Readers write (May 28): Gov. Dayton, schools, stadium, Arizona shooting, Lake Calhoun, Weather disasters

The Star Tribune characterized Gov. Mark Dayton's vetoes as a "hit list" ("Budget vetoed; shutdown looms," May 25). In doing so, the newspaper suggested that his decisions were vindictive and purely political in nature. This sort of language perpetuates the cynical stereotype of the selfish, power-mad politician.

In this case, however, Dayton's actions were based on principle. As with many Minnesotans, he believed that the budget bills were a threat to our most vulnerable citizens and to our quality of life.

His vetoes did not represent political theater; they represented the use of political power in the service of real, substantive political difference.

You may not agree with Dayton, but I hope we can agree that his decisions were, in fact, principled.

NOAH MASS, ROSEMOUNT

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The current Legislature was elected by a majority of the people of the state of Minnesota to do the job that it has completed: to pass a balanced budget with cost-cutting measures, without raising taxes.

If you want to blame someone, blame the people; the people elected this combination of guaranteed failure.

BRUCE A GRANGER, PRIOR LAKE

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For months, GOP leaders have spewed rhetoric trying to cast our governor as some delusional idealist. They insist that they shouldn't have to compromise with the governor because raising taxes by any amount is inherently unreasonable.

Dayton was elected just like they were. His "tax the rich" plan was never any mystery to the voters who elected him. Rather, it was the cornerstone of his campaign.

GOP leaders need to recognize that nearly as many citizens voted against them as voted for them. They need to accept that they lost the governor's race and work with the governor who was elected by the people of Minnesota.

Maybe then they could get down to the real work of improving the lives of people, instead of holding Minnesota hostage to allow the wealthy to pay a slightly lower income tax rate.

NICHOLAS TILLEMANS, ST. PAUL

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This week, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius announced a new education initiative for our most at-risk children: An early childhood fund to encourage states to improve quality and access to early learning programs.

On the same day on the front page, top of the fold, there was another stadium story. Does the newspaper really believe that building another stadium is more important to our community than educating all our children? Where are its priorities?

ARTHUR J. ROLNICK, MINNEAPOLIS

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Jared Loughner was found to be mentally incompetent to stand trial in a mass shooting in which six people died and 13 people were injured, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Even so, he was able to legally purchase a firearm before the shooting. How can we change this picture?

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Lake Calhoun's name must be changed ("Could 'chain of lakes' be Isles, Harriet -- Humphrey?" May 21).

John C. Calhoun was a vicious white supremacist whose view of slavery as a "positive good" led directly to South Carolina's secession. His name does not belong on anything in Minnesota, including the lake and the retail square.

Hubert Humphrey was arguably Minnesota's greatest contribution to society and is deserving of commemoration. Many lakes in Minnesota are denoted by first names (Ida, Sarah and Marian). Lake Hubert has a nice ring to it.

TERRENCE HORRIGAN, STACY, MINN.

Let me begin by stating that God did not send the tornadoes that struck Minneapolis; Joplin, Mo., and other areas. But I'll bet that God is watching to see how we help our citizens in need.

Let's start valuing each other instead of using hateful political dialogue that divides us. We aren't the ultimate judges of humanity.