Readers write (July 27): Debt debate, Coffee Party, ideological violence, Linda Berglin

Default and bankruptcy are two things that real people avoid like the plague, because these things would affect their lives in tangible ways, like their ability to own a home, to feed their kids or to send them to college, or maybe even to retire someday.

But for the very wealthy and powerful, or for legal persons such as corporations, default and bankruptcy are just clever financial management tricks, taught to MBAs, played out with someone else's money and lives, not their own. Witness Donald Trump and the Wall Street debacle of 2008, among others.

Helps explain what's happening in Washington: The power players won't really be affected, other than maybe seeing their power tweaked a bit, but for us real people, it just might be devastating.

MIKE BURKE, MINNEAPOLIS

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I am an ob/gyn physician and mother of five. I am a Christian who tries to live a social-justice agenda by volunteering in my community and using my skills each year to help the people of Haiti.

I work with both my children and patients daily trying to find compromises that are livable for all of us. I make sure the bills are paid at the end of each month and that we have not spent more than we can afford. None of this is extraordinary, but it seems to be something the elected officials in Washington are unable to practice.

Therefore, I would like to start a new movement in opposition to the "Tea Party." The "Coffee Movement" is for all those Americans interested in compromise, less government spending and more revenue via increased taxes on those with the highest incomes.

Membership would involve the ability to see another point of view and work toward an agreement without shouting or name-calling. The goal would be to create a more equal future for all of our children, no matter their color, religion or sexual orientation.

By so doing, we would create a better world for ourselves in the process.

DR. LESLEE JAEGER, PLYMOUTH

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We did not start this fight, but we will finish it. "No more deficits" means it is time for the gloves to come off. The Coffee Party has some cuts you won't like. And we won't take no for an answer.

Here are some of our talking points: Government support of business is socialism. Defense spending is a lose-lose proposition. Only government is big enough to protect us against corporate greed. It is time to rouse the sleeping giant!

TOM HATTON, MINNEAPOLIS

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A July 26 letter that responded to the violence in Norway was absolutely correct on the disconnect between conservatives and Christianity, and the lack of any Christian values in their political philosophy.

However, this is just a piece of the larger picture, which is that of fundamentalist religious beliefs within almost all denominations and religions.

Whether it is the Inquisition; the conflict between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland; the 9/11 attack by fundamentalist Muslims or the ongoing conflicts between Sunnis and Shias; the murder of abortion providers by fundamentalist "Christians"; the rageful and hateful demonstrations against gays and lesbians at funerals, or the terroristic attacks by such monsters as Timothy McVeigh or Anders Breivik, they are all connected by the viewpoint of their perpetrators that their beliefs are just and moral, and that anybody who does not share those beliefs should be forcibly converted -- or killed, if conversion does not seem possible.

The desire to control others, and the fear of not being in control, lie at the heart of these beliefs.

Dating back to the Crusades and before, religious fundamentalism has been the scourge of civilization, and until it is overcome, we can expect many more horrors such as those cited above.

Assisting people to become less fearful and more accepting of differences in others, starting at the earliest age possible, will move us forward toward this goal -- though fundamentalists will certainly resist such educational efforts.

DAVID A. COATS, MINNEAPOLIS

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Tuesday's letter was quick to condemn conservatism as essentially anti-Christian. I would like to provide an essential counterpoint.

The letter writer voiced dismay at the conservative advocation of "uniformed violence." While peace is, of course, the ideal, it should be understood that there is a clear biblical distinction between violence involving individuals and war between states.

The writer also used the Bible to imply that everyone who has been blessed with financial success is condemned to damnation. Remember, Jesus also said, "No one comes to the Father except through me." So, according to Christian doctrine, nobody -- rich, poor, or in between -- can get into heaven without Jesus' aid.

Using religious rhetoric to condemn an entire political affiliation, or social class, is inherently wrong. Unfortunately, such language seems to be a tool of ever-increasing popularity in both right-wing and left-wing politics.

ALEXANDER M. RISSE, BROOKLYN PARK

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State Sen. Linda Berglin's retirement (Short Takes, July 26) reflects the end of the era when Minnesota's conscience required us to take care of one another -- across lines of wealth, race, privilege and party.

It's not surprising to me that the Republicans didn't want Berglin in the room as they negotiated the budget deal. In the old cartoon, Pinocchio didn't want his conscience, Jiminy Cricket, around to remind him of right and wrong, either. Until the wooden puppet learned to be honest, brave and unselfish, he didn't become real flesh and blood.

This year's legislative budget did not bring us closer to that goal.

PAULA MACCABEE, ST. PAUL

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Interesting. As long as Berglin could have her way unchallenged, she was more than happy to be a state senator and reap the power and recognition that comes with the position.

However, as soon as she could no longer function unchallenged, she packed up her stuff and moved out -- not even completing her term. This speaks loudly about the kind of woman she is.

It also seems to be a trend among Democrats nowadays. Wisconsin Democrats run to Illinois; a Minnesota senator closed his office and left when America was under attack.

Hmmmm.

RICHARD BURTON, RAMSEY