Readers Write for Sunday, May 17

When is Gov. Tim Pawlenty going to put the needs of Minnesota ahead of his national ambitions? His budget borrows and spends, and places the debt on my generation. It's complete dishonesty and mismanagement -- all because he wants to cozy up to national Republican insiders instead of fixing our state.

Despite watching the Republican Party suffer huge losses in Minnesota and across the country, the governor is more rigid in his ideology and proposals than ever. The time for leadership, compromise and putting Minnesota values ahead of your own personal agenda is now, governor.

If he is not compelled to lead, I hope DFLers and Republicans in the Legislature will.

ADAM DUININCK, MINNEAPOLIS

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Every day we read of company layoffs, smaller paychecks, higher gas prices, home foreclosures, bankruptcies, etc. It boggles my mind that lawmakers believe that raising taxes on goods and services at this time will cure our state's shortfall. People will buy less, companies will trim their workforces and expenses, small stores will go out of business, more people will be unemployed, etc.

Let the free enterprise system work out its glitches. Quit placing restraints on individuals. Let them see to their own needs, pay their already high taxes, try to lessen their stress levels and encourage them to keep their own heads above water.

Thank you, Gov. Pawlenty, for your veto.

SANDRA SPRINGMEYER, ELYSIAN, MINN.

Regarding the May 11 editorial, "The nation's water resource must be protected," on the Clean Water Restoration Act (CWRA), the Clean Water Act's use of the term "navigable waters" has been a governing factor in the implementation of the law since 1972, which made it clear that Congress intended broad, but not limitless, regulatory authority, and to focus regulatory efforts on meaningful resources and not attempt to regulate every wet spot or roadside ditch.

The CWRA removes the term "navigable waters" and replaces it with "waters of the United States." If enacted, the CWRA will also grant federal regulators jurisdiction authority over all "activities affecting these waters" for the first time. An expansion of this magnitude would not only result in an added regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers but create increased confusion regarding the jurisdictional reach of the CWA.

As a farmer and conservationist, I care about the environment and water quality. I work very hard to protect it and manage my farm in a sound and sustainable manner. Farmers across the country do likewise.

The editorial noted that Sen. Amy Klobuchar has been "criticized ... for her 'silence'" on this issue. We would like to thank her for taking time to make an informed decision and ensuring that she represents the best interest of all Minnesotans.

KEVIN PAAP, GARDEN CITY, MINN.;

PRESIDENT, MINNESOTA FARM BUREAU

Finally, our leaders in Minnesota have come together with a plan to protect one of the shining stars in our state -- Mayo Clinic. The most recent rail plan presented by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Tim Walz and Gov. Tim Pawlenty makes for great common sense ("Reroute could solve Mayo rail dispute," May 13).

It helps farmers and the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern railroad with a new freight line to bring more crops to market and offers a passenger solution that will bring people to Rochester to receive the best possible health care in the world.

JEN PURTELL, ST. PAUL

As a practicing lifelong Catholic, I disagree with much of Eric Schubert's May 10 commentary about the Catholic Church's strong defense of unborn human life.

Schubert writes that people would be drawn to, or drawn back, to the church if only its leaders would focus on "more inclusive prolife issues," such as health care, education and economic stability for all.

The Catholic Church exists to pass on the teachings of Jesus Christ. The church believes that its defense of the 3,500 little ones who die in the United States every day by abortion is an "inclusive pro-living" issue.

Further, the church deeply involves itself in health care, education and economic stability for all. The Dorothy Day Center, St Joseph's Home for Children, myriad Catholic schools and Catholic Relief Services are a few examples.

JOHN P. DUNLAP, FRIDLEY

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Eric Schubert criticized Archbishop John Nienstedt because "more than a third of his weekly communiqués via the diocesan newspaper have been abortion-related" (Star Tribune, May 10). He then proceeded to implore the archbishop, and presumably his priests, to teach the church's social doctrine which the archdiocese's own website labels "its best kept secret."

Schubert's complaint is well-taken, but unfortunately his focus is misplaced. Rome appointed Nienstedt. One therefore can be quite confident that his job description did not make a priority of his proclaiming and implementing social justice within the archdiocese. Bishops preach, teach and practice what they hold dear and/or what they know their superiors want communicated to local Catholics.

Schubert may have a problem with Archbishop Nienstedt, but rest assured Rome does not.