OBAMA'S BUDGET

Don't take more from the poor

As the rich get richer and the poor in our country grow in number, President Obama attempts to coax congressional Republicans to alter their stances on revenue increases by proposing cuts to Social Security and Medicare ("Obama budget plan reflects compromise," April 11). It's discouraging to me that when we pay subsidies to prospering farmers, oil companies and countries around the world, we have to take from those among us with the least to craft the federal budget. It's time for serious tax reform and greater contributions from the haves rather than the have-nots.

PETE BOELTER, North Branch
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UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Former governor opened my eyes

As a University of Minnesota alumnus, I was quite disturbed by what I read in former Gov. Arne Carlson's commentary ("A skewed U," April 7). I've always felt tremendous loyalty to the U. Contribute? Yes. But now I'm dismayed about the administration's salaries. This isn't the university I knew. I no longer feel any kinship, any connection to my school. What I read was upsetting and sickening.

NANCY KEETON, Cushing, Minn.
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CAMPUS STABBINGS

Would have been worse had guns been used

Although no guns were used, the stabbing attacks on a Texas college campus nonetheless underscore why the United States needs stricter gun laws ("Student goes on stabbing rampage," April 10). At least 14 people were injured in the attack, for which a 20-year-old college student has been arrested. But no one died. Now compare this to the December massacre at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn.: 20 kids and six adults were fatally shot. The perpetrators of these horrific crimes caused the harm, but the type of weapons used decided the victims' fates.

SHEA BRENNAN, Eden Prairie
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DRIVER'S LICENSES

Let immigrants drive if they have insurance

I would approve licensing immigrants who came to the country illegally, but only if they can prove they are insured ("Allow all immigrants to drive legally, safely," April 5). Insurance companies raise your rates or assess points every time you have to submit a claim in an accident, even if the fault lies with the other person.

The Department of Motor Vehicles no longer requires that you show proof of insurance at the time of renewal. It's required only if you are involved in an accident or ticketing situation. There should be no double standard. If illegal immigrants can afford the training and insurance and take legal and financial responsibility for accidents with no exceptions for poverty or illegal status, then I say "yes." This is a privilege that costs all of us.

MICHELLE PETERSON, Plymouth
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ASHLEY JUDD

Tape reflects poorly on GOP's McConnell

The Ashley Judd tape doesn't reveal that U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell is an insensitive, ambitious brute who exploits the weaknesses of others to further his own career ("Magazine posts secret tape of McConnell mocking Ashley Judd," April 10). His voting record does. The tape only confirms it.

DOUG WILLIAMS, Robbinsdale
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RASH REPORT

Advertisers' heads are stuck in the iCloud

John Rash's column on advertising today raised an interesting question ("To modern Mad Men, it's a new creative era," April 6). Compared to Don Draper's time, the "new creative era" seems more driven by technology than in creating truly memorable advertising. In Minnesota alone, the Draper era spawned such memorable campaigns as the Hamm's bears, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Betty Crocker, the Jolly Green Giant and the Northwestern Bank weather ball, to name but a few. Yes, there's some good advertising created today, but the emphasis seems more on a creative use of digital technology. Much like music today, I'm not sure all of the change betters the message. As Ben Franklin, an early master of communication, once said: Not all change is progress.

DON OSELL, Cohasset, Minn.
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DAYTON'S BUDGET

Maybe snow monkeys shouldn't be a priority

I absolutely love zoos and museums, and I enjoy seeing our majestic State Capitol when driving into St. Paul. But I'm dismayed and saddened when I see homeless people carrying plastic bags when I exit theaters in our fine cities. I wish a bit of Gov. Mark Dayton's $750 million wish list for state projects would go toward helping more of the needy in our communities rather than on a snow monkey exhibit at the Minnesota Zoo.

DIANE SHEFVELAND, Brooklyn Center
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UNDERAGE DRINKING

Let offenders off the hook? That's just silly.

We have spent millions trying to curb underage drinking. Now some Minnesota lawmakers want to say it's fine for people who are underage to drink, as long as they call for help when intoxicated ("Amnesty for drinking, seeking help," April 9)? I want the same privilege.

CHUCK WOLF, Long Prairie
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PUBLIC PENSIONS

Poor investments factor into losses

Police and fire department pensions are in trouble because of bad judgment and bad investments ("Minnesotans may be in for a rude surprise," April 5). Years ago, the pension funds invested in a startup business located in Cohasset, Minn., that was making countertops for the construction industry. They lost a lot of money on this project. My father was a Minneapolis firefighter during the time of this investment. We had several conversations on how the investments were made. It's no different than playing the stock market. It's a gamble. Now, they want the people to cover their loses.

DON CABLE, New Brighton