Readers write (June 13): Delta Air Lines, zoo wolf killing, Target and marriage equality, Wirth park, political sex scandals, elder care, state budget

It's astonishing that U.S. Rep. John Kline or any other Republican politician should be critical of Delta Air Lines for moving jobs outside of Minnesota. What did they expect?

Republicans, after all, claim the ideology of the free market as sacred truth, the highest values of which are the pursuit of profit and freedom from the interference of government and organized labor.

These same market forces have sent millions of jobs overseas. Notions of strengthening local communities through shared sacrifice for the common good are alien if not irrelevant to the dogma of the right.

JAMES A. BERGQUIST, BLOOMINGTON

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I was shocked to hear that Delta is transferring jobs from Minnesota. I don't believe I'm the only skeptic who thought the company would keep its word and not transfer jobs from here.

This is the same airline that was charging excessive fees to U.S. troops for extra baggage until one brave serviceman spoke out publicly.

JIM MULVANEY, NEW HOPE

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Of course, we all know what the real problem is here -- wild animals don't belong in captivity.

LINDA BAUMANN, MAPLE GROVE

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JAMES RICE, NEW HOPE

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Target's neutrality regarding the marriage amendment is perplexing. Same-sex marriage and civil union gift registries would give the company and the Minnesota economy a boost. The amendment moves Minnesota backward.

LEE SWANSON, RICHFIELD

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I'm a recent convert to the amazing opportunities offered by Wirth Park. I've skied the cross-country trails at least three times a week for the past two years.

They are the longest, most consistently groomed trails in the metro area. I've also biked, hiked and enjoyed the flower gardens. I've become a member of the City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation Board and am excited about the work we have started with neighborhood kids.

JUDY MAHLE LUTTER, ST. PAUL

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Congress seems to be made up of hypocrites (Republicans) and weaklings (Democrats). The GOP congressmen are hypocrites because they're yelling and screaming to oust U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner but didn't do anything about U.S. Sen. David Vitter, who used the prostitution service known as the D.C. Madam. The Democrats have showed no backbone on the matters.

AUGUSTINE GREEN, MINNEAPOLIS

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Thank you for your story on the abuse of the elderly ("Broken system fails elderly victims," June 5).

As someone with a father who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and who is in a long-term care facility after many years of home care provided by my mother, I was disheartened at the treatment the patients received and the response of the system and the courts to the crimes committed.

We should have the same standard of punishment for crimes against any vulnerable population, whether children or adults. Having spent time visiting my father, I understand the difficult jobs that staff members have. When they do their jobs properly, they should be appreciated, compensated and treated professionally.

As a manager in an independent senior living community, I know that the residents strive to remain independent as long as possible, which saves a financially stressed system money.

That means relying on family, but by the time a person moves to a long-term care facility, their caregiver is often exhausted and welcomes the opportunity to take care of his or her own neglected needs. Quality care for a loved one can provide peace of mind.

SARA PAQUETTE, MINNEAPOLIS

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Keep asking this question: If almost a decade of cutting taxes and reducing regulation was supposed to lead to prosperity, why are we on the skids?