Readers Write (Dec. 14): Job creation, reunited family, cougar killing, outdoor activities

The commentary by state Sens. Geoff Michel and Ted Lillie about helping "job creators" ("Let's give our job creators the help they need," Dec. 13) spoke glibly about deregulation as a way to increase employment.

This is the common theme recently, but let's not lose sight of the fact that what the politicians are actually saying is "let businesses contaminate the air and water at will, avoid paperwork that might catch fraud, and be free to compromise the safety of workers."

While I'm sure there are some regulations we could do without, most of them are aimed at protecting the citizens of Minnesota.

LENORE MILLIBERGITY, MINNEAPOLIS

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As the holidays near us, we often think of giving and receiving extravagant gifts, but one family's Christmas wish is simple ("Reunited with his 4 kids, dad just wants stability," Dec. 10).

This story of a family's journey through many hardships is inspiring. The teens have demonstrated extreme maturity in handling the unfortunate events that have unfolded before them.

Not only was this family able to stick together in a time of extreme difficulty, they took on a great responsibility in supporting themselves, taking considerable initiative to strive for a better future.

The events and actions that have occurred in this situation may be considered anecdotal, but what many can take from this story is a realization of the value in life and how grateful we as citizens can be for the things we have.

NICOLE EKTNITPHONG, ST. PETER, MINN.

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We should all be aware that the only agency that came through with any real help for this family was the Salvation Army. Let's remember this when we see the bell ringers standing in the cold. Let's be generous during this holiday season.

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The Dec. 11 Letter of the Day ("Outcry over mountain lion ignores very real dangers") claimed that the cougar recently shot in southwest Minnesota "no doubt would have been a problem, killing livestock, pets, and possibly humans."

I disagree.

I understand that hard evidence of a cougar in our state may be frightening, especially to those who love the outdoors or have small children. However, the cougar that was recently shot was not actively threatening people or domestic animals.

It was hiding in a culvert, avoiding confrontation with humans. According to the state Department of Natural Resources, there have been no documented instances of cougars attacking people in Minnesota, and no confirmed reports of cougars attacking livestock.

If you are nervous about encountering a cougar in Minnesota, feel free to prepare yourself for self-defense. But don't kill a wild, protected animal simply for existing.

ETHAN DEGNER, ST. PETER, MINN.

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According to research done at the University of California, Berkeley, over the past 100 years in the United States and Canada, 10 people (nine children) were killed by mountain lions.

On the other hand, according to a study done by the University of Minnesota, 332 people (70 percent of whom were children) in the United States alone were killed by domestic dogs between 1979 and 1998.

I submit that while fears of cougar attacks may be real to some, they are surely misdirected.

DAVID PORETTI, MINNEAPOLIS

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Sunday was a glorious day. The conditions were just right for a run around Minneapolis' Chain of Lakes.

My feet stopped and my jaw dropped, however, when I saw a family of five ice-skating on Cedar Lake.

According to the Minnesota DNR, ice should be 4 inches thick for activities on foot. Please everyone, let's practice a little patience.

AMY HOESCHEN, MINNEAPOLIS

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Recently, I made a right turn from one residential street to another in my neighborhood. Late evening, no moon, and the streetlight was on the opposite side of the intersection -- very dark.

Two joggers appeared from the right, just a few feet away. They wore black running clothes. I swerved, and one shouted at me. I could not see them in dark clothing.

I ride my bike and walk my dog on the same streets. I figure if motorists can't see me, they can't avoid me.

During the day, I wear a red or neon-yellow shirt, vest or jacket; at night, a neon-yellow jacket with broad reflective stripes, like highway workers. These aren't fashionable, but motorists generally swing wide.

Fellow bikers, joggers and walkers, help us see you so we can avoid you. Please!