Readers Write (Oct. 27): Marriage amendment, orchestras, oil, presidential race

Jason Adkins of the Minnesota Catholic Conference claims that Catholic bishops and clergy have a right to guide ("It is right for the church to speak," Oct. 23). My husband and I have no problem with guiding the faithful within the doors of the church. However, the marriage amendment is a power grab outside of church purview, reaching into the homes of everyone in our state, Catholics and non-Catholics. We don't need the bishops to "educate" us. This is a serious infringement of a religious issue on our civil rights. We will vote "no."

PATRICIA AND craig neal, Minneapolis

• • •

For the good of society, marriage should be limited to the union of one man and one woman. It serves the interests of adults and children, as well as the public.

SHERI BLESENER, NORTH ST. PAUL

• • •

Wouldn't it be nice if the Catholic hierarchy could find some other cause to motivate its flock instead of the divisive marriage issue? Maybe it could be religious tolerance. Now that would be a worthwhile cause.

* * *

The musicians of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra have done their jobs ("Musicians of both major metro orchestras shut out," Oct. 22). They've provided hours of premier musical entertainment in the Twin Cities and in other major cities. It appears that each organization's management has failed to plan and execute a fiscally sound future for these orchestras.

JUDY GELINA, MINNEAPOLIS

* * *

Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney and others either missed or are choosing to ignore news that the United States could soon overtake Saudi Arabia as the world's biggest oil producer ("U.S. oil output skyrockets," Oct. 24). I've also noticed that gas prices are still well over $3 per gallon. Perhaps their opponents are correct in saying that we can't drill our way to lower gas prices, that our country's oil production is only a small piece of the global energy market, and that investing in renewable energy and conservation is a better strategy for creating energy independence and lowering prices. It appears we can't affect gas prices in the short term by increasing production, so why should we think it will affect prices in the long term? I prefer the concept of energy interdependence. We're in a global market and should start making decisions that are best for everyone in the long run.

* * *

I find it alarming that Mitt Romney has not elaborated on the five-point plan that he touts. On the other hand, President Obama has produced a "Blueprint for America" for voters in swing states ("Campaigns reveal how they'll take it home," Oct. 24). Not only has Obama provided more detail of his plan in the debates, he has put it down on paper. It's time for Romney to let voters know how he would fulfill his plans for our nation's economy. Then we can make informed decisions.