Readers Write (Aug. 7): Wisconsin shootings, the Olympics, Backpage

Updated: August 6, 2012 - 7:39 PM

We apparently are incapable of addressing the terrible, needless and seemingly endless tragedy of gun violence in America.

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WISCONSIN SHOOTINGS

America's contortions on display yet again

I was struck by the (unintentionally) ironic juxtaposition of the two headlines on Monday's front page: "'Domestic terror' bloodies Sikh temple" and, in smaller type, "War on invasive species ramps up."

We apparently are incapable of addressing the terrible, needless and seemingly endless tragedy of gun violence with the kind of urgent "big" and "bold" plan a new grass-roots coalition proposes for stopping invasive species in metro waterways.

What kind of society endeavors to make waterways free of harm while people are not free from gun violence in the spaces and places of everyday life, including schools, workplaces, hair salons, fast-food chains, candidate meet-and-greets, and even places of worship?

GREGORY L. KASTER, MINNEAPOLIS

• • •

What happened at the Sikh temple in Wisconsin is precisely the kind of violence encouraged by hate-based accusations like those of Michele Bachmann. She certainly didn't ask for that response -- and the Sikh religion is not Islam. But when you stir up hate, you often get a reaction that is irrational and misdirected. She consciously contributes to a climate of intolerance that has historically resulted in such acts of terrorism. Those who vote for her had better realize that this is her norm, not an exception.

ROBERT VEITCH, MINNEAPOLIS

* * *

THE OLYMPICS

Coverage traffics in biases and myths

When Gabby Douglas won her gold medal, I looked at my husband and said, "The Star Tribune will find a way to diminish her achievement" -- and the newspaper didn't disappoint. With its label of "average" ("'Average' gymnast now pure gold," the Star Tribune implied that she really didn't deserve to win. Or that sinister forces of affirmative action helped her keep her balance on the beam.

Of course, anyone who saw her knows she did deserve to win -- her poise, mental toughness, grace and strength were marvelous to watch. What the newspaper neglects to mention, of course, is that all of these athletes were "average" when they were just starting.

BEVERLY WIESNER, MINNEAPOLIS

• • •

Without a shred of evidence, the Star Tribune, in its Aug. 4 editorial cartoon, still recycled the unsustainable rumor that Chinese swimmer Ye Shiwen used performance-enhancing substances to win unfairly. She has been cleared by the London Olympic organization through all the drug tests.

The true casualty of this episode is the creditability of the western media. No one in China will trust its reports any more.

T. T. HUANG, ROSEVILLE

* * *

Sex exploitation

Demand, not supply, is root of problem

I agree with an Aug. 6 letter writer that Backpage.com is only one of many industries benefiting from the sexual exploitation of girls. It may not be the root of the problem, but its sex ads that sell girls symbolize our culture's willingness to traffic in human beings.

The prostitution of girls can thrive only when there is a willing market. The root of the problem is not girls who run away from home (many to escape abuse), but the men willing to buy them and use them for sex. These johns are everywhere. We need to expose them, and they need to take a hard look in the mirror.

REBECCA THOMAN, MINNEAPOLIS

related content
Editorial: Sikhs victimized by homegrown terror

Monday August 6, 2012

The most recent act of terror to demand the world’s attention unfolded in an average American suburb near Milwaukee.
Faith leaders: 'Bachmann's fear-mongering hurts our country'

Sunday August 5, 2012

As interfaith leaders, we are appalled by U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann's discriminatory and unsubstantiated accusations about Muslims.

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The Opinion section is produced by the Editorial Department to foster discussion about key issues. The Editorial Board represents the institutional voice of the Star Tribune and operates independently of the newsroom.
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