The Vikings stadium is in the news again. Seldom mentioned is the most sensible funding proposal: gambling. But, as we slept, antigambling bluenoses and Indian syndicates put the kibosh on that. Weak-kneed legislators tremble at the thought of incurring the wrath of these political blocs, but are even newspapers taking cover?Fortunately, two courageous legislators have strong knees -- Sen. Dick Day and Rep. Tom Hackbarth. Their sensible proposals to tap this obvious source of funding are fiscally sound and of only minor impact on Indian interests. Wake up, drowsy Minnesotans, or you may lose another first-rate team. RICHARD DOYLE, ST. PAUL

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So the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission proudly announces that "professional sports teams have generated more than $450 million in tax revenues since 1961" (Star Tribune, Dec. 16). Does the commission think people can't do simple math?Consider: $450 million over 48 years is less than $10 million per year, divided among multiple sports teams for most of that time. Even if the whole $10 million per year came from the Vikings, is this supposed to be justification for building a $954 million facility?Sorry, Zygi Wilf, but there are plenty of us who have no interest in paying for your new playhouse and resent already paying for the other new ones. We don't care whether the Vikings play here or elsewhere. Maybe you should start a fundraising effort and look for contributions from those who follow the team. Let your fans put their money where their mouths are, and stop trying to get those of us who don't care about sports to pay for it. STEVE THOMPSON, RICHFIELD