Readers write (Aug. 3): 'Neutral' school policies, Vikings stadium, motorcycles, coffee

Although I am happy that the Anoka-Hennepin school district has started to make strides toward chipping away at a policy that is neither neutral nor pedagogically sound ("District at center of storm over bullying," July 31), much of the news coverage and discussions within the district are missing an important point: So long as sexual orientation is not allowed to be a part of the curriculum when appropriate, the district is failing to teach students important concepts.

This is not neutral and further marginalizes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals and groups.

Teachers' hands should not be tied by a policy that would prevent them from including relevant material to help students learn. What harm occurs if students learn about Stonewall in their 10th-grade U.S. history class when it is incredibly relevant and fits within the curricular theme of a civil-rights unit of the 1960s and '70s? None. What harm exists when students do not learn?

Ignorance, at the very least, and more likely intolerance from the message that it is OK to marginalize people who are not even worthy of our history books.

DAN BORDWELL, PLYMOUTH

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Recently there has been renewed discussion about putting a Minnesota Vikings stadium at the Farmers Market site in Minneapolis. According to people lobbying for a Minneapolis stadium, the Farmers Market site is just sitting there waiting.

Every Saturday and Sunday, thousands of people come to the market to buy fresh produce from local, independent farmers; to buy crafts from local, independent artisans, and to enjoy a unique and remarkable family friendly atmosphere. It is truly a gem in the middle of the city.

It would be a shame if this market were crushed under the weight of a Vikings stadium. Once again, corporate interests would win a victory over independent interests, and a truly remarkable urban experience would be lost forever.

Go ahead and build the stadium. Just build it on the Metrodome site or in Arden Hills and leave the Farmers Market alone.

BLAIR MOE, ST. LOUIS PARK

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We require automobile drivers to wear a seat belt to protect themselves. Get on a motorcycle, and you are totally on your own. Minnesota law does not require a helmet.

I know that it can get hot and uncomfortable, but I ask you to think about this: You are driving that bike at 30 to 65 miles per hour (or more). My father died walking in his driveway when he fell and hit his head.

What happens to your head at the higher rate of speeds? Not something I care to see or even think about. No one plans to crash, but your safe driving doesn't guarantee getting to your destination without incident.

Please, for the sake of those you love, wear a helmet when you get on your bike -- be it a motorcycle or a bicycle. Your friends don't? Well, show them who the smart one in the group is. Protect yourself and your family and wear a helmet!

Kim Heikes, Hutchinson, Minn.

Minneapolis' ranking as the No. 1 cyclist city in the United States stunned and shocked residents of Portland, Ore., and left them up in arms over their dethroning. As with the cyclist ranking, Minneapolis is rapidly moving up in the ranks of public transportation. Within a decade, the city could take yet another title from Portland.

Minneapolis is rapidly giving Portland a run for its money, but one item is overlooked: coffee and espresso.

Yes, that amazing product that requires delicate care from the species of the plants used, the picking process, the roasting process, the preparation by passionate and highly trained baristas, and all of the intermediate processes that culminate in the final product you find in front of you.

As for ranking the coffee roasters in Minneapolis, only one truly gives Portland roasters a run for their money: the Dogwood Coffee Company.

After trying roaster after roaster and coffee shop after coffee shop in Minneapolis, I was exhausted. Minneapolis has all of the important things any Portlander would require, except for a consistently perfect cup of coffee or delicately developed espresso.

Thank you, Dogwood, for renewing my belief in Twin Cities roasters and coffee shops. As the city's coffee and espresso culture grows, I urge roasters to continue to take the time and care with coffee that Dogwood does.