Readers Write (Dec. 8): Vikings stadium, postal service, Charlie Brown Christmas, daycare providers, payroll tax credits, flood plains

December 8, 2011 at 4:08AM
(Susan Hogan — Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

VIKINGS STADIUM

Fans need to be realistic about costs

A recent letter writer perfectly captured the spirit of those seeking money to buy the Wilfs a new stadium. The writer says she's a loyal Vikings fan, regardless of whether they win or lose.

That's great, but she doesn't go to the games, so she's not contributing any money toward a stadium. She has an idea how to generate some money, though.

Does it involve people who do attend the games? No, to her it somehow makes sense to charge tolls on "every car and bus that goes to the Indian casinos."

The writer, like many others in this discussion, wants to enjoy watching the team play, but of course is unwilling to make her own contribution. Her answer is to get the money from sources that have no connection whatsoever to the Vikings or their supporters.

She wants to siphon money from patrons of businesses that managed to build their own facilities without any public money. If the casino operators are savvy enough to raise enough capital to fund their own construction, surely the Wilfs and the NFL are capable of doing the same.

DAVID ZACHMEYER, HUTCHINSON, MINN.

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POSTAL SERVICE

We shouldn't lose this valuable institution

I understand that the U.S. Postal Service needs to make some changes in its business model to remain viable into the 21st century. And even with a 1 cent increase in the price of sending a first-class letter, it's still quite a bargain when you consider what you get for 45 cents.

What I don't understand, though, is why the USPS doesn't also raise bulk mail rates. I get more junk mail than real letters or other first-class mail. Seems to me that a couple cents increase on the bulk mail rates would help a whole lot.

VICTOR DOUGLAS, MINNEAPOLIS

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CHARLIE BROWN

Lessons still to be learned from Peanuts

As someone born in 1960, I appreciated reading the commentary on "A Charlie Brown Christmas" ("The good 'ol war on Christmas," Dec. 6). I usually enjoy watching the show every holiday season, too. Ironically, this year's TV presentation was shortened to make room for more commercials.

JOHN OWENS, MINNEAPOLIS

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DAYCARE PROVIDERS

Let's clarify why a union is needed

Someone needs to explain to me why we need to unionize daycare providers. Why not let them form a volunteer, professional association like accountants and attorneys with rules for certification, or license them like barbers or electricians. That way I could choose what I want as a customer with some assurance I will get it.

AL SJOBERG, MINNEAPOLIS

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Ramsey County District Judge Dale Lindman decided that a vote for unionization of the child-care industry is a bad idea. We've gotten to the point that unions are treated as an illegal entity. What's wrong with a vote? Majority say yes, then a union can form. Majority say no, then not.

It's depressing to think that one person will let his political views negatively affect many people who would have benefited from better rules and standardization.

TIM W. THOMAS, ROSEVILLE

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PAYROLL TAC CREDITS

Hey Congress, thanks for the java

Hey, this payroll tax break is really good. It pays for my coffee every morning when I stop at Caribou. Love it. Let's keep it going.

HAROLD OLSON, MINNEAPOLIS

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FLOOD PLAINS

Let's let the rivers be our guides

As our society relies heavily on technological advancement, it's not surprising that engineering solutions have been chosen in response to frequent flooding in the Fargo area.

The need for some form of flood plain management is clearly a necessity, with the National Weather Service confirming that in the past 108 years the Red River has exceeded flood stage 47 times.

However, after decades of demand for action from Fargo residents, some of the most logical solutions were not given serious consideration, with the majority of past plans relying on complex engineering solutions.

Although dams, levees and diversions are the most common "hard" solutions to flooding in the United States, the Fargo area could benefit in the long term from alternative natural solutions known as "soft" solutions.

An overreliance on technology often increases vulnerability. Simple adaptations to the natural processes of rivers may be more effective.

Adaptations such as floodplain mapping and zoning, restoration of natural wetlands, and relocation of buildings, although also expensive, should be reconsidered as more natural responses.

Instead of attempting to channel the powerful Red River with complex engineering schemes, money would be better spent adapting to the river's flow.

SAMANTHA GOOD, ST. PETER, MINN.

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