Kudos to those on the marketing team at Bud Light: They have created another way to appeal to consumers by airing a commercial in which legendary NFL lineman Warren Sapp surprises a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan by storming into his house dressed as a pirate. The fun continues as Bud Light decorates the fan's home in full pirate regalia. I wonder, however, if this would be as celebratory had they chosen to surprise a fan of the pro football team from Washington, D.C. Would it be acceptable for a headdress-wearing Art Monk to charge into a fan's home? Or for Joe Theismann to emerge from a teepee in someone's back yard, acting like a "Redskin"? My guess is that this would make most people cringe, as it should, and we are (thankfully) not likely to see an ad like this. This is indicative that, no matter how much some people try to convince themselves and others of the contrary, this mascot is offensive and has absolutely no place in any league that considers itself "professional."

Noah Keller, Minneapolis
The U.S. ROLE

Isolationism sounds pretty good to me

"Turkey strikes its own Kurds" (Oct. 15) — etc., etc., etc.? I am not internationally savvy, but it seems to me that the whole Middle East is a cesspool, has been for at least 1,500 years and will continue to be no matter what we do. Let's get out, cease being involved, let the whole area clean up its own mess ("What will you do during the war?" Opinion Exchange, Oct. 15). Maybe in another 1,500 years they will get it right. Let's bring all of our troops home, quit sending dollars (no matter what we do, we are still hated) and take care of the multitude of the problems in the United States — close our borders. Our assets are not bottomless, nor is the patience of the U.S. people. Enough.

If I sound like an isolationist, I am.

Bob McCool, Lino Lakes
IMMIGRATION

Abundant resources aren't good enough?

After reading "Somalis seek support in Eden Prairie" (Oct. 12), I was confused by the headline. As I read through the piece, I was struck by the wealth of services Eden Prairie is already providing the Somali community, to wit: significant housing options; a Somali police officer (reserve); free resources for housing and filling out job applications; monthly programs for Somali mothers; language coordinators to help families; provision of an immigrant liaison helping 20 to 30 people a day with social services and jobs; a school district providing a Somali communications coordinator; free classes for Somali speaking parents; ESL for Somali students, and so on.

It would appear, even from this cursory glance, that Eden Prairie is doing yeoman duty to provide for this Somali community. However, a Somali dissident states: "In Eden Prairie, we are an island," a comment that says more about the Somali community than it does about Eden Prairie. Lack of English-language skills and educational prowess will create barriers initially, but as with all new immigrant groups (Irish, Polish, etc.), hard work and diligence eventually will lead to a melding into the fabric of the "American" community. It's a choice: Does one wish to remain outside or assimilate?

One difference, however, that I see between the new immigrants, typified by these Somalis, and the immigrants of the last century is the attitude of the recent immigrants that somehow America owes them. To the contrary, they owe America a huge debt of gratitude for opening to them a land of freedom.

Janice Moe, Edina
SEX ABUSE

Prevention is an issue for all of us to address

An Oct. 15 letter writer asked of the Catholic Church: Where are the efforts to make sure child sex abuse doesn't happen in the first place, rather than responding to it when it does? I believe that question was answered in a recent commentary about pedophilia as a disorder for which help should be available before people abuse children ("How society acts as a catalyst for child molestation," Oct. 7). So I think the question posed — what is in place to prevent people from abusing children? — is not just a question for the Catholic Church. It's for all of us. For me, not stigmatizing pedophilia is part of that answer. There needs to be help before harm can occur. As a nation, we have nothing, whereas Europe and Canada do. That must change.

Jeff White, St. Paul
NICOTINE POISONING

Minnesota law will address packaging

The Oct. 15 front-page story on nicotine poisonings ("More kids poisoned by nicotine in e-cig refills") left out one important detail. It notes that "officials are calling for child-resistant caps" for the bottles containing liquid nicotine used in electronic cigarettes. It fails to mention that Minnesota adopted a law requiring child-­resistant packaging just this year.

On May 5, I offered an amendment to the omnibus health policy bill requiring such packaging. The House adopted the provision, and it was included in the final bill. It takes effect on Jan. 1.

I hope that this important law will prevent children from being poisoned by nicotine.

State Rep. Mike Freiberg, DFL-Golden Valley
HALLOWEEN

Another perspective is that it can be fun

In response to an Oct. 14 letter about Halloween ("Some perspective regarding the holiday"): As a mother, grandmother and teacher of young children, I feel the letter writer has had some bad or ugly experiences with Halloween. I was lucky enough to have wonderful memories, creating a costume and trick-or-treating. I held fun parties for my children, and now my daughter wants to do the same for her child. We had pumpkin-carving contests, silly games and lots of laughter.

Halloween is a very fun and unique time to just be a kid; we all become adults too quickly sometimes. I think you can put a spin, as the writer did, on many very sad things that take place in our world. I say to kids: Have fun creating your costume and trick-or-treating, and enjoy this one special evening to use your imagination. Just remember to say "thank you" for the treats.

Diane McKeever, South St. Paul
GOVERNOR'S RACE

From Johnson, gripes, but what would he do?

While listening to highlights of the recent debate between Gov. Mark Dayton and challenger Jeff Johnson, two statements by Johnson got my attention:

1) MNsure is not working and must be replaced.

Not said: I will work to replace it with [briefly, my plan] that will provide low-cost health care coverage for all Minnesotans.

2) A minimum-wage increase is not the answer to providing a better standard of living for the working have-nots.

Not said: The answer is [briefly, my idea] that will provide all Minnesotans with a better standard of living.

These are the things that I, as a voter, want to hear — not negative statements.

Richard Raser, Savage