Letters to the editor for Monday, July 14

Anarchists. Really?! In the July 10 letter "Assembly, free speech for all," the writer's labeling of anyone who wishes to protest the Republican platform by lawfully and peacefully gathering during the convention as an "anarchist" is offensive and extremely ironic.

I could not agree more with the writer's statement that, "If you are allowed to trample on the rights of others the same may happen to you." Constitutional scholars are quick to point out that the Bush administration has done great harm to constitutionally guaranteed rights and civil liberties.

The Supreme Court, the majority appointed by Republican presidents, agrees. Where was the Republican Party when these rights were being trampled? Silence allowed it to happen and now that the shoe is on the other foot, they cry foul. I do understand this simplest of principles and I will be one of the thousands peacefully protesting against the Bush/McCain agenda. My rights will no longer be trampled. If my right to do so impedes your party, so be it.

TIM D. SULLIVAN, MINNEAPOLIS

Rep. Patti Fritz states in her July 11 letter that the family cap law deters women on cash assistance from having more children. That sounds like a good idea to me. Bringing a child into this world is a tremendous responsibility, and if the prospective parents have no means of support, maybe they should wait until they can afford it. It would be the responsible thing to do.

JANET LLERANDI, ST. PAUL

Rush Limbaugh gets a great contract to stay with Clear Channel Radio, and the liberals start saying he's being rewarded for "hate speech."

And Clear Channel can afford to pay Rush the big bucks because he has sponsors that pay it good money to reach Rush's large listening audience.

With the state of Public Radio and Air America, I'm wondering if it isn't just plain jealousy that is causing the complaints.

MIKE MCLean, Richfield

I found the July 11 article celebrating the return of an unrepentant Dean Zimmermann disgusting. Zimmermann's behavior -- convicted of taking bribes while serving as a Minneapolis City Council member -- represents everything Americans find distrustful and detestable in politicians, yet somehow he finds fault in prosecutors for going after thieves and criminals.

JOHN HALEY, COON RAPIDS

There is huge potential for oil offshore of Cuba, and our government's stance toward Cuba gives the Chinese a distinct advantage over American companies in exploring and developing that province.

It would behoove us to reconsider whether our position toward Cuba is appropriate or simply pandering to the Cuban vote in Florida. We need to consider every possible option for energy sourcing -- whether it be wind, solar and, yes, even additional oil. Now is the time to act on all fronts.

STEVE CHICOINE, EDEN PRAIRIE

Peter Rothfork, turkey farmer and meat processor, should consider a few more facts before dismissing the benefits of ethanol to his own operations ("Here's one farmer hurt by ethanol," July 8).

Contrary to Rothfork's assertions, ethanol is absolutely helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and that lowers energy costs for farmers like himself.

As a processor, Rothfork should recognize that skyrocketing energy prices are the single biggest risk his business faces. Higher oil prices are the primary factor driving up the cost of corn production -- farmers can't grow $2 corn with $4.50 diesel. While ethanol demand is one of many other factors increasing corn costs, the cost impact on food to the American consumer is only about 3 percent, according to the chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

There is no single silver-bullet solution to reduce today's energy prices. However, ethanol can help, and it is doing so today. Our state and our country need ethanol, along with many other strategies, to address the environmental and energy security challenges facing us today.