Despite the two recent setbacks in the civilian space program (after all, space flight has inherent risk), but considering the successful landing of a European probe on a comet, I am truly optimistic that man will soon return to the moon and thereafter visit Mars. Unfortunately, because of the lack of commitment, focus and resolve our government has been showing these past 20 years, I don't believe that any of these explorers will be American.

Keith Reed, Rosemount
VOTER TURNOUT

I ran; I lost, but many didn't weigh in at all

I was a first-time candidate for a suburban house race in Minnesota ("Cynicism deters candidates, voters," editorial, Nov. 14). Although I typically spend summer and fall doing much of the activities we Minnesotans all love — boating, golfing, family vacations — I signed up to be a candidate, and that meant much time this year was dedicated to knocking on doors, making phone calls and attending meetings. My opponent was doing the same. On Nov. 4, it was up to the voters to decide, and my opponent triumphed with a total of 9,083 votes. I called her to congratulate her, and she thanked me for keeping the campaign "healthy."

Our district had one of the state's highest turnouts, but looking at the 9,807 registered voters who did not turn up at the polls, I am not sure it was a "healthy" campaign season.

Denise Packard, Rosemount
COLLEGE COSTS AND CUTS

Is U in denial about what students face?

University of Minnesota regent Richard B. Beeson omits critical facts in his Nov. 5 counterpoint "4 ways the U is holding down student debt."

The cost of an undergraduate degree is not limited to the debt incurred ("less than a new car"). That debt is incurred only after students and their parents have exhausted savings and student earnings. Beeson also fails to recognize the debt incurred by students in the graduate and professional schools (in the range of $150,000 to $200,000 for many).

The reduction in the percentage of operating expenses paid by the state is not simply the result of a reduction in state appropriations. The U budget exploded from $2 billion in 2002 to $3 billion in 2012. Skyrocketing tuition far exceeded the reduction in state appropriations.

The calculation of net price classifies student loans as "financial aid." The Minnesota Daily (March 31, 2011, editorial) refers to a U administration that relies on this calculation as being "driven to deception."

The cost savings "identified" by the administration have been exceeded by increases in other administrative costs. The report on administrative costs presented to the regents in October once again shows a net increase in administrative expenses. Those costs now consume 29 percent of the total operating expenses listed in the report.

Michael W. McNabb, Lakeville

• • •

The U could help by placing a higher value on educating Minnesota kids ("State is fifth in student debt load," Nov. 13). The difference between the U's in-state vs. out-of-state tuition is one of the lowest in the Midwest and probably the country. In-state tuition is $13,624 and out-of-state is $20,876, a difference of $7,252. At the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in-state tuition is $10,410 and out-of-state is $26,659 — a difference of $16,249. The University of Iowa's difference is $19,330.

If a Minnesota student would like to attend a school like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he or she will pay $31,505, while a student from North Carolina will pay $6,423. The University of Minnesota needs to stop subsidizing out-of-state students and focus on helping those from here.

Tom Gregory, Victoria

• • •

What a disappointment to learn that the culinary arts program at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College may close enrollment to new students because too many graduates default on their college loans ("When chef's wages can't put food on the table," Oct. 25).

Culinary arts programs teach people to prepare healthy and delicious meals, important in a society where we all want to eat better. In a different world, these graduates would be employable in local hotels, universities and restaurants, where they would receive a living wage for their labor. Instead, potential employers outsource food catering and other services to companies who have no investment in the local economy.

Until we put human lives and aspirations before capitalist profits, this is our bleak future.

Karin Aguilar-San Juan, St. Paul

• • •

The Nov. 13 Star Tribune quotes a new college graduate as noting that college is free in Germany. We here in the United States should find out how the German people do that. Once we discover their secret, students here won't ever have to worry about paying tuition and U.S. taxpayers won't have to be concerned about funding the insatiable revenue-appetites of the institutions of higher learning. Free means free … right?

Jeff Johnson, Brooklyn Park
WINTER ACCIDENTS

Take the people, pets; leave vehicles behind

Time for new thinking on winter accident emergency response. Rescue humans and pets, but leave the vehicles, which are safely in ditches or medians, until after rush hour.

Last week, rush-hour traffic was tied up for at least two miles on Hwy. 7 while an SUV with a slightly crunched grill was pulled out of the median, a frequent winter occurrence. This cost thousands of other commuters time and fuel, risked follow-on accidents, disrupted businesses and added to air pollution.

Take uninjured humans and pets to the nearest place of safety, where they can arrange for transportation and a later tow. There are lots of convenience stores and the like along major commuter routes. Emergency responders, highway helpers and tow truck operators would spend less time in hazardous traffic during rush hour.

Michael Hindin, St. Louis Park
VETERANS

A generous action by a young person

On Veterans Day, I pulled into a gas station to fill up. I'm a proud Vietnam vet and have license plates that express that pride. Just as I was about ready to put my credit card into the gas pump, a young man stepped in front of me and put his card in instead. I said, "You can't do that." He said, "Oh, yes, I can. You served your country during a very unpopular time, and this is my way of saying thank you." He walked away, got into his car and drove off. I stood there in disbelief, with tears running down my cheeks. There is hope for our young people!

John Kelly, Bloomington
MINNEAPOLIS

Yes, let's pay attention to the good things

Thank you for including a positive editorial about Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau and Mayor Betsy Hodges ("Post-'Pointergate, can we be serious?" Nov. 13). They, along with so many people — including neighborhood organizations, churches, nonprofit organizations, police officers, city officials, companies and volunteers — are doing so much to help improve the places that we live, work, play and worship. I am hopeful that the Star Tribune and local TV and radio stations can be more supportive of the good things that occur daily in our city.

Doris Overby, Minneapolis