Readers write for July 20, 2010

In looking at the organizational chart in "Top Secret America grows out of control" (July 19), one has got to wonder how it works, or even if it does.

Before 9/11, our top intelligence agencies had the data on the two leading terrorists but failed to connect the dots. Looking at the gigantic proliferation of expensive intelligence agencies since 9/11, should we now believe we will now be better able to connect the dots?

FLOYD KELLER, BAYPORT

Thank you for Gail Rosenblum's insightful column on Rwanda as viewed from the experiences of Molly and the Rev. Arthur Rouner ("A couple help to get Rwanda on healing path," July 18).

I was upset when Peter Erlinder presented such a caustic view of Rwanda, which led to his recent detention in that country; I cannot imagine being imprisoned anywhere, but Erlinder's portrayal felt very wrong to me.

My experience with Opportunity International, a micro-finance organization in Rwanda, was similar to that of the Rouners.

Rwanda has made remarkable progress toward healing and reconciliation, moving into the future positively rather than remaining in the hatreds of the past. Despite the undeniable genocide of 1994, most do not identify themselves as Hutus or Tutsis. 'We are all Rwandans,' they say. That would not have been possible without forgiveness as a national policy in Rwanda.

BARBARA LUPIENT, EDINA

At the NAACP convention last week, the group's president charged the Tea Party with being racist, as described in the July 13 online story "NAACP accuses tea party of tolerating bigotry, passes resolution condemning racism in movement."

Last week my wife and I attended our first Tea Party meeting. It was at a farm near Browerville, Minn., and 400 to 500 people were there (which is not bad for a town of just over 700 people).

More than 20 speakers, largely state and national political candidates, gave short talks. Subjects covered were smaller and more honest government; lower taxes; and reduced government spending.

There was not so much as even a hint of racism during the entire program.

HAP CORBETT, STAPLES, MINN.

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An easy way to stop people from connecting the right with racism would be for Republicans like gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer, Rep. Michele Bachmann, and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to call people out on the racist signs or T-shirts that show up at their rallies.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., called people on their vitriol when he visited Lakeville during his presidential campaign in 2008. I'm sure if Tom Emmer stepped up and made a sincere effort to disassociate himself from individuals spouting hate, or clearly made individuals like them not welcome at his rallies, then the accusations would stop.

People are constitutionally guaranteed a right to speak freely, but Republican candidates like Emmer are going be cast in an unfavorable light if they allow racists to stand behind them.

Thank you for bringing attention to our zoning issue in Edina ("Assisted living complex at Colonial Church nears OK," July 14). Unfortunately, the number of people quoted who were "for" this project makes it seem as though the hundreds of people against it were simply one voice.

The other issue now at stake is, what is this project? It started as a nursing home and care for the elderly. The state has put a moratorium on nursing home licenses. Convalescence applies to short-term recovery care. High-end, upscale senior housing is what we are left with and it does not fit this neighborhood or its needs or values. In a democracy we are encouraged to participate. Is it any wonder that we have large government when local government will not listen to the majority in order to benefit corporations?

PEGGY DODGE, Edina

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The July 14 "Dateline Minneapolis" column spoke of "two words" to those opposing a bike trail on Nine Mile Creek in Edina: Minnehaha Creek, suggesting if one doesn't want such a trail, don't live next to publicly-owned land.

It also is about keeping out tall, ugly boardwalks. It's about the countless mature trees that would be removed. The project would add fill to the wetlands, likely further worsening Nine Mile Creek's water quality, currently listed as "impaired" under the Clean Water Act.

Also worrisome is the carbon footprint: the noise, air and water pollution from construction. The column suggests a trail would "diversify" Edina. How about the diversity, richness and beauty of the birds, animals and plant life? You won't find much of that along the Minnehaha Parkway.

Portraying opponents as 'not in my backyard' NIMBYs is unfair and inaccurate. These folks are not against the trail, but simply prefer alternate routes that don't desecrate the creek and its environs.