Readers Write (Jan. 22): Archbishop Nienstedt, Newt Gingrich, basilica, deer, Guantanamo, voter ID, recall drive

Archbishop John Nienstedt is insisting on no dissent from priests for the church's stance against gay marriage ("Priests told not to voice dissent," Jan. 17). Didn't Christianity start some 2,000 years ago with actions of dissent by Jesus, who threw money-changers out of the synagogue?

JERRY LEPPART, EDEN PRAIRIE

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The archbishop says he thinks the ultimate purpose of those who oppose the marriage amendment is "to eliminate the need for marriage altogether." Can he explain how allowing more people to enter into a committed marriage relationship is a threat to marriage? Can he consider the possibility that it might actually strengthen the institution of marriage?

RITA BOVE, MINNEAPOLIS

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I can't believe that our governor can count the Linden Avenue stadium site as one of two choices ("Dayton, Vikes warm to Linden Ave. stadium site," Jan. 19). The Basilica of St. Mary is a historical site. It's also an active parish, prominent in its social-services work. It has a very special status that should not be disrespected by polluting the area with the noise, traffic and hubbub of a nearby sports stadium. The Metrodome site is by far the most logical choice for a stadium.

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I don't believe that Newt Gingrich's infidelity or private sexual arrangements are relevant to his candidacy for the presidency. ABC News fed into the conservative talking point of media bias by airing the interview with Gingrich's second wife two days before the South Carolina primary.

John King's opening question at Thursday's CNN debate fed into that paranoia. Gingrich's marital history is well-known.

The question that Gingrich should be facing is not whether his marriages were closed or open, but how he can sanctimoniously advocate for "family values" in the face of this history. Gingrich is a hypocrite because he champions so-called traditional marriage and being against gay marriage.

The GOP presidential debates have largely been a joke because the moderators, far from being biased, were unable or unwilling to ask the right questions.

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What is with the "shoot first, ask questions later" mentality of the Department of Natural Resources ("Deer shooting stirs outrage," Jan. 17)? Because the two young deer in Forest Lake were wearing collars, they had to be slaughtered?

What does the DNR in Minnesota have against innocent deer? How many thousands have they ordered killed to test for diseases that have not been found?

The Carpenter family of Forest Lake did nothing wrong in helping these orphaned fawns, yet the DNR and Forest Lake police are making them out to be the bad guys. It's disturbing.

If the DNR has nothing better to do than order "a hit" on two innocent young deer, then it's time to do a complete overhaul of this state agency.

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Thank you for publishing Murat Kurnaz's account of his experience at Guantanamo Bay ("That I was not Al-Qaida did not help me," Jan. 15). I was moved with sadness at the unjust treatment he received at the hands of our government.

I do understand that we continue to live with the threat and dangers of terrorism. I'm glad that we have a government committed to keeping the nation secure. At the same time, we owe Kurnaz an apology for our unjust and cruel treatment.

I'm tired of listening to presidential candidates proclaiming with inflated chests that they would never apologize for America. This assertion is then responded to with cheers by proud Americans.

KEN SCHMITZ, COTTAGE GROVE

Can somebody please explain how it can be patriotic to make laws that deliberately disenfranchise voters because they're not likely to vote for one's party? Welcome to the new Jim Crow.

KATHLEEN JESME, INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

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The supporters of the effort to recall Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin were correct in stating that "this is what democracy looks like." By following established rules and procedures, citizens were able to petition the state for change.

I'm left wondering if those same supporters also think that democracy is having elected officials flee to a neighboring state to avoid having to deal with a difficult issue.