I'm writing in response to Richard B. Beeson's Nov. 5 commentary about student debt, and the ways the University of Minnesota is keeping costs "down." I have a problem with some of his numbers, and this one specifically: In the 1970s, the university received 39 percent of its operating budget from the state; now it receives only 19 percent. Hmmm. How much money came from sports programs in the '70s? A small percentage, I'm sure. Now, sports programs bring in tens of millions of dollars a year through TV contracts, advertising and apparel sales. Of course, the percentage of the operating budget from the state will be reduced when millions come in from other new, more lucrative areas, such as television contracts. Beeson is entitled to spin the numbers any way he wants, but student debt is — and will continue to be — a problem for our kids.
NATHAN BIGBEE, Richfield
ELECTION 2014
Aftershocks and afterthoughts
Here is an interesting question. Would you ask for a recount even if you had no chance in winning? I ask this because Independence Party secretary of state candidate Bob Helland garnered 4.91 percent of the vote at last check, but that is bellow the 5 percent threshold needed for the IP to regain major-party status, which would essentially make it easier to get future candidates on the ballot; no other statewide IP candidate came close. Thus, you have to wonder if the Independence Party would put Minnesota through a recount even if it would not change the outcome of who won.
William Cory Labovitch, South St. Paul
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Congratulations to those Minnesota Democrats for whom Mark Dayton and Al Franken, the great purveyors of the liberal agenda, have to thank for their re-election. Congratulations to the Minnesota Republicans who changed the guard at the State Capitol. Their voices were heard as well.
Perhaps now this liberal vision of plowed-under residential neighborhoods being replaced with high rises where the masses can be stacked like cordwood and there will be a light-rail train at every corner will now fall somewhere back in the less-than-urgent list with parklets.
To my fellow Republicans, I will urge you to resist reigniting the same battles when it comes to some of the hottest social issues. Please spend your newly gained capital on those things that keep Minnesota great for everyone: jobs, the economy, affordable housing, lower property taxes and sound infrastructure.
Everyone has been afforded a do-over in some form or another in this election cycle. Let's really make it count here in our great state of Minnesota.
Mary McIntosh Linnihan, Minneapolis
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