Letters to the editor for Monday, Aug. 25

Gov. Tim Pawlenty says it was a mistake for Barack Obama to select Joe Biden as his vice presidential running mate because Obama's campaign is largely about change and Biden is a Washington insider.

I'm reasonably sure that Obama's emphasis on change doesn't suggest that we throw everything out and start from scratch, but rather that we should change the dangerously wrong-headed priorities that have set the United States on a perilous course during the past eight years.

Biden's wisdom and integrity, as well as his many years of experience in the Senate, will guide him in advocating and working for the change our country desperately needs.

CHRIS ROHRER, DULUTH

• • •

With Biden on the ticket, the Democrats now have the vigor of youth, the wisdom of maturity and the clear vision of two highly principled leaders.

After they bring Hillary Clinton into the circle with a position honoring her exceptional skills, our country will be on its way back to the position we once held globally as an admirable government of remarkable authority.

I am the same age as John McCain, and I, too, get a little confused at times. After hearing that McCain wasn't sure how many homes his family owns, I inquired of my slightly younger spouse: "How many residences do we own?"

After giving me a look full of pity, she said, "Only one, unless you count the davenport where you often sleep as a second home."

Glad we got that cleared up. I hope Cindy McCain has clarified matters for her husband.

FRED JOHNSON, MINNETONKA

•••

With all due respect to a man who has faithfully served our country his entire lifetime, I think it would be more correct for him to say that as president, he will promise to send our American troops (perhaps via a draft) to the gates of Hell in order to capture Bin Laden, while he is under the protection of the Secret Service, enjoying the friendly and safe confines of the Oval Office.

SCOTT BRAZIL, BELLE PLAINE

In 2004, Norm Coleman was at the Democratic National Convention in Boston as part of a GOP "Truth Squad," touting his rationale as to why America needed four more years of George W. Bush.

In 2008, Minnesotans have a referendum on his actions. He says he wants to be our voice in Washington; however, being that reprehensible in 2004 does not bode well for 2008. He should have articulated what would be for Minnesota, not Bush.

LONNIE NELSON, MENAHGA, MINN.

Great bipartisan effort from these forward-thinking state senators! Let's help them get the legislation passed that would allow for this change by contacting our legislators and candidates now!

CANDY HAZEN, BLOOMINGTON

I found the "You Only Turn 21 Once" photo and caption on the Aug. 22 Variety front page in very poor taste!

With all the reporting about young people dying as a result of binge drinking, how could this show up in your newspaper? The caption led by stating, "It wouldn't be a 21st birthday without a night of downtown debauchery" and quoted her friends as bellowing, "She hasn't had enough shots! We have to give her more shots!"

As a community, we have mourned those who have died from binge drinking and need to find solutions. With reporting that makes it sound like drinking and debauchery are necessary to turn 21, how can we expect a different result?

MARY LOU RATZ, MINNETONKA

I found Lori Sturdevant's Aug. 24 column on the "Override Six" most interesting. Her description of District 41B Rep. Neil Peterson's opponent was fascinating.

After describing Jan Schneider as being a twin of Rep. Michele Bachmann with regard to philosophy, politics and personal style (does this mean she'll hug Pawlenty at the Republican National Convention?), Sturdevant states that one of her reasons for running against Peterson is that he votes too often with the DFL.

How dare he!

Perhaps she is unaware that there is an ever-growing number of independents like myself who look for the person we think will best represent us, not one who blindly follows a party line.