Readers write (Nov 11): Presidential race, child abuse, marriage amendment, wolf hunt

It takes time to heal after your candidate loses in the presidential election. I voted for Mitt Romney because he was qualified to lead our country. It's sad that he wasn't given a chance to guide our nation. The most difficult part was seeing the brutal treatment he received during the campaign. Now that the race is over, he remains one of the most distinguished, honest, motivated, caring, gentlemanly and family-oriented presidential candidate ever.

VEDA SIREK, NEW PRAGUE, MINN.

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It's hard to believe that American voters were dumb enough to elect both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama to two terms in office. I will now put a bumper sticker on my vehicle that says, "Don't whine, America -- you got what you voted for."

CORBY PELTO, PLYMOUTH

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Republicans opposed Obama relentlessly, even in regard to initiatives and bills that they previously supported. Their intent was to make him look like an incompetent and ineffective president. Thankfully, the American public saw through this maneuver. Obama is now re-elected, and it's time for the Republicans in all levels of government to work with the president and Democrats for the good of the country. The GOP owes us four years of solid, nonpartisan collaboration to make up for the last four years of extreme partisanship and negativity.

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There are many reasons I am happy Obama was re-elected, but I think what makes me happiest is the prospect of his appointing one, and maybe up to three, new Supreme Court justices in his next term.

CHRIS GEGAX, MINNEAPOLIS

In the aftermath of the election, there's been a lot of fretting about how our present system pushes candidates toward extremes. Isn't ranked-choice voting a promising antidote?

RODGERS Adams, Minneapolis

It was interesting that the 4-year-old daughter of the parent in the article asked, "Mommy, will you be angry if I tell you something sexy?" The child knew what was happening to her was no doubt wrong. The fact that this parent's four kids were experimenting sexually with each other is shocking and frightening.

CAROL JOHNSON, EDEN PRAIRIE

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I would like to extend heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the 8-year-old Minnesota child alleged to have been starved by his adoptive parents, and to his siblings who may have witnessed these terrible acts ("Couple charged with neglect of adopted boy," Nov. 6). This case shows why a thorough evaluation of prospective adoptive parents, as well as postplacement visits and supervision, are so important. All parties to an adoption, especially the children, are best served when working with a reputable, licensed adoption agency and an experienced adoption attorney. While the situation in Minnesota is tragic, we should not lose sight of the fact that the vast majority of adoptive parents are caring and loving, and are devoted to the welfare of their children.

DENISE BIERLY, COLLEGE STATION, PA.

The Rev. Michael Tegeder's letter calling for Archbishop John Nienstedt to consider stepping down from office because of advocacy for the marriage amendment was way over the top (Letters of the Day, Nov. 8). This Minneapolis priest insulted the archbishop and fostered anti-Catholicism. I'm beginning to question Tegeder's Catholicism and priesthood. He needs to get down on his knees and ask for guidance on how to overcome the sin of pride and abide by his priestly vows.

JOHN SOBRASKE, MOUND

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Bravo to Father Tegeder for asking the archbishop to think about resigning. In doing so, this priest displayed the kind of courage, commitment and conviction that Jesus also exhibited. They both stood up to bullies and hypocrites. Maybe's there's still hope for the Catholic Church.

JANET BATES, EAGAN

I was lucky to grow up in a family that had great love and respect for our natural resources. Since my childhood, I've had many opportunities to enjoy Minnesota's wild and remote areas. I've seldom been treated to more than a passing glance of a wolf (or a moose) in the wild. But seeing one of those beautiful animals in that setting is a thrill beyond description. One of my most prized possessions is a picture, taken by my daughter-in-law, of me paddling within a hundred yards of a moose standing on the shoreline. That picture is a constant reminder to me that the only responsible way to shoot one of these beautiful animals is with a camera. I can't imagine coming back from a trip into the wilderness with a wolf carcass and hanging it up for my friends to see, while also saying that I was a lover of the great outdoors.