I was astonished when I read state House Majority Leader Matt Dean's comments about the author Neil Gaiman ("GOP targets Legacy funds for MPR, arts," May 4).

For an elected representative to call a well-loved, award-winning children's author "a little, pencil-necked weasel" and to express "hate" toward the man is beyond the pale.

Apparently even Dean's own mother was appalled -- she made him apologize. Exactly what is it about Gaiman that Dean doesn't like?

Is it the fact that Gaiman is a talented, successful writer who knows how to accurately describe things? (I've never seen a weasel with a pencil-shaped neck.)

Or is it the fact that he can command a $45,000 speaking fee (which in this case he donated to charity a long time ago)?

Bristol Palin reportedly gets $15,000 to $30,000 when she speaks. Is she "worth" as much as Neil Gaiman?

Dean owes an apology not only to Gaiman, but also to children, writers and weasels everywhere.

CHERYL BLACKFORD, NORTH OAKS