immutable doctrine is the sole answer to all the complexities of humankind.

NAN BOOTH, MINNEAPOLIS

She has His number? Regarding Kersten's June 30 column, is there a greater sin of pride than claiming that you know God's will personally?

MARC CONKLIN, ST. PAUL

Proud to be American? So Kersten thinks that "gay pride" is "out of place in church" and considers it a sin. I wonder if this ideology also applies to national pride. Is Kersten proud to be an American?

As usual, her biases sever her from reality and integrity.

Read a good book The problem with homosexual advocate Michael Bayly and members of St. Joan of Arc parish appears to be a failure to read their bibles. They should read them often and from beginning to end.

They are partly right: God does love each of us. However, he neither loves nor endorses any immoral actions we may take. That's why he gave us his Ten Commandments and a book of his word which he wants us to not only read, but also study and obey.

HAP CORBETT, STAPLES, MINN.

I was one of the legislators who attended the meeting with executives of Sun Country Airlines , and I didn't come away thinking they had asked for a bailout ("Sun Country's treats come with a price tag," June 27). Rather, they explained their current difficulties due to the high price of jet fuel and described several options they are considering to get them over this rough patch.

For one, they have an excellent marketing plan, pitching themselves as the Twin Cities' hometown airline -- and rightly so, since they are owned by a Minnesotan. They also make the point that Minnesota travelers are benefitting from competition on popular routes.

SEN. DICK DAY, R-OWATONNA, MINN.

The June 25 editorial was right to highlight the importance of bus safety. We share your concern, which is exactly why we require all interstate motor carriers registered in the United States to meet stringent safety standards. These standards include vehicle safety as well as physical qualifications and operating rules for drivers.

In 2007 alone, federal, state and local law-enforcement officials conducted more than 144,000 bus inspections. As a result of those inspections, 2,065 drivers and 9,978 buses were taken off the road.

We strongly urge organizers of charter bus trips to check our website when considering for-hire bus companies (go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/outreach/bus/bus.htm).

JOHN HILL, WASHINGTON;

CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION

I am outraged that the State National Guard leaders and their wives are attending the meeting of the Adjutants General Association of the United States in the Virgin Islands -- at taxpayers' expense, I might add.

Our troops are being killed and maimed in this ill-conceived war, and, in addition to our paying for that, are we to pay for meetings in exotic, expensive resorts?

These meetings could and should be held at military bases, where they belong. And what do spouses contribute to this mix that we should bankroll their free rides?

JEAN BARRETT, EDINA

Can he be serious that this practice is unknown among liberals? What about the roadblocks placed in the way of conservative justices? Isn't "prochoice" a litmus test for Democrats? And does he really think that Barack Obama will appoint those who disagree with his policies?