Readers Write for Saturday, Jan. 16

The current meeting of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission is yet another example of government hypocrisy. Executives from Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and other big banks have been called to testify. Noticeably absent from the hearings are any representatives of either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Yet, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac exerted much pressure on the banks to give subprime mortgages. Two of the complicit partners in the economic meltdown do not have to face the inquiry commission. We will not get to the root causes of the economic collapse if our government deep-sixes its own mistakes.

ANDY WESTERHAUS, BURNSVILLE

The intent of this letter is not to draw judgment on whether Gophers basketball player Royce White is innocent of taking another student's laptop at the University of Minnesota several weeks ago. Emphasize several.

The University Police department has no valid reason nor excuse for not presenting its evidence to the Minneapolis City Attorney's office in a timely manner. This case, on merit, should have been wrapped before Thanksgiving. But the University Police dragged its feet and did not submit the case details until just this week. Now, the media are predicting another month before it is decided whether White will be charged or not. Meantime, White's freshman season is virtually gone -- a grave injustice if he is innocent as he claims.

So someone get their acts together and clear the case out so the courts can concentrate on more meaningful cases.

PAT THOMPSON, MINNETONKA

His appalling broadcast remarks that blame the Haitians for the earthquake catastrophe are rooted in ignorance and racism and have nothing to do with mainstream Christian belief. Citing God's will, he has repeatedly blamed the victims of disaster, but this is a new low of reprehensible diatribe. Shame on Robertson and anyone foolish enough to listen to him.

BOB WORRALL, ROSEVILLE

Last week the Star Tribune reported that 500 current and retired Augsburg Fortress people would lose their defined benefit plan. The publishing house decided that it was underfunded and it could not close the gap. In a related article by Minnesota Public Radio, Augsburg stated that this action was allowed due to a loophole in pension regulations. It seems that churches and church agencies are exempt from state and federal legislation that protects other workers.

It seems odd that the publishing house of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America would use loopholes to terminate retirees' pensions. The church that is all about justice, fairness and care has decided to turn its back on a faithful, dedicated and trusting group of people who served for many years.

The leaders of the ELCA, who have been contacted, just ignore the issue and hope it quietly goes away. I hope it doesn't and that the 500 people affected get justice.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher's staff incorrectly advised three maximum donors they could also contribute to the state DFL Party on her behalf. When this error was pointed out, she immediately returned the money. When her campaign was disciplined, she took responsibility, paid the fine, and said she'd make sure it doesn't happen again.

We all make mistakes. This is how people with integrity respond to them.

RICHARD ADAIR, MINNEAPOLIS

In addition to the Star Tribune's story regarding Home Valu Interiors (Rudy Boschwitz's chain of stores) closing its doors, there were also recent closings of two well-known restaurants: one in Southdale Shopping Center and one at 50th and France Avenue S.

I wonder how many of the people in Minnesota who elected Barack Obama, Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken and a few others -- all in favor of our government spending billions of our tax dollars to increase jobs -- feel about these results? Maybe the hundreds of newly unemployed people can sign up for Obama's "Green Jobs" that he is working on.

MAURICE W. DIXON, EDINA

A tip from the Somali community has led to the arrest and indictment of two suspects in the tragic murders at Seward Market this month. I beg any members of the Somali community who might have information about the June 2008 murder of my neighbor Joe Sodd III in the area to show similar courage and come forward.

This is not to say the Somali community is responsible for that murder, but to recognize that closer ties with the police may have grown up since then, and Somalis with information may be more willing to speak to the police. Joe's tragic murder must not be forgotten.

ROBERT ALBERTI, MINNEAPOLIS

Delta Air Lines' increase in the checked baggage fee is just another example of what's wrong with today's airlines. With these fees the airlines are literally recruiting their passengers to be baggage handlers. And if today's flying experience isn't enough of a hassle, these higher fees will encourage still more people to carry their own luggage.