Readers write for Sunday, Oct. 17

In an environment of mistrust and discontent with government, I think voters on both sides of the aisle and everywhere in between can agree that what we desperately need are leaders we can trust. We want honesty, integrity and pure motives. Mark Dayton is such a leader. No matter what you think of his policies, his integrity is beyond question. I also believe that his motives are not self-serving and that he truly wants to serve the people of Minnesota. I'll be voting for Dayton.

LOREN OLSON, MINNEAPOLIS

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Mr. Dayton: I am one of those "rich guys" you refer to in your campaign rhetoric. Since when is working hard and being a success shameful?

I have three children in school and pay more than $85,000 after taxes annually for education. In good and bad years, we give our time and money to various charities. My car is 11 years old. We clean our house and cut our lawn ourselves. We live comfortably and thank God daily for our blessings, but we sure do not feel rich! We have never had any trusts outside of Minnesota to shelter income. As a matter of fact, we have never had any trusts.

Your problem, sir, is that you have lived the life of wealth and privilege and have unrealistic and unknowledgeable perceptions of who the rich are after payment of their expenses and taxes. The top 4 percent of Minnesota taxpayers pay 42 percent of all state income taxes. I pay my fair share.

RICH CAMMACK, MINNEAPOLIS

In response to the story concerning Rep. Jim Oberstar's opponent ("Has 'The Dean' met his match?", Oct. 15), I am disappointed with what passed for journalism. There was not a single statistical fact nor nonpartisan poll referenced in the story. The only poll mentioned was an internal poll by Oberstar's opponent, Chip Cravaack. (That's like saying: "My two best friends and I talked about it, and we all agree that I am a great guy.") Good newspapers have a responsibility to inform the public while at the same time not leading the public with sensational headlines. Please make an effort to do better.

CURT ALBERTSON, DULUTH

Regarding Katherine Kersten's Oct. 10 column ("This year, the family is on the ballot"): It is estimated that 10 percent of the population is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. If Kersten is truly concerned about marriage and children, I suggest that she focus on the impact of high divorce rates, single mothers, absent fathers and domestic violence on children. Those are far bigger issues.

MARY MCFETRIDGE, NEW HOPE

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RUSS PAUMEN, MAPLE LAKE

Ok, I'll admit it: I was on the Brett Favre bandwagon. But the only thing that makes Favre palatable is if we win. I'm not interested in listening to tearful remarks or complaints about how his elbow hurts. We're paying him $20 million. I understand capitalism, but we need results. Otherwise, let's get Tarvaris Jackson warmed up.

Brett won't be able to control the media or public opinion about the sexting allegations. Boorish conduct is more easily overlooked if we're winning but glaringly apparent when we're losing. I now know why my wife doesn't like men.

The season can still be turned around. Let's buck up and start playing better.