Readers write for Sunday, March 13

Contrary to what letter writer Stephanie Peterson says about teachers unions ("Union takes money, doesn't protect job," March 6), they are not to blame for the loss of her teaching job.

The poor economy, the failure of her district to pass a levy, and the necessary cuts that follow will negatively affect a teacher who is on the low end of the seniority list.

Peterson's union dues did contribute to a number of the benefits she had while employed. Those include her salary and benefits; professional development days; political policies regarding her profession, and conditions of her working environment, to name a few.

What her union does not unilaterally do is protect jobs.

Unfortunately, most districts in the state are facing significant financial strain, which translates into layoffs and bumping.

The current job market for education couldn't be tighter; there are very few positions open in any district.

While I sympathize with her frustration -- there are plenty of really good teachers at my building who have lost their jobs due to the poor economy -- the reality is that all sectors of public and private employment are facing cuts, and for many "the last hired is the first fired," union or not.

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In his new book, evangelical Pastor Rob Bell questions how a loving God can send anyone to hell ("Firestorm about heaven, hell blazes in blogosphere," March 6).

Bell appears to presume that the sins of each person who has ever lived aren't so bad that a loving God can't overlook them and allow them into heaven. God is loving, but he is also absolutely holy.

Our sin against him, particularly the refusal to accept his son, Jesus, deserves eternal punishment. But our creator showed his love for us by taking our sin and punishment on himself when Jesus died on the cross.

This is the most mind-blowing demonstration of love and sacrifice that this world will ever see.

NATALIE SMETAK, SHAKOPEE

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I read with disbelief the March 6 Business section article "Alliant Tech's new frontier: Growth abroad."

My parents consistently protested this company in the 1980s, and I find it shameful that Alliant Techsystems has simply not found something better to do.

Who in their right mind reads "the company's sweet spot is bullets, mortars and artillery" without thinking about what is unfolding in the Middle East?

Who bears the responsibility for selling to mass markets without knowing who will be the end user?

Surely Alliant Tech has some smarter people on staff to redirect this course of madness.

The article should have read "Alliant Tech's new frontier: Sewing instability and violence abroad."

If the company doesn't change its business model, I'll be out on the streets with my parents shortly.

DREW MADSON, MINNETONKA

Hello? Are any of our public agencies -- such as the Department of Natural Resources, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the Army Corps of Engineers -- communicating with one another?

On March 6, Linda Mack reported about the lovely long-term Mississippi River park plans that the Park Board is envisioning ("Ideas flow through the river, too").

In the same paper, Dennis Anderson warned about the serious threat that is approaching Minnesota waterways as Asian carp proceed northward ("Future shock").

Without timely intervention, it seems highly likely that the Park Board's dreams are bound to turn into nightmares.

SUE SMUKLER, MINNEAPOLIS

Neal Justin's column in the March 6 Variety section ("Verrrrry interesting") brought back good memories of a better day in television.

At the time "Laugh-In" aired, my husband and I had a few must-see shows. Besides "Laugh-In," we watched the "Smothers Brothers" and "All In the Family."

Later in the 1980s, we happened upon a half-hour version of the old "Laugh-In" on a channel in our cable system. It was still timely.

During the original airings, Ronald Reagan had been governor of California, and during the reruns he was president of the United States. And he was still funny.

When the original show was produced, we were in a too-long war, so yesterday's airing of "The Best of Laugh-In" may have brought back some bad memories.

DARLENE ROSS, BENSON, MINN.

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