Readers write for Wednesday, March 17

Throughout America's history, both accomplishments and setbacks have contributed to its greatness. Both by design and accident, we have made the future better. And betterment is what we can accomplish now with health care reform.

If we do not act now, more of our people will suffer. If we act, we can have a healthier, more self-sufficient population.

Our legislators have a duty that transcends political allegiance and personal preference. They should vote for health care reform as it is proposed, with its accomplishments and faults, because on balance it will help ensure the common good of a great country.

VICTOR BERTHENE, ST. LOUIS PARK

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Regardless of political party, every American should be wondering why Democrats are twisting like contortionists and trying to rewrite Senate rules to ram health care legislation through Congress.

This legislation will have such massive impact on our national economy that it must not be rushed through with backroom deals and promises to fix it later.

JOE MILLER, NORTHFIELD

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While cleaning out some old school files, I ran across an article from Time magazine. It talked about containing runaway medical costs and a new federal program to make hospitals more efficient. It discussed a newly adopted federal program aimed at cost containment, establishing limits of reimbursement based on type of illness. It talked about inflation, the growth of the nation's elderly population and costly technology as cost drivers draining our Medicare resources. It said those factors put the country on a high-speed course toward financial disaster.

The date of the article: Oct. 10, 1983.

Twenty-seven years later, we're still on that course. Right?

The spokesman for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis puts a negative spin on efforts of parents, students and alumni to prevent the closing of our beloved St. Bernard's High School ("Fundraising fervor unlikely to save St. Bernard's," March 14). In fact, this effort is not a lost cause. But it is a sizable challenge -- one that requires the help of the thousands of alumni, now scattered through the metro area and beyond, who have benefited so greatly from the excellent academic education and timeless moral values we learned at the school. Throughout nearly 50 years of operation, St. Bernard's has served families of humble-to-modest means, giving their children opportunities to thrive in a values-driven environment of academic excellence usually available only to those from more affluent families.

Moreover, on the north end of St. Paul, St. Bernard's is an island of stability and promise in an urban neighborhood and business district challenged by changing demographics and the current economy. Along with alumni, north end businesses and neighbors also have a stake in keeping St. Bernard's open, and I hope they will contribute to the pledge drive to save the school.

While the financial pressures of all institutions are quite tangible these days, I hope that the archdiocese will encourage the passionate efforts of Catholics seeking to preserve a great urban institution that stands for so many of the admirable values our church teaches.

MARY BADER, WAYZATA

Hooray that there is finally someone willing to do something our powerful, fearless politicians are afraid to do: stand up to "Governor Veto" ("Galen vs. the Guv," March 15). Galen Robinson has taken the ultimate step in the right direction by taking Gov. Tim Pawlenty to court over his budget-cutting authority.

I know Pawlenty is trying to look important for his 2012 presidential run, but to cut back on health care and other services is ridiculous.

Maybe Robinson would consider a run for governor. Wouldn't that be a kick in the teeth for Pawlenty and his fellow Republicans? Stay tuned.

PETER CLARK, ROSEVILLE

A heartwarming March 16 letter suggested naming a new Vikings stadium after Korey Stringer. But it's a more appropriate name might be Minnesota Taxpayer Stadium.

What better way to recognize the many state taxpayers who unselfishly subsidize season-ticket holders, professional athletes and owners?

ALAN RICHTER, MINNEAPOLIS

Spring is in the air, and highway trash is in bloom. Soon people will be putting their lives at risk cleaning up this litter because of the thoughtlessness of thousands. Let's all be part of a highway kindness revolution.