Letters to the editor for Monday, March 16

The March 10 article "'Politics over science' or way to 'ease human suffering'?" presents a false dichotomy of Christians' beliefs about human embryonic stem cell research.

To separate Roman Catholic beliefs from those of other Christian denominations by naming Catholics as focusing on the preborn while others ponder the relief of human suffering is just wrong. Catholic teachings on justice and charity have inspired people from Francis of Assissi to Frances Cabrini to Dorothy Day to Mother Teresa to relieve human suffering. No other institution has built more hospitals, aged-care centers, homeless shelters, etc. than the Catholic Church.

The true dividing line is that Catholic attempts to end suffering do not extend to cannibalizing one person to help another. Make no mistake about it, that is what embryonic stem cell research does -- turning a human into an object to be harvested and used in an attempt to help another.

CATHERINE WALKER, MINNEAPOLIS

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It deeply saddens me that our president has led our nation to a new low. With embryonic stem cell research, our nation has descended to the moral equivalent of using preborn human beings as lab rats. Throwing away life in endless trial and error experiments with the hope that regenerative tissues can be grown from preborn life is the equivalent of exploiting the defenseless for the benefit of the strong and privileged.

I urge moral people with a conscience not to participate in this practice of wasting preborn life. Conceive children naturally. Don't provide unused embryos for immoral research. Do not contribute to this brave new world of human harvest.

News flash for Twin Cities media: Alzheimer's patients residing in state-approved institutions are not responsible for their behavior, the safety of other patients or their own safety; the institution they are in is responsible.

Another news flash for Twin Cities media: Cynically victimizing Alzheimer's patients and their families just because their last name happens to be famous is both bad business and an incredible disservice to the community. You may boost your sales and ratings in the short run, but your remaining patrons will wise up and realize they can get this kind of sensationalist trash free on the Internet.

As the baby boomer generation begins to retire, Alzheimer's disease is a serious challenge to be met; it is one of the most resource-consuming and common diseases of the aged there is. We will be facing in the coming years both a Social Security shortfall and a burgeoning pressure on public institutions to meet the needs of an aging population.

The direct costs of Alzheimer's and other dementias is currently at $148 billion to Medicare and Medicaid. Consider what the costs will be as it is expected that at least 10 million baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's.

DAVID ROGDE, BLOOMINGTON

As an attorney, I get calls daily from people who cannot afford my services (although I charge very competitive rates). I know for a fact that many of these potential clients then go to the courthouse alone without legal assistance and encounter courthouse staff who refuse to provide "legal advice" on how to answer a complaint or even how to fill out forms. If we are forced to impose sales tax on legal services, there will be even more pro se litigants, who are already clogging the courts and driving judges and courthouse staff crazy.

The legal backlogs are already reaching six months or more in Hennepin and Anoka counties, and the pro se flood will make that even worse.

KENT B. GRAVELLE, EDINA

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The state Senate's DFL budget proposal is immoral. It is simply a watered-down version of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposal. These proposals will balance the budget on the backs of our children, our elderly, the disabled and the poor.

The only way to balance the budget is for those of us who are fortunate enough to have a job to pay more taxes. The governor won't propose tax increases because he is running for president. The DFLers won't propose tax increases because they are afraid of not getting reelected. They both underestimate the intelligence and moral fiber of their constituents.

Whatever happened to Abraham Lincoln's call for a government of the people, by the people and for the people?

CLIFFORD ROBINSON, BROOKLYN PARK

I was frustrated by the misleading March 8 headline: "Is another election the answer?" A more accurate portrayal would have been: "Winning lottery more likely than do-over." Norm Coleman's efforts to throw out the results has no basis in Minnesota law.

I want the votes of 2.9 million Minnesotans to stand as they were cast back on Nov. 4. Whoever ends up with the most votes after the state-mandated recount is the next U.S. senator -- plain and simple.