Readers Write (Dec. 22): Sen. Amy Koch, courthouse security, self-image

The allegation of "an inappropriate relationship" motivating the resignation of Amy Koch from the role of state Senate majority leader has provided fodder for the marriage debate in Minnesota.

It didn't take long for pundits to suggest that Koch's alleged behavior undermines the case for the Marriage Protection Amendment. Koch is married and has a daughter.

Therefore some say her alleged indiscretion stands as testament that marriage is not really sacred in our culture.

However, the ideal of marriage is not contingent upon any one person's behavior. We would not look at an absent or abusive father and deem the entire notion of fatherhood moot.

Similarly, we ought not cite marital failures as an argument for redefining an institution.

The sacred is not made so by legislative decree. What we hold sacred is a matter of personal conscience.

The marriage debate is about maintaining the freedom to act according to our conscience.

The benefits conveyed by civil marriage constitute an endorsement of behavior. Society has long encouraged stable procreative relationships as a cradle for future generations.

By passing the Marriage Protection Amendment, the people of Minnesota will define the extent of their endorsement, as is their right. No one is entitled to their neighbor's blessing.

WALTER HUDSON, FARMINGTON

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It may be because I hold out hope for love, or am sentimental, or because Christmas is around the corner, but I find myself sad for Sen. Koch, for her husband and, especially, for her daughter. I don't know her story or the details of what has transpired, but I do know that it affects others.

But now, I'm just sad.

I'm sad for what is likely a hurting family, for a state let down by a leader, and for an impending vote that is about division and weighing a relationship solely on the gender of the two people, and says nothing of love, covenant-making and faithfulness.

And perhaps I'm a little sad and yet strangely relieved, in watching this soap opera unfold in the media, with the reality that no constitutional amendment can truly defend marriage.

Then my sadness calls for something more. I am brought back to that place of love and sentimentality.

I am holding onto compassion and hope, for Koch and her family, for our state, and for a citizenry who can overcome division and stand on the side of love for all of Minnesota's families.

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After last week's tragic shooting at the Cook County Courthouse in Grand Marais, the question is: What next?

In order to answer, one must understand unequivocally that courthouse violence is on the rise. It has been for several decades. In fact, an inherent threat is now associated with the courts and justice system.

It's now not just judges and other court officials and employees who must be concerned about their safety. Witnesses, jurors and the general public all have reason to be generally fearful of intimidation and assault.

That is no way for our justice system to exist. All people must be confident, whether dispensing or seeking justice, that they are able to do so without violent repercussion or reprisal.

Court security measures are not always cost-prohibitive; a vast majority are very cost-effective. Concentric or layered processes of security, threat, risk and emergency management are required for optimal court security.

Minnesota has always been acknowledged as a national leader in law and justice, and it's now time we become the same for courthouse security.

STEVE SWENSEN, ST. PAUL

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Although I appreciate that Gina Barreca encourages women to cast off the judgment imposed on them by fluorescent department store lighting and unflattering mirrors ("Try this view of shopping on for size," Dec. 19), I was disheartened by the way she stereotyped men in the process of trying to boost female self-esteem.

We all deserve to "practice self-acceptance," and both genders struggle to do so.