Readers Write for Sunday, Nov. 15

ABORTION AND HEALTH CARE

Ending a pregnancy isn't treating a disease

Some of the Star Tribune editorial writers, columnists and cartoonists seem to be concerned that conservatives of both parties have insisted that no government health care money be used to pay for abortions. I disagree with their stance.

Abortion is not health care. Pregnancy is not a disease. How can the deliberate destruction of innocent human life be called health care? It violates the doctor's Hippocratic Oath.

GREG PROM, ST. ANTHONY

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President Obama's promise to the American people was that no one would be forced to lose her or his present coverage under health reform. That promise was undermined through political gamesmanship in the form of the Stupak-Pitts amendment on abortion. The amendment violates the spirit of health care reform, which is meant to guarantee quality, affordable health care coverage for all.

In fact, this amendment would create a two-tiered system that would punish women, particularly those with low and middle incomes, the very people this bill is intended to assist.

GERI KATZ, MINNEAPOLIS

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

Marriage was broken long before gays wanted in

In her Nov. 15 commentary, Katherine Kersten returns to the same tired arguments as she rails against gay marriage. But her argument does not logically hold water.

By adding gay marriage, the sacred act might actually be strengthened by the addition of thousands of souls who do believe marriage is a lifelong covenant and who have fought for years to be able to affirm their relationships. If so many gay couples have stayed together for years without the benefit of any societal or legal bond, then just imagine what their addition to the married ranks might do to help make the institution of marriage a sacred promise again.

LESLIE OLSON, ST. LOUIS PARK

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Kersten states that "marriage is anchored in a primal biological and social fact: Sex between men and women creates new human beings." She goes on to say, "Marriage channels men's and women's sexual attraction into productive ends." Please!

Marriage as a contract is based on property rights and inheritance, primarily between the head of household and his or her progeny. The purpose of marriage has little to do with the welfare of children or how "boys and girls flourish best," as Kersten advocates. Just because two people are married doesn't mean their children will flourish. In fact, children from a "same-sex" marriage do just as well as children from a heterosexual marriage.

If we could be certain that the mother/father nuclear family would consistently rear well-adjusted and productive children, well, then -- hallelujah, we've found the answer to America's woes.

But what really produces well-adjusted and productive children is a home where children are loved, respected, nurtured and encouraged to be all that they can be. Parents who can provide that kind of environment are what's needed, no matter the parents' gender.

MARY SWANSON, APPLE VALLEY

'U' ATHLETICS IN TURMOIL

Time to teach athletes a hard lesson

I have been a Minnesota Gophers sports fan for a few decades. I try to get to as many Gophers basketball and football games as I can. However, I agree with your Nov. 8 editorial, "A troubling pattern of misconduct at U," that the university must deal more effectively with student-athletes who break the law.

It's probably true that many gifted athletes are used to getting their way and lead somewhat of a charmed life because of their talents. Apparently, some even feel that they can break the law.

It is time these young men learn that they must behave like everyone else by respecting the law and their fellow citizens -- including law enforcement officers. If they haven't been taught this already, what better time than at the university level?

BOB BIRNSTENGEL, LAPORTE, MINN.

School, legion clash

Post commander gets his facts wrong

Regarding the Nov. 11 article "Bloomington schools, Legion part ways over prayers at flag," I have to comment on two remarks made by Terry Selle, the commander of the American Legion post that is holding back scholarships estimated at $25,000 to $30,000 because the school district wasn't comfortable with prayer being part of its Veterans Day ceremonies.

Selle stated that the United States is a "Christian-based country." This is contradicted by the First Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."

He also stated that the military is based on "Christian-based principles." This is contradicted by Exodus 20:13: "Thou shall not kill."

JAN SCOFIELD, CRYSTAL