Readers Write for Monday, Jan. 18

File under: "You can't make this stuff up."

I recently sent $20 to the U.S. Olympic Committee, and they sent me a black winter hat and scarf with the crimson Olympic logo on the front.

I wore it to work last week, and someone asked what it was made of. So I took it off and looked at the tag inside: "Made in China."

ROB GODFREY, ST. LOUIS PARK

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It's official now: China is the biggest exporter on the planet. When are people going to understand that when you send every dollar you earn to the other side of the Earth, pretty soon there are no more dollars on this side of the Earth?

Next time you choose to save a dime and go to Wal-Mart, try to find anything there made in the United States. Now try to figure out where you're gonna work when your U.S. employer has to let you go.

As our nation honors the great achievements and vision of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement, our current economic crisis reminds us that the struggle for justice will continue until all Americans are given the fair deal they deserve. King's vision does not have a time limit. He provides a voice for the struggles that continue today.

Though often overlooked, King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech at a march for jobs and freedom -- the March on Washington in 1963. He understood that economic justice and civil rights are twin, inter-related goals. "Equality means dignity," he proclaimed. "And dignity demands a job and a paycheck that lasts through the week."

Today, 47 years later, too many Americans find themselves without a paycheck. With 10 percent unemployment nationwide, 13 percent unemployment in the Latino community and 16 percent unemployment in the African-American community, too many families are struggling to figure out how to make ends meet without a paycheck. And those figures do not capture the pain and struggle of the additional 7 percent of Americans who are classified as discouraged or involuntary part-time workers. We must carry on the pursuit of King's dream and immediately address our unemployment crisis. Creating jobs -- and good jobs -- is today's most pressing social justice imperative.

BILL MCCarthy, Blaine; president,

Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation

By making sure to get eight to 10 hours of sleep every night and eating a regular healthy diet, I am more aware in my athletics and, even more important, in my academics.

Visanthe has role-model attributes and should be looked up to by the youth of Minnesota.

ANDREW HANSEN, EDEN PRAIRIE

I hope minor rule changes will mitigate the problems incurred by wind farms ("Wind power takes a blow," Jan. 12).

I understand the frustration of residents who have "no way to escape the hum or flickering shadows from the turbines," as one person mentioned. I cannot escape the mercury, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released from coal-burning power plants upwind from me.

RICH FEMLING, ROSEVILLE

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Maybe the people out in the country who are upset by a little noise and shadows from a wind turbine should try living in the city with all the noise from airplanes, stadiums, highways, sirens, dogs barking, horns honking, etc., that those of us who are not able to live out in the wide open spaces have to deal with.

I personally think wind generators are a thing of beauty and represent something to help heal our planet. Nothing is perfect, short of shutting off the lights completely.

BARRY RIESCH, ST. PAUL

Sounds like we need a new Vikings stadium.