Readers Write (Nov. 26): Sparboe eggs, supercommittee, driver's sentence, abortion, Eden Prairie schools

State Rep. Dean Urdahl, R-Grove City, thinks it's unfair that a few bad employees can threaten the future of Sparboe Farms. "Every company has bad employees," he told Star Tribune columnist Jon Tevlin ("There's more to egg video than just eggs and chicken," Nov. 23).

If it truly were just some bad employees, then I agree. But I'm also leery. Remember when Republicans were up in arms when an employee at ACORN made a bad decision? They can't have it both ways.

JIM BARBEAU, CHAMPLIN, MINN.

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The recent controversy about abusive treatment of laying hens at Sparboe should serve as a teaching moment for us all. Sparboe is really no different than the many factory farms across our country producing the eggs that most Americans consume.

The gross mistreatment of birds at Sparboe only highlights the already deplorable, inhumane conditions under which 90 percent of the country's laying hens are forced to live. These hens live their entire lives in "battery" cages so small and overcrowded they can barely move. Each bird has less space than a sheet of paper on which to spend its life.

We as consumers have the power to improve this situation. Choosing to purchase and consume only eggs produced by cage-free hens will go a long way to promote more humane living conditions for these birds.

So the next time you are at the grocery store or out to eat, please join me in choosing to be an advocate for these birds by purchasing and eating only cage-free eggs.

SUZY AHRENS, ST. PAUL

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It's disturbing to read the sanctimonious editorials about the failure of the supercommittee ("Epic fail," Nov. 23). President Clinton and the Democrats left a surplus to George W. Bush, who proceeded to wage two unfunded wars and cut taxes to primarily benefit the rich.

Much of the deficit is caused by the impact of the Great Recession -- a recession caused in large part by the absurd greed of an unregulated Wall Street. Health care costs keep rising because of a system that rewards profits over results -- things that President Obama's health care reform is beginning to address.

Tea Party Republicans refuse any tax increase, even for millionaires. Polls indicate a large majority of Americans want a balanced approach of tax increases and spending cuts.

But instead of compromise, Republicans use the debt as an excuse to attack programs they never wanted in the first place. Instead of whining about the supercommittee, let's remember that Republicans caused the deficit crisis.

PAMELA J. SNOPL, MINNEAPOLIS

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I'm frustrated with the sentence handed down to Brittany Rose Mertz of St. Paul, whose careless driving resulted in the death of two children and an adult ("Unusual justice for driver who killed three," Nov. 23).

Sadly, the victims' family must endure suffering every day for their loss, while Mertz will be forced to endure it for a single day each year.

MAX MATHESON, ST. PETER, MINN.

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I disagree with Stephen J. Heaney ("Freedom of conscience is under assault," Nov. 19). Preventing a pregnancy isn't necessarily a bad thing. But he argues that abortion and contraception are the opposite of health care.

If a pregnancy is endangering the life of the mother, then wouldn't saving her life through abortion be exactly what health care is about?

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Katherine Kersten's latest column ended with a positive reflection on the power of determined Eden Prairie citizens whose voices were heard and rewarded in the recent school board election as a result of their successful campaign ("Eden Prairie had to suffer a foolish plan," Nov. 20).

In the spirit of the season, I am grateful for the parents and citizens who care so deeply about the education of their students. They continue to stay actively engaged not only in district matters, but additionally through volunteering, mentoring, personal commitment and guidance. It's this high level of dedication that helps students to be the best that they can be.

SARA FITZPATRICK, EDEN PRAIRIE

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I had a tasty steak at the Brett Favre Steakhouse and plenty of pregame time to enjoy the beautiful football field. I came away from that experience thinking somebody should be taking the "decisionmakers" in Minnesota to a game in Green Bay to see what a wonderful entertainment destination exists there.

I believe the Arden Hills site would best provide for a similar experience for Minnesotans.