Readers write for April 2, 2010

It's time for Minneapolis to bite the bullet and admit that the Block E redevelopment was a mistake ("GameWorks goes dark," March 31).

At a reasonable cost, Block E could have been redeveloped as a gracious and inviting downtown park, like Rice Park in downtown St. Paul. Instead, untold millions have been spent on infrastructure, improvements, property tax deferrals, building relocation, etc., for what has become an ugly, tawdry and now bankrupt disgrace.

Minneapolis has a stark choice: Live with the mistake and watch the situation get worse, or admit the mistake and correct it.

The city should unwind the clock, bring in the wrecking ball, clear Block E and create a public park that would create the ambiance that attracts quality providers of dining and entertainment.

WILLIAM SOULES, MINNETONKA

Like most Minnesotans, we were disappointed that our state was not selected to receive federal education funds as part of the Race to the Top initiative. But we were not surprised. According to the National Center for Education, Minnesota ranks above the national average in terms of achievement, but black student achievement in reading and math is far below that of white students.

The state's achievement gap is deplorable, but the Minneapolis gap is even worse. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, 80 percent of black 11th-graders in Minneapolis do not meet the standards for graduation. This achievement gap is partly responsible for our state's not being selected, and we all share some responsibility. Now is the time for parents, teachers, unions and community organizations to come together to help kids get the education they need and deserve.

We encourage Education Minnesota to support the state's reapplication for the Race to the Top initiative. Our children and schools in Minneapolis need financial resources if we are to work together as one to conquer the tremendous task of closing the achievement gap. It's time to put our kids first not just in words, but in action.

BOOKER T. HODGES, PRESIDENT, MINNEAPOLIS NAACP

It is welcome news that the United States is reviewing its policies in order to bolster the Somali government's efforts to defend itself against jihadists ("A turning point in Somalia?" March 24).

Currently the United States has agreed to reimburse African nations that transfer small arms and ammunition to Somalia. However, African Union efforts have failed to produce sufficient results.

Radical fundamentalist Islamic groups such as Al-shabab and Hisbu-Islam have declared jihad on the transitional government, further challenging peace, order and good government. They have organized paramilitaries and assassination squads, using Mogadishu as their base. Their membership recruitment is greatly facilitated by the oppressive poverty, the urban culture of warlordism, and criminal violence. Neither group wants to see the realization of a democratic federal republic, but neither group must be allowed to hijack the future of 10 million Somalis.

MOHAMED JIBRELL, MINNEAPOLIS

I've been worried not only about my grandkids' health care, but also their college education. On Tuesday, President Obama signed a new bill that will benefit millions of college students ("New era for student loans begins," March 31).

A college degree is the new high school diploma, and is a 21st-century necessity. The nation needs skilled, informed workers. Yet, two in three graduates must take out loans to pay for their college. The act will double Pell Grant funding, a vital resource for low-income students. We need to even the playing field for all our young people, so access to college no longer depends on parents' wealth, but on student achievement and initiative.

This is a change we all can live with.

JAMES P. HURD, BLAINE

JIM HOLTERMAN, PLYMOUTH

Great job by education writer Emily Johns on the jazz education program at KBEM-FM ("North students are high on jazz," March 31).

As a North High School alum and jazz lover from way back, I applaud the station and its personnel, the Board of Education, funders, volunteers and everyone else responsible for keeping on the air one of only a handful of stations left in the nation that plays jazz full time and big-time.