Readers write (July 26): Government, Norway, drivers and bicyclists

With all the miseries in the world -- think Norway, Somalia, Libya, you name it -- how can one understand the inability of self-centered politicians who cannot see that making life better for all Americans does not hinge on "no compromise" or "no new taxes"? The pervasive lack of interest in any world beyond their own is incomprehensible to those who hold -- and intend to hang on to -- power. The operative thought seems to be that if you're rich enough, whatever else happens to blue-collar workers or unemployed people or -- horrors! -- union members cannot affect you. Your children can pay anywhere from $12 to $30 or more to ski in steamy temperatures because of snow carpets. Never mind that there are homeless, undernourished children within a few blocks who can't even afford the luxury of running through a hose or sucking on an ice cube. But there can be no compromise, because pledges have been signed and the wealthy must be protected. It's pathetic.

PHYLLIS DEER, INVER GROVE HEIGHTS

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The first time I voted for a Minnesota governor, it was for Wendell Anderson, a Democrat. I later voted for Republican Ronald Reagan for president. I generally select the candidate I think is best for the job, regardless of party affiliation. I can't do that anymore because of the all-or-none package deal forced on me by the political parties.

It's like cable television programming. I watch a few channels regularly but am forced to pay for hundreds. Candidates today are obliged to follow their party's ideology, to the letter, or pay the consequences. No longer can I vote for the best candidate; I have to vote for the party. Oh, my -- that sounds rather communistic!

DANIEL REED, MINNETONKA

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To eliminate divided government and the possibility of future shutdowns, we could change our state Constitution and have a parliamentary system, at least for the state. There would be one Legislature, and the majority leader would become the governor.

This system works on a national level for Canada and for most democratic countries in the world. Our federal government has three branches, but there is nothing in the U.S. Constitution that requires states to have the same structure.

GEORGE ALLAND, WOODBURY

One of the survivors of the massacre in Norway reportedly uttered the following words: "If one man can show so much hate, imagine how much love we can show together." What courage one must have to express gracious sentiments in such a time as this.

These words are witness to Norway's true status as a country that has always stood for world peace. Our hearts go out to the people of Norway as they search for solace and serenity in the midst of this grave tragedy.

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In this reader's mind, the placement of two articles on Sunday's front page delineated a moral challenge to all Americans: Is it possible that the newspaper's exclusive portrayal of presidential candidate Michele Bachmann's unrepentant evangelical Christian campaign spotlighted on the lower-left of the page -- juxtaposed with the New York Times' description of the "Christian civil war" being fought by the Norwegian terrorist Anders Breivik, who assasinated more than 90 of his fellow Norwegians, are both on the same mission?

BETH DHENNIN, COON RAPIDS

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An article about the horror in Norway described the killer as a "conservative Christian." Christianity is based on a figure, Jesus Christ. There is a body of literature in the New Testament that describes the life and teachings of this figure, Jesus, and nothing in these teachings would support mass murder. Just because someone describes themselves as a Christian doesn't make them one. If some deluded killer described themselves as a space alien, would the press report this as a fact?

STEPHEN KRIZ, MAPLE GROVE

I almost hit a bicyclist the other day. I was making a left turn onto a one-way street. The bicyclist was biking the wrong way and got to the corner just as I did. Luckily for both of us, I swerved out of the way. My fear is that one day, I will not react in time.

Please obey traffic laws. Ride the right way down one-way streets. Stop at stop signs and stop lights -- at least long enough to make sure a car is not coming the other way. Use a light, front and back, as well as reflectors.

Use common sense. Use less-traveled roads at rush hour. Don't talk on your cell phone and steer with one hand -- you may need to use both to stop.

I am not an angry driver who believes bicycles do not belong on the road. I rode mine to work for many years. I am a driver who does not want to have an avoidable accident with a bicyclist.