Readers write for April 17, 2010

It amazes me how creative people get to find funding for the Vikings while things like state-subsidized health care and higher education get the ax ("Suddenly, a blitz of stadium ideas," April 15).

Minneapolis already has the highest sales tax in the state. Do we really want to take it higher?

People say this project needs local support. My guess is the only people who support an increased sales tax are those with a personal financial interest in a new stadium. If it's such a boon to the community, why aren't any other cities clamoring for a piece of the action? This is just another railroad job like the Twins stadium.

JAMES ROETTGER, MINNEAPOLIS

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To those people who object to any increased taxes associated with building a new stadium for the Vikings, I believe having major league sports is one of the many things that make our state of Minnesota a great place to live.

Having teams like the Vikings, Twins, Wild and Timberwolves makes Minnesota well-known throughout the world, and assists our area in being viewed as a place people want to visit and live.

CRAIG BROWN, BLOOMINGTON

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How about this poll:

Should the state help the Vikings increase revenue?

Yes.

No.

Thank you for participating.

JOHN LILLEBERG, BLAINE

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With the official opening of Target Field this week, the excitement among Minnesotans is palpable, to say the least.

Whether it's the Guthrie, the Ordway, the Science Museum, Target Field, a state park or one of Minnesota's other public gems, there is no shortage of things to do here. It is because of these great things, as well as others, that Minnesotans continually rank their quality of life as high.

These places reflect our values. And, it is clear that we value our quality of life.

Are these places and activities a necessity? Are they as important as K-12 and early childhood education, as health care and providing for our state's most needy citizens? Certainly not. But what would Minnesota be without them?

Now, as the battle continues to find a funding solution for a new facility for the Vikings, let's not forget that it took the courage of a mighty few to advance important state assets, yet many reap the rewards. What I fail to grasp is why many of our leaders see this as an either-or proposition. Why can't we stay committed to our priorities like the budget and education, and still find ways to solve and fund other issues in our state?

A new multipurpose stadium would ensure the long-term retention of the Vikings and make certain that all Minnesotans have a multiuse facility for events and gatherings for years to come. But it takes courage, leadership and fortitude to recognize that the quality of life in Minnesota is worth fighting for.

TROY TEPLEY, MINNEAPOLIS

I am one of many citizens who would like to see the Vikings stay in Minnesota, but I do not want to see my tax dollars go for funding a new facility.

I am also tired of the talk about racinos.

If the idea is to fund a stadium privately, why can't the Vikings operate their own casino? How much more would it cost to add a facility dedicated to gambling to a new stadium? The Legislature could pass the necessary authorization, and the monies earned would pay for the stadium. Vikings owners would have an additional revenue stream, and if it was built near the metropolitan area there would be increased business to help alleviate financial pressure.

JIM BALDWIN, MINNEAPOLIS

"There's no cost to anybody," said racino lobbyist Dick Day, referring to slot machines installed at Canterbury Park to benefit the Minnesota Vikings ("Racino ante raised: $40 million for stadium," April 9).

To counteract this propaganda, how about a quick tally of the actual cost to everybody who resides in Minnesota: A landmark compact between the state of Minnesota and American Indians is broken, legally extending the anti-Indian legacy in Minnesota; gaming rights of tribal nations are transferred to private Minnesota companies; money is effectively stolen from Indians; racism is elevated and advertised across the state with a not-so-subtle headline: Racino at Canterbury Downs.

Raise your hand if you want to live in Dick Day's Minnesota.

STEVE WATSON, MINNEAPOLIS

So Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and five other Democrats now want to tax airlines that charge passengers for carry-on luggage ("Fees for carry-ons irk some senators," April 15).

Consumers decide which airline to fly based on ticket and baggage prices, schedules, services, leg room and a variety of other factors. Spirit Airlines has many competitors that will be more than happy to take those outraged customers away.

A free market without government interference will determine how a business prices its products and services.