Readers Write (June 1): Drinking in Epcot, polarization, Cuba and Iran and glass houses, green space at Loring, 'the Commons'

The May 24 travel story about adults drinking their way through Disney's Epcot was an eye-opener. Three years ago, my husband and I took our kids on a trip to Disney World — a big deal for us. Despite several warnings that the kids wouldn't enjoy Epcot, we all agreed it was our favorite park.

The only drawback was the unexpected number of inebriated young adults staggering around. It was also in Epcot that I found the only unpleasant surprise of the vacation: In one of the bathrooms, someone had recently been very sick and missed the trash can.

I didn't know at the time that drinking your way through Epcot was a "thing." Well, to each his own, I guess. It's just a shame that people would travel to such an interesting and fun place only to drink themselves into oblivion, and in the process make the park a little less pleasant for the rest of us.

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As a Disney travel planner, I was dismayed by the vacation advice given in "A dizzying whirl through Epcot" (May 24). The image of Epcot as a park for "adults and nerds" is outdated. Some of the best activities for kids are at this park where, although there are fewer "rides," there are numerous hands-on attractions that appeal greatly to kids, especially the "Agent P" adventures and the Innoventions Pavilion. And the rides that are there are so popular they often have 60-plus minute waits. The "fairy tale" element that the May 24 article's author claims is missing from this park is present at every "country" in the form of characters who have shorter lines here than in the other parks. In addition, the Akershus restaurant in Epcot's Norway Pavilion hosts a princess meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which is easier to get a reservation for than is a similar meal in the Magic Kingdom.

Finally, the author stated that the Magic Kingdom does not have alcohol. This is no longer true. However, it's true that it is not as easy to overindulge there as when drinking "around the world" in Epcot. I am surprised that the Star Tribune would promote this practice, which constantly draws complaints from visitors who did not expect to have to maneuver around weaving drunks and people vomiting in the bushes in the Most Magical Place on Earth.

A May 27 letter writer suggested that liberals have changed and conservatives have not. Why is that? Is it biologic? Is it the amygdala? Is it an ideology rooted in basic instincts like fear, greed and religion? While political parties and all forms of media focus on and prod differences, what is lost is reality and common good. Conservatism is change averse. Some would like to go back to America in the 1950s. They were good times. Change is hard. The problem is that change is one of the few constants in the universe. Evolution is a result of change. Once, God was believed to be the sun; now, accepted religious opinion promotes monotheism. Earth was the flat center of the universe a few years ago. What will the next God be? How will we see the universe in the future? The only certainty is that things will be different, because we gain new insights. Knowledge and social change spring from new information. Change should not be feared but embraced. Pointing out a proclivity for not changing is an odd perspective, given reality.

Thanks to recent letter writers for their lists of what I'd call the "litmus test" issues among politicians. But I don't think our current polarization is the result of movement by either party. It's the result of a pervasive unwillingness to compromise.

Granted, some of the issues don't lend themselves to compromise. But here's the real problem: Although these issues are largely unrelated, neither party will take you seriously unless you buy into that party's position on all of them. There's no reason a candidate couldn't be in favor of same-sex marriage, opposed to abortion, against voter ID, anti-gun control and so on, but that candidate will never get the backing needed to run a campaign.

Partisan, bipartisan — feh! I'd like the chance to vote for some nonpartisan candidates — independent thinkers who can judge each issue on its merits.

A May 28 letter writer contrasts coverage of the Minnesota Orchestra's trip to Cuba with that country's "oppressive dictatorship, their gulags, their abhorrent conditions and human rights," but he should remember that "free elections" in America means spending $2 billion to run for president. As for "gulags," he should remember that the United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. "Abhorrent conditions" in Cuba include free education and free medical care (among the best in the Western Hemisphere). And as for "human rights?" In America in 2010, there were 678 inmates per 100,000 whites and 4,347 black inmates per 100,000. I think it's possible to love America without being blind to its shortcomings.

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The Iranian government is saying and doing exactly the same thing the U.S. government does. Maybe the editors could think about how this shows why we should be better. No torture, no kill teams, no blown-up wedding parties, no imprisoning people just because. Because if we do it to "them," "they'll" do it to us.

A May 28 letter writer complained about the "deplorable condition" of Loring Park. As a neighbor of the park, and as a proud volunteer there, I must object. Why was the grass so high? Could it be due to days of rain making it difficult to schedule mowing? Why are the dandelions not controlled? This is an urban park, not a manicured (and chemically treated) suburban lawn. The tough grasses and weeds of Loring's greensward can withstand the impact of dogs and cyclists, geese and soccer players. They bounce back after thousands fill the park during Pride weekend, the Art Festival, Summer Music and Movies and other events.

Like all city parks, Loring could use more money and attention; tax dollars only stretch so far. Thanks to dedicated staff and volunteers, there is much to appreciate in Loring. Come stroll by the lush Garden of the Seasons, the innovative Rain Garden and the roses among the horseshoe pits. The tiny Triangle Garden, maintained by a volunteer, is exquisite. And while you're there, think about donating to repair/restore the Berger Fountain, often called the Dandelion Fountain. I think Van Gogh might have appreciated it.

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Having lived in London enjoying abundant urban green space without naming rights, I'm thrilled the Downtown East "Commons" park won't have a corporate sponsor. This is an opportunity, not a problem. Plenty of Minnesotans — me included — would gladly give a small donation in return for nothing more than strengthening a feeling of community ownership that can be passed down through generations of people rather than brands. As for the name, I have a quaint idea. Why not a person? I propose "Hubert H. Humphrey Commons."