The headline "Getting a handle on snow removal" (Nov. 13) should have read: "Slave labor for heavy lifting." Ten dollars an hour, shovels provided, four-hour shifts. That's what workers were paid to remove heavy snow from the stands at TCF Bank Stadium for today's game against Ohio State. It's a pretty sad commentary on a Big Ten football stadium that cost more than $300 million to build and on a university where the university president makes a salary of more than $600,000.

The cost of an upper-level corner seat for Saturday's game is $47.88, and the cost of a lower sideline seat is $300. These snow shovelers can't even buy an upper-level seat, a hot dog and a cold beer with their wages.

Polly Pabst, Wayzata

• • •

How ironic is it that we are more concerned over the identity of those shoveling snow from the stadium than we are of those voting?

Yes, you needed two forms of identification, including either a Social Security card or a birth certificate, in order to be handed a shovel. Yet to vote for those who have significant influence over your life, a utility bill or lease agreement will do.

If snow continues to be a problem at the stadium, I wonder if they will allow someone to vouch for your shovel?

Joseph Polunc Jr., Cologne
VOTER TURNOUT

The government is us, so let's participate

Two letters in Thursday's Star Tribune made specious claims regarding low voter turnout.

One claimed that people don't vote because they depend on government — but we all depend on government whether it be in the form of police or safe drinking water. Such dependency merits more, not less, voting.

The second claim envisioned voters as spectators in the stands. Our system of governance makes us all a part of the team. Our government is of the people, by the people and for the people. Everyone has a responsibility to this team whether they choose to sit on the bench or not.

A more accurate understanding of why people don't vote can be found in the implicit argument both writers make — that our government is not ours. The idea of "the government" as beyond our control and inherently bad has been a claim by both the left and right. Perhaps it is time for all to stop complaining and do something to make a difference. Voting is a good place to start.

Bryan Haugen, Mayer
HOLIDAY HOURS

Some people work; that's how life is

In response to the two Nov. 13 letters criticizing stores open on the Thanksgiving holiday: Will you not support the police, firefighters or hospital workers? These people will be on duty for our protection and needs. How about a factory that runs 24/7? All of these occupations require around-the-clock work.

Would these people like to be home with their families? Sure, who wouldn't? But people have to work these jobs. Just face the fact that some people have to work holidays year-round, not just on Thanksgiving.

Gary Jensen, Franklin, Minn.

• • •

The stores I will patronize are Micawber's, Speedy Market, the Little Wine Shoppe, Noll's and other locally owned establishments. And I don't have to go on Black Friday (or Thanksgiving Day). The money spent in such businesses doesn't go to big, out-of-state corporations.

Local businesses, here I come!

Mary S. Hegge, St. Paul
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

Voter intelligence isn't the real issue

I objekt to to the claam that Americanns arr too dumm to understand national healthkare ("MNsure analyst faces heat over past comments," Nov. 14). I no what I need too no about it. Doktors and hospitals and medisin cost a lot and most of us can't afford it. There mae bee easyer ways to due it, butt it needs to be dun.

Ardis Wexler, Edina

• • •

I must submit that it's not the intelligence of voters that we need to examine. I think we're all intelligent enough. If it's true that honesty about the Affordable Care Act requiring those most able to help pay for the health care of those less able would have killed it immediately, then it's not the intelligence of voters that's at issue, but rather the moral integrity of voters.

Karl D. Sommer, Bloomington
ENLIST DUO COMMENTARY

Herbicide is pesticide, but that's not the issue

I'm not sure what type of "technical professional" a Nov. 14 letter writer is, but he is quite misinformed to criticize the terminology in the "Beware this dangerous new pesticide" commentary (Nov. 12). He takes issue with the herbicide Enlist Duo being called a pesticide, since "[p]esticides kill insects." Since he is so concerned about proper terminology, he should know that the term pesticide refers to both herbicides (that control unwanted plants) and insecticides (used to control insects). If he doesn't agree with the position of the original article that the use of these herbicides could also affect wildlife and insects, he's going to have to come up with a better argument.

Steve Christensen, Inver Grove Heights

The writer, a scientist, is retired from Dow Chemical.

'POINTERGATE'

You've got to know when to fold 'em

Regarding "Pointergate," I would like to extend an invitation to KSTP-TV reporter Jay Kolls, station owner Stanley Hubbard and Minneapolis police union president John Delmonico to come over for poker night. Because these are three men who have demonstrated that they are eager to go all-in on the journalistic equivalent of a pair of twos.

Robert Alberti, Minneapolis