Readers Write (May 4): Therapist, bicyclists, health care, orchestra, bullies, hecklers, abortion

"Therapist fell for 'psychopath'," read an April 27 headline. It's always the responsibility of a therapist to maintain appropriate boundaries. So the headline should have said: "Therapist sexually abused client in correctional facility." The client, no matter what the background, isn't responsible for the actions of the therapist. In many states the actions of this therapist would be a criminal act punishable by license revocation.

ANN VAN REGAN, Ottawa, Canada

* * *

Being green is a good thing for a city ("Lawmakers debating more rights for cyclists," April 27). Although to be green takes green. If more of city streets are appropriated to cyclists, we need to consider the costs associated with this transition. These roads will need to be restriped and maintained over time. Many of these costs now come from the various taxes applied to cars and fuel. These fundamentals need to be applied proportionately to cyclists to maintain their portion of the thoroughfares.

SCOTT ANDERSON, New Hope

* * *

I love columnist David Brooks because he tells it like it is, as exemplified in his commentary on the Affordable Health Care Act ("Obamacare is upon us, and oh, my," April 27). It's the law of the land. Isn't it obvious we must work together? All lose in the turmoil and battles over implementation, including insurance companies, small business and the people.

• • •

Brooks has been consistent in his opposition to the law and consistent with his Republican associates who have done all they can to derail health care reform.

In Minnesota, where Democrats are in control, implementation of the ACA is in relatively good shape. Health care was recognized as a major problem for Minnesotans, and bipartisan work was done to address reform. The work done to create a state insurance exchange will be consistent with federal guidelines and is being accomplished in a timely manner. If the ACA reforms are not working as they were intended for some states, those states might look inward.

Minnesota is moving forward. MNsure is visual proof of the exchange coming to life. Go online, explore and see for yourself. Brooks thinks the ACA is a doozy. On this issue he is partisan and, maybe, just a bit dizzy.

It becomes increasingly clear with the passage of time that the only real way to resolve the problems and conflicts now plaguing the Minnesota Orchestra and its management is to do away with the latter distinction.

WINSTON KAEHLER, St. Paul

* * *

Bullies and terrorists: the utmost in judgmental conceit.

DONNA MONTGOMERY, Edina

* * *

If people were to write a letter or send an e-mail, they'd receive a generic thank-you note that he may never see. If I were to give him a personal call, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't get by his staff. The odds of him calling me back are just as slim. The same holds true if I were to visit his office.

Although I wouldn't heckle at one of the "Meetings with Mark," I remain curious about how a voter goes about getting time to bend the governor's ear.

SCOTT DEVITT, Buffalo, Minn.

• • •

The governor was talking about people's behavior, not the people themselves. I don't believe that people have a right to scream in a person's face just because they pay that individual's salary. Every adult, not just those who are politicians, is a steward of the common good. It comes with adulthood. We all have stewardship in civil, polite public interactions. Unfortunately, some adults fail to understand this stewardship and feel free to forfeit the public good in favor of venting at people. I applaud the governor for making this point about what we rightfully expect of each other as adults in public life.

* * *

What if we're all doing our best around abortion? What if the real reason women and girls seek abortions is because the world doesn't create a welcoming, supportive home for babies? If we spent our considerable energy creating that, we might get to an agreed-upon solution. What if we looked to doing the best we can by each working on ourselves? If we had responsibility and maturity throughout, each taking on what is ours to do, we'd evolve a wee bit faster.