Readers write (April 28): Marriage amendment, high school dropouts and driving, public works

I've been a proud Republican since I heard Ronald Reagan speak as a young man. I was drawn to his pragmatism and his hope for the future. I embraced the ideals of the free market, limited government and fiscal responsibility.

Yesterday state Sen. Warren Limmer showed me that there are Republicans who are not living up to these ideals.

The question of a constitutional amendment defining marriage is degrading as much as it is antibusiness. We want Minnesota to be competitive in the global economy. To do that we need inclusion in the workplace and in public life.

The discussion around a marriage amendment tells bright young people in this state and around the world that Minnesota is a dinosaur -- concerned more with denying rights to hardworking Americans than in making Minnesota a strong, vibrant state.

I will urge my friends, family and leaders to stop this foolish discussion and work on problems that actually need fixing.

JIM ROOSEVELT, MAPLE GROVE

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But the women of Minnesota should begin now to feel threatened. It has become apparent that tradition now guides bills regarding amendments to Minnesota's Constitution. The argument against same-sex marriage is rooted in the traditional definition of marriage.

So it will follow logically that since women traditionally had no voting rights, those civil rights will need to be repealed by constitutional amendment. Following that will come a constitutional amendment reverting to the traditional nonproperty rights of women.

Of course, by the logic of anti-same-sex proponents, it is a civil right to vote on the amendments that will curtail your civil rights. Circular argument? They don't think so.

Vote your traditional beliefs in marriage if it's on the ballot come election time 2012, and you'll get one more chance to vote as a woman before you lose that civil right in upcoming amendment ballots rooted in tradition issues.

It is the way we're going to do things from here on out. Unless, of course, you vote against this initiative in 2012.

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While the GOP is addressing the marriage law, here is another important issue it should consider: mud puddles!

Yes, I recommend a state constitutional amendment to hereby declare that mud puddles cause considerable damage to children's shoes, create muddy dog paws, and contribute to taxpayer expense to clean kitchen floors and living-room carpets.

Thank you, GOP, for getting the taxpayers' priorities in order!

KIRK COBB, WHITE BEAR LAKE

Though it is in my nature to agree with state Rep. Carlos Mariani, I must respectfully disagree with his bill concerning driving privileges for high school dropouts.

The obvious truth here is that we all wish that everyone would finish their K-12 education, but the truth is that is not the case. A Star Tribune editorial ("Dropping out? Hand over the keys," April 26) laid out specific reasons why this bill is good, without recognizing its flaws.

This bill is not about an incentive; it is actually a punishment, and a retroactive one at that.

It's true that high school dropouts contribute less, cost more and fail to be the great consumers the rest of us long to be, but the reality is that seizing the privilege to drive due to one's education level presents a paradigm that could produce unwanted effects.

It would saddle dropouts with a greater inability to produce economically, lest they not be worthy of basic employment as well. It would cost their families and friends more to get them to and from their jobs or even to their schools to finish their education.

CHRIS NERLIEN, ST. PAUL

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An April 27 letter writer made a good point with a poor choice of words. Based on my 34-year stint as a schoolteacher and a counselor, I would disagree that there are either "worthless" students or "worthless" parents.

A better phrase might be: "Show me a troubled kid, and I'll show you a troubled parent." Other substitutes could include "at-risk," "struggling," "lost" or "wounded." "Worthless" is a most unfortunate categorization.

Perhaps the writer's belief that there are worthless kids explains her short stint as a schoolteacher.

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What was missing from Wednesday's coverage of political leaders celebrating the federal approval of light-rail funding?

I'll tell you what's missing: There was no picture of a typical taxpayer who already is paying for the construction.

All of the glitz, glory and press is always stolen by the high officials who bask in the glory. Is this the American way?

ANDY PAKALNS, ST. PAUL

Is it too late for the Twins to consider installing a retractable roof at Target Field?

DAN WICHT, FRIDLEY

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