ST. CROIX CROSSING
State should be mindful of taxpayers' money
The Minnesota Department of Transportation has agreed to pay $58.1 million instead of $52.3 million on the bridge approach work for the St. Croix Crossing because the lowest responsible bidder didn't meet the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises subcontracting goals ("Do millions mean nothing in bridge bid?" May 2).
The low bidder certified that nearly 11 percent of the work would be done by DBEs, short of the 16.7 percent MnDOT goal. So, in effect, the state is paying millions more because of a short percentage difference. Are these the same principles that our government will apply in its expanding role in managing our health care system?
MICHAEL WOLF, Bloomington
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CAROLINA ELECTION
Former governor in South rises again
Cheers for former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford ("Mark Sanford renews career, must build reputation," May 8)! He proves that you can be a lying, cheating, taxpayer-money-wasting, derelict-of-duty, lawbreaking, vow-breaking, court-order-breaking hypocrite and still be elected to Congress. He'll fit right in with his new colleagues in Washington.
JOE TAMBURINO, West St. Paul
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PAIN MANAGEMENT
Ease suffering for humans and animals
Make what you will of the government research showing aggressive cancers in lab animals who were given large amounts of Ginkgo biloba ("New doubts about Ginkgo biloba," May 7). What's never discussed is that cancer tumors frequently cause severe pain that requires expert pain management — at least, when the cancer patient is human. But what happens when the cancer patient isn't human and has no power or voice? How long and how intensely must the (involuntary) research animals suffer?
CHRISTINE LEWIS, Minneapolis
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SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
Vikings out of touch with Minnesota values
Various political and social views espoused by Chris Kluwe are widely shared in the Twin Cities ("If and when the Vikings cut Kluwe, the loss will be ours," May 5). Sacking Kluwe is another way team owners are thumbing their noses at those forced to help pay for the new stadium. They love our money but despise our values.
PAT MULOY, Minneapolis
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People who oppose same-sex marriage on religious grounds need a quick reminder: Marriage is a legal contract, not a religious one ("Same-sex marriage opponents call religious protection efforts a 'big lie,' " Hot Dish blog, May 6).
While a wedding can be a religious ceremony, the actual marriage has nothing to do with churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, etc. Just ask yourself, "Where would I go to get a copy of my marriage certificate?"
