Readers Write for Wednesday, May 6, 2009

It doesn't matter whether Chip Laingen believes waterboarding is harsh enough to be considered "torture" (Readers Write, May 5).

The Geneva Conventions, which are law in America, prohibit "outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment" of civilians, and says soldiers "may not be threatened, insulted, or exposed to any unpleasant or disadvantageous treatment."

No matter how terrorist suspects are categorized -- waterboarding and slamming them into walls is illegal under the Geneva Conventions. Trying to justify these illegal methods is both pointless and undignified, and the practice itself is a stain on our national honor.

ROBERT ALBERTI, MINNEAPOLIS

Marge Anderson, in her May 5 counterpoint, "Racetrack slot machines: Bad for Minnesota," claims that allowing revenue from gaming would "take down employment" from the casinos.

Sorry, Marge, but as a former employee, I see that it will provide jobs, which will be regulated and taxed, and will give employees back the rights that they have been working without for 25 years of Indian gaming.

Current workers have no employment or human rights working in a sovereign nation, and work in conditions reminiscent of the 1940s.

I think it's time to end this 25-year, tax-exempt sacred cow -- the result of strategic contributions to the right parties.

The employees, overburdened taxpayers and the customers will be thankful for any form of regulation and tax income that will result.

LYNN JAKUBIK, RICHFIELD

If the state has so many employees that it has nothing better to do than have them go after online gaming, then perhaps this is an opportunity for taxpayers to save a little money: Get rid of the state employees who are performing such a useless task.

BRUCE HENDRY, MINNEAPOLIS

KEITH DAVIS, MINNEAPOLIS

Let's cut to the chase. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf will move the team to Los Angeles because the Legislature will refuse to give him a cent towards a new stadium.

Before the team moves, at least give Brett Favre a chance. He has one thing no Minnesota Viking has won: a Super Bowl ring.

Brett knows how to win and will give the fans something to cheer about -- something that has been missed for a long, long time.

ROGER DUBOIS, MINNEAPOLIS

Is it possible that the position of finance director of a town of 3,800 people is not a full-time occupation? What if Centerville, Maple Lake, Frazee, Canby and perhaps another town or two hire one person to act as their finance director for a reasonable fee -- thereby saving money for all of them? Might there be other such opportunities for other towns or counties in our great state?

STEVE CARLSON, EDINA

You have to marvel at President Obama's vow to "detect and pursue" American tax evaders Monday while standing next to Tim Geithner. An evader is not only within his reach; the evaders are on his staff.

KEVIN SELL, MINNEAPOLIS

Naming a school after the Obamas after only 100 days is not only irresponsible, but crazy. What message is Webster Magnet Elementary School in St. Paul teaching kids? Fall in love, get married, have kids in 100 days? Normally, this type of accolade is done after service so history can judge the performance of an individual. People need to start thinking and stop drinking the Kool-Aid.