I read with sadness of the three deaths resulting when a teen driving an SUV full of other teens early Sunday T-boned the victims' vehicle, presumably at a very high rate of speed, based on the photos from the south Minneapolis scene ("Teen fleeing in stolen SUV crashes, killing 3," Sept. 24).
I was also sad to hear the blame laid at the feet of the State Patrol ("Relatives of one victim question policy, wisdom of police chases," Sept. 24). I disagree. The State Patrol has seen, heard and responded to a growing trend of breaking off pursuit when it's likely to result in innocent loss of life. In this case, the patrol said it broke off pursuit after four blocks along Cedar Avenue S. once a patrol helicopter began tracking the SUV from above.
The SUV fled past the tent encampment of indigenous Americans at Franklin Avenue E. It sailed past the Little Earth residences at E. 24th Street. At 26th, it crossed a major westbound one-way street. At 28th, a major eastbound one-way. How fast was the SUV going when it flew across Lake Street?
Then 31st, 32nd, 33rd, 34th. Finally coming to rest on the three souls lost at 35th. The problem isn't the State Patrol's evenhanded response. The responsibility lies with the killer — a reckless teenager at the helm of an SUV.
Andy Mason, Edina
HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT
How can we accept that people without homes is part of city life?
On Sunday, I passed by the homeless encampment on Cedar Avenue S. in Minneapolis and was truly awed by the size of it. It reminded me of when I was in Delhi five years ago and saw families living in makeshift tents along major thoroughfares. We have become hardened to the plight of these people because, as Jared Goyette said in his Sept. 22 "10,000 Takes" essay, "Meet the tent dwellers on my Minneapolis block," we have accepted that "living in proximity to people without homes is part of life in the city." Not far from the homeless encampment, new apartments at market rates have been constructed and there are plans for more. Why is there no affordable housing being built? Inadequate wages and high rents have placed many people one car repair or health crisis away from losing everything. I have met people in homeless shelters who have full-time jobs. Have we become a nation that believes that some must starve so that some can feast?
Anne Straka-Leland, Excelsior
PASSENGER RAIL
Two takes on more service to Chicago: Let's go, and not so fast
According to a new Minnesota Department of Transportation study ("New steam for St. Paul-Chicago rail service," Sept. 24), a second daily train from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Chicago is viable. Not only is it viable, I would argue it is essential.
Viable rail transportation requires a reliable time schedule, something almost impossible when the eastbound Amtrak train originates more than 1,500 miles away. In August, my wife and I and another couple drove to Chicago rather than ride Amtrak's Empire Builder as planned. Amtrak's scheduling app showed frequent delays from St. Paul's Union Depot, with some trains being hours late. Surely a second daily train, limited to service between here and Chicago, would make schedules more reliable and no doubt generate increased ridership.
Better service would also make Amtrak a good alternative to flying. A few years ago my wife and I were in our seats awaiting departure from Chicago's Midway airport when the pilot announced the flight would be delayed because of snow and wind closing Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. We made a quick decision and booked seats on the Empire Builder. We enjoyed a smooth, comfortable ride home through the bad weather, including dinner in the dining car.