Readers Write for Wednesday, Nov. 4

H1N1 VACCINE

A central supply makes a lot more sense

Your Nov. 3 editorial about public vaccine information was right on the money. But it does not go far enough. The vaccines themselves should be public. Why should anyone in need have to wait for a vaccine simply because their clinic or health network lacks supply? Why should someone forgo a flu shot simply because she can't afford one?

If we had a central supply, we could manage the annual flu season and other epidemics much more effectively. Also, vaccines that are needed but not produced for commercial reasons could be available under a public plan. For example, the Lyme vaccine that is readily available for pets but not for humans -- simply because drug companies can't make money on it -- could be available as part of the booster program. I hope public prevention options such as vaccines are part of the national health care reform discussion.

JAMES MATHEWSON, FARIBAULT, MINN.

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I was amazed by the letter complaining that President Obama has had too little negative kickback over the lack of H1N1 vaccine (Oct. 30). The claim is that this shortage would have condemned the Bush administration had it happened on their watch while Obama is seemingly held immune by the press. So apparently, it's political? Please give me a break!

For a virus strain first seen in the spring, we will have more than 30 million vaccine doses in the next week, and this in the context of a solid supply of seasonal flu vaccine. And that disease kills about 35,000 people per year. So the CDC has done a terrible job? Again, give me a break! I'm 64 years old and am in a low-priority age group on this vaccine. And that's fine with me. I want the most vulnerable, including my 8- and 9-year-old granddaughters, to be protected first. And who wouldn't want careful rationing of a limited resource?

The Obama administration has not made a mess of this. On the contrary, the preexisting infrastructure of the CDC has made the counterattack on H1N1 very effective.

JOHN F. HETTERICK, PLYMOUTH

THE WAYS OF ICE

After review, custody status can change

Contrary to the assertion that Hoa Nguyen was released from custody "because heavy hitters and a multitude of friends complained publicly" (Letter of the day, Oct. 28), Nguyen was released once U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) determined that it would likely take months to obtain a travel document from her home country, and after reviewing all the circumstances of her situation.

ICE continually assesses the custody status of each individual and, pending removal, may temporarily release those whose circumstances warrant it, with specific monitoring requirements.

SCOTT BANIECKE, FIELD OFFICE DIRECTOR, ICE, BLOOMINGTON

WAR IN AFGHANISTAN

Obama picking up pieces of bungled policy

In criticizing President Obama for taking too much time to reconsider our strategy in Afghanistan (Opinion Exchange, Oct. 28), U.S. Rep. John Kline advises how he frequently visited Afghanistan as a member of the House Armed Services Committee over the past seven years. How is it that he never spoke out over these past seven years of the complete mismanagement of the war in Afghanistan?

With the new administration taking a hard look at a legitimate strategy and then implementing this strategy fully, Kline suddenly finds fault. Let's give our president and commander in chief our full support as he attempts to recover from eight years of a badly managed war effort.

RALPH PAMPERIN, CHANHASSEN

VIKINGS SWEEP PACKERS

Nothing but love for Childress, Favre

My hat is off to Vikings head coach Brad Childress, who directed a incredible game in one of the most hostile environment: Lambeau Field.

I have been calling for this man's head since the fifth game of his first season. I didn't feel he was the right fit, with his playing-it-safe-to-win strategy. And it seemed to me that there was a disconnect between he and his players, as well as with Vikings fans.

Against the Packers on Sunday, Brad showed all the traits I have wanted to see in a coach -- poise, aggressive choices, fire and tenacity!

Maybe I have been too hard on him!

I am so grateful to the Star Tribune for giving the public an outlet to be vocal about a team we love and share it with countless others.

STEVEN GREHL, ST. PAUL

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Last summer, during Brett Favre's period of being unable to decide whether he wanted to play for the Minnesota Vikings, I wrote a letter to the Star Tribune that was published. It simply stated: "I have two words for all you fans who are excited for Brett Favre to join the Vikings: Herschel Walker."

I now have two more words: "I'm sorry."

DON HABERMAN, ORONO

THE PUBLIC OPTION

Clearly it's cheaper than private insurance

In response to the Chicago Tribune editorial (Nov. 3) opposing a public option for health care: Of course, a public health care option will raise taxes. But if a public health care option raises your taxes by $5,000 per year, and you no longer have a $10,000 per year private health insurance expense, by my Minnesota math, you will come out ahead by $5,000 every year.

By every accounting, a public option will be less expensive than private insurance. You will have economies of scale by everyone contributing into the public option (through taxes), the "CEO" of the public option will not be making $25 million per year, the public option will not require a massive advertising budget, and a public option will not be building skyscrapers in its honor.

TOM OBERT, ALEXANDRIA, MINN.