Westonka schools worth supporting

On Sept. 6, our oldest son attended his first day of school. In that flurry of backpacks, nametags and kisses goodbye, all the reasons why our family moved to the Westonka School District became a reality.

This is a close-knit community that truly values the exceptional education offered by Westonka schools. My wife and I want our children -- and those throughout our district -- to experience this high level of quality for years to come. We want them to have every opportunity, in and out of the classroom, to learn, grow, make great memories and have fun.

For this vision to be a lasting reality, our schools need our help now. Their budget can't keep up with inflation and a demographic of declining enrollment.

Our community will be asked to cast an essential vote on Nov. 6. Please take this opportunity to show your support of all children in the district, those in school now as well as those whose first day will come years from now. Please vote in favor of the Levy For Learning.

MIKE WHERRY

MOUND

Don't question Petraeus' integrity

This morning when I read the Star Tribune's website, I was completely stunned and flabbergasted by what assaulted me. Namely, it was the poll question "Will Gen. Petraeus give an honest report on the situation in Iraq?"

That my hometown newspaper would dare to question the honesty and therefore morality of one of our military's best men left me speechless. After regaining the power of speech, I yelled "How dare you!" at the treason on my computer monitor.

Not only is this man a four-star general with decades of experience, he also has a Ph.D. in international relations from Princeton. He is risking his life to fight for his nation, and instead of supporting him, you question his integrity.

Sickening.

This has gone too far. Calling someone a liar by questioning his honesty and integrity is personal. That is not honest dissent. Policy disagreements are honest dissent, but personal attacks are not. In fact, they are slander.

TAYLOR SWANSON

EDEN PRAIRIE

Representatives failed us on Iraq

I believe all those senators who voted to support President Bush to go into Iraq were lazy and not doing their jobs. They failed to assign their "helpers" to research the issues so they could make intelligent decisions.

The American voters should take responsibility for the mess in Iraq. We sent such incapable people to Washington to represent us. Sen. Mark Dayton should be praised for his vote to stay out. I don't think he has gotten enough press on that.