Readers write (July 13): Government shutdown, federal budget, air conditioning

Our governor insists there must be a compromise in the current budget crisis (Short Takes, July 12). As I have thought about this, it has occurred to me that there is a good parallel in the family budget scenario.

The John Doe family currently lives in a $300,000 house. Mrs. Doe is happy in that house -- it doesn't have an elevator or an indoor swimming pool, but she is proud of it. But Mr. Doe wants a $1 million house. Mrs. Doe finally breaks down and "compromises" on a $650,000 house. She rationalizes cashing in the children's college fund by convincing herself that compromise is always necessary. Mr. Doe isn't satisfied, but knows he can count on another compromise in a couple of years to get the $1 million house by demanding a $1.5 million expenditure.

While I think of myself as more independent than Republican or Democrat, I believe that the Republicans have the best of the budget argument this year. At some point, the Does have to be satisfied with what they have and make the most of it rather than always living beyond their means.

On the other hand, it would be a lot easier to be fully supportive of the Republicans if they would quit trying to legislate morality. Let's fix the state's budget crisis and let individuals, churches and nonprofits deal with the social issues that do not belong in St. Paul.

DEBRA L. ANDERSON, LINDSTROM, MINN.

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What bothers me most about the budget standoff is how vocal Republicans are about refusing to raise taxes when, indeed, they seem very comfortable about raising property taxes for every person living in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Is it because they can push the burden for taxation onto the cities and counties?

Please explain to me why raising taxes on alcohol and cigarettes or on millionaires is totally unacceptable, but raising property taxes on the middle class in a down market is just fine?

M.L. JOHNSON, MINNEAPOLIS

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It's been a surprise to me that people continue to talk about the intractability of both sides. I have lost track of how many times Dayton has offered adjustments to his original proposal to raise revenue with modest increases in income tax rates for the state's highest earners (a rate that is approximately half what it was 35 years ago when Minnesota was widely recognized as "the state that works"). In Tuesday's Star Tribune, the headlines "New offer rejected" and "Dayton would drop 'tax the rich' in favor of other increases" pretty much say it all.

Or do they? A few paragraphs into the story, the writer confuses the matter by broadly stating that politicians have grown ever more settled in their intractable positions. Later she talks about politicians being stuck. To me it's clear that Republican legislators are the ones with intractable positions.

CHRIS ROHRER, DULUTH

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I must say I was incredibly disappointed with the Star Tribune's choice of front-page articles ("What shutdown?" July 12). Really? Given all that people are going through in this state, the newspaper chose to report on those who don't consider themselves affected?

I am very thankful that the people of Hutchinson have weathered this storm without much discomfort, but let me tell you that thousands of people have not. We have all heard the stories of people struggling; the nonprofit I work for is poised to lay off workers at the end of the week. In addition, my girlfriend's daughter, who just moved to Colorado with a hairstylist job, cannot begin working because she can't get her cosmetology license. Another friend's husband has been laid off. I am very glad that the person quoted at the beginning of the story doesn't depend on the government, but many of us do, and I think that is the much bigger story.

LINDA DOMHOLT, MINNEAPOLIS

For Dayton to hit the road for a tour of the state at this crucial time is like a spouse walking out of the marriage counseling session to elicit the sympathies of friends and family.

LISA BARRY, MAPLE GROVE

At the threat of a Greek debt default, the world financial markets incurred a daily string of falling prices. Meanwhile, as we march toward a U.S. default, Pelosi Democrats refuse to consider entitlement reform and Boehner Republicans call tax increases or the closing of loopholes "job killers."

A message from this senior: Entitlements need reform, and if anyone thinks tax increases are a job killer, wait till you see what a market crash will do. Is there a third party I can vote for?

JOHN JACKSON, BLOOMINGTON

We individuals try to do our part for the environment by using high settings on our air conditioners on those unbearably hot days. Is this a futile gesture if larger institutions don't do their part?