Readers write for Wednesday, May 5

There is now a plan for a new Vikings stadium ("Stadium plan has big lineup of taxes," May 4). I am a big Vikings fan, although I can't afford to go to a game. But I watch and would hate to see them leave.

But my father wisely told me years ago, "What you want and what you get are two different things." I learned early that needs come first. Wants come if there is any money left.

I need affordable health care. Police officers. Firefighters. Services for my mentally disabled son. A good school system for my granddaughter. Good roads. And, I'd put the needs of others -- shelters for the homeless -- way before my entertainment on game days.

Get a grip, people. Whose hands are more important? Who drops the ball -- Mary Jo Copeland or Adrian Peterson?

MARY McFetridge, New Hope

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My tax dollars went to the Guthrie, partly because it enhances the quality of life in Minnesota. A new Vikings stadium not only would enhance our quality of life, but would be a reflection on what I want to spend my tax dollars on as well. Just get it built!

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It continues to be reported that there's not enough support among DFL leaders, or by the governor, to use racino revenues to fund a new Vikings stadium. Yet it remains the only option supported by a majority of Minnesotans. Don't the people count?

GIBSON CAROTHERS, Minneapolis

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When it comes to stadium funding, why is it that people insist on taxing only those who would use it, when they don't insist on the same when it comes to funding the arts and theater, bike trails, health care and museums?

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As usual, Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher, DFL-Minneapolis, won't commit to a proposed new stadium that would be used for many functions and by the Vikings.

Anyone running for governor should be able to give a yes or a no on a subject as important as this is. Kelliher remains as vague as ever on most subjects. Make a decision and back it up for a change.

RON BREVIG, Burnsville

Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia, once again misses the point. Premium seats for football seating help to fund the football program, which in turn helps to fund all of the programs at the University of Minnesota ("TCF Stadium bill comes up dry," May 4).

Eight other Big Ten schools seem to handle this with no problems.

Thank goodness the Democrats didn't choose Rukavina as their gubernatorial candidate or we'd have more out-of-touch ramblings from him.

MIKE NELSON, MINNEAPOLIS

"We're going to take back our country," Republican gubernatorial endorsee Rep. Tom Emmer said in a pithy, Sarah Palin-like campaign mantra that surely gets your heart beating faster and elicits whoops and hollers on the stump ("Republicans say 'Emmer's the guy'," May 1).

Yet, we Minnesotans will expect much more from a governor than parroting the rants of cable TV pundits and the hyperbole of courtroom drama from Emmer.

Moreover, his campaign mantra rings a bit hollow, since Emmer enjoys the right to affiliate with the party of his choosing, to freely voice his opinions and proposals, to criticize incumbent politicians and officials, to carry a loaded weapon, to run and be elected to office, and to exercise any and all of his constitutional rights, which is proof positive that no one has taken America from him or anyone else.

JOHN HELGERSON, VICTORIA

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When Sarah Palin endorsed Tom Emmer, was it for the whole term? Or just half?

GREG WRIGHT, EDINA

The man had shot two people in his last arrest before killing Officer Joseph Bergeron.

His juvenile record included robbery, stabbing a female, theft, and alcohol and drug offenses.

If the judge in this case has an ounce of decency, he or she should immediately step down.

ROD SHOBER, PLYMOUTH

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Each year at the beginning of May around 300 families and friends gather at Lake Phalen to raise money for support and research for Batten's, which inflicts thousands of children in the world.

A new location has just been found: The event will be May 22 at the Como Park Pavilion, with registration beginning at 9 am.

We'll be delighted to see everybody at this new location.

More information can be found by checking the website www.mnbdsra.org.