Readers Write for Thursday, Sept. 10

I would like to respond to the letter writers who chastised Republicans for "cheap shots" at President Obama's speech to schoolchildren: Yes, President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush both addressed schoolchildren. What did Democrats do after Bush's speech? They went so bonkers they held hearings and had the General Accounting Office investigate Bush.

Perhaps the "teachable moment" is that Obama's use of "I" 56 times in his speech demonstrates he wants to be worshiped, not merely admired.

BOB MAGINNIS, EDINA

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Congratulations to Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and vitriolic demagoguery in general. First, they convinced their numerous listeners and viewers that the president wasn't born in the United States. Then they convinced them that the president wants "death panels" written in a health care bill. Most recently, they convinced them that the president wants to indoctrinate children with socialism.

Because of this latest spurious attack, both of my children's schools decided not to allow the president's inspirational back-to-school address.

What's their next move -- a campaign to completely expunge any mention or depiction of President Obama in any public institution?

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My grandchildren attend Edina schools. I am outraged that their schools choose not to show the speech by the president. Because of that decision, my grandchildren did not get to hear President Obama encourage them to work hard in school.

It was OK for President Ronald Reagan to speak to children, as well as President George H.W. Bush. Why couldn't they hear President Obama?

GLYNDA BALLINGER, RICHFIELD

Shame on the Star Tribune! The Sept. 4 picture in the Variety section showing a bartender pouring alcohol down a customer's throat is deplorable! What kind of message is being sent to young adults? The Star Tribune obviously thinks this behavior is acceptable. Haven't the editors learned anything from the numerous stories about college students dying from alcohol poisoning?

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Was the purpose of the Sept. 4 article "Party purple" to inform readers where to go to get the best deal on pregame binging? Know where to go to get shots poured down their throats from willing young women? Know where to go to get the latest drinking "gadgets" to make the experience that more pleasurable?

I'm sorry I renewed my subscription last week.

NANCY PHELPS, ST. PAUL

Abercrombie & Fitch has displayed sensitivity and business acumen about as deep as its typical ad campaign ("Girl: I was treated like a 'misfit' at Abercrombie & Fitch," Sept. 9).

It's unreasonable to expect every store employee to be prepared to anticipate and handle every situation with grace. However, the corporate response was nothing short of reprehensible.

A first-year business student would know an apology and commitment to corrective action would be the minimal appropriate response. Continuing to deny wrongdoing -- to the point of making the family prove their child is autistic -- is beyond comprehension.

I'm heartened that the adage of a disgruntled customer telling 10 people no longer holds true. The Internet enables it to be a thousand -- or 100,000. More than 500,000 autistic children in the United States have friends and family who love them -- and who will undoubtedly direct their clothing purchases elsewhere.

FLETCHER CHAMBERS, EDEN PRAIRIE

I read with interest the Sept. 9 Star Tribune article on Anoka County Commissioner Scott LeDoux's struggle with ALS. I was touched by his fighting spirit and moved with sympathy for Scott and his family. I hope and pray that he is able to continue his important service to Anoka County.

With all due respect to LeDoux and Berg, no public office belongs to any one person, nor should it be treated as an heirloom to be passed from one family member to another. It is especially important that the people have a voice in filling this seat: one of only seven officials overseeing more than $250 million of taxpayer money in the fourth-largest county in the state.

I have no reason to believe that Carol LeDoux would not be a fine Anoka County commissioner. But that decision must be made by the people of Anoka County District 5, not by the other members of the Anoka County Board. And all Minnesotans should stand by the people of District 5 in support of their right to make that decision.