Readers write for Monday, March 8

I suspect that Gov. Tim Pawlenty doesn't care what I think. He and I seldom agree on public policy. One exception involves efforts to stop drunken driving. Requiring breath-activated ignition systems for convicted drunken drivers ("House skeptical about tougher DWI penalties," March 2) does make sense.

Two complaints about this proposed restriction are the inconvenience imposed by the breath test on other drivers of the car, and the cost of investigating disputes regarding use of the device as evidence. Frankly, the latter concern pales by comparison to the cost in lives destroyed by drunken drivers. But the argument about inconvenience raises an intriguing question: Will additional drivers of the car be relegated, in effect, to proving assumed innocence, a concept that rubs against the American grain?

One answer is to draw a parallel, that of passenger screenings in airports, now commonly accepted. In both situations we need to recognize everybody's vulnerability and the necessity to contribute sacrifices, so that the potentially negative actions of others can be controlled. Besides, there are other ways we constantly pay with our time, treasure and inconvenience for the sake of our fellow humans. For example, we share roads, do jury duty and pay taxes. Some of those taxes help other individuals meet needs for food, shelter, education, medical care and certainly safety.

JIM BARTOS, BROOKLYN PARK

I find it amazing that our trusted state and national leaders cannot develop a health care plan like the one in Staples that Star Tribune writer Warren Wolfe wrote about ("The future is alive and well in Staples," Feb. 28). The health care being provided by the Lakewood Health System seems very well-organized and economical at the same time, giving good and timely health care to patients. It seems that this would be something that would be beneficial to both patients needing medical assistance and the expense accounts of our governments. Elected officials need to stop dividing health care into Republican or Democrat arenas. We are all in this together.

VICKY LARSON, MAPLE GROVE

Every time we cross the border into Iowa, we stop at the Diamond Jo casino in Northwood. Driving through the parking lot, we notice that 80 percent of the cars are from Minnesota.

JIM HATHAWAY, ST. LOUIS PARK

Pat Anderson pooh-poohs property tax increases under Gov. Tim Pawlenty as "slightly higher" ("The result of less state aid: Efficiency," March 5). I was shocked. If Anderson considers a 43 percent increase slight, then she's out of touch with average Minnesotans and just plain poor at math. She shouldn't be trusted with the job of minding the state's finances.

DIANE WATSON, MOUND

I applaud the Star Tribune for stepping into the search for solutions to the problem of drunken driving on Minnesota highways and streets. The "Smashed" series is exemplary journalism.

Now a Star Tribune photographer, Richard Tsong-Taatarii, has provided a stunning image of a grieving father, Albert Neely, who lost his daughter Alisha in a Minneapolis shooting ("A teen is mourned, bullets fly," Feb. 28).

Society suffers from both drivers who drink and drive and from citizens who illegally use firearms, the armed and unlawful among us. Both issues bring tragic consequences. Both are complex to solve. Socially conscious journalism can help.

DAVID GROUT, MINNETONKA

I would like to thank the Star Tribune for the editorial drawing attention to the critical importance of strengthening the neighborhoods in southeast Minneapolis, next to the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus ("Key to U housing: Location, location," March 5). However, the idea that the University District Alliance and the UMore Park property in Dakota County are somehow at odds with each other is simply ... odd.

These two efforts are like apples and oranges. At a glance, they are similar in nature, and both efforts are good for everyone. Both employ university resources and expertise to improve local communities. Both advance the university's nearly 160-year commitment to the public good. From this standpoint, the University District Alliance and UMore Park complement each other nicely.

But beyond that, these efforts are quite different. The work of the University District Alliance is both immediate and ongoing, improving quality of life, safety and sustainability of the community around our flagship campus. By contrast, our work at UMore Park has a long view, advancing and expanding on our existing university research, preserving and protecting natural spaces, and developing essential gravel resources to the benefit the university and the state. And if the suggestion is that the university can't walk and chew gum at the same time, I would suggest people pay a visit to our campus. We do countless things at once -- and very well -- every day!

KAREN HIMLE, VICE PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY RELATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA, AND COCHAIR, UNIVERSITY DISTRICT ALLIANCE

Every year people try to think of new ways to sand bag to save the buildings in the Red River Valley. Every year. Year after year. What's wrong with this scenario?