Readers Write (Sept. 16): Poverty, young adults, gays and lesbians, abuse

Recent census figures reflect a discouraging reality: The share of all Americans living in poverty, including children, is higher than it's been in decades ("State poverty hits 10.8%, incomes slide," Sept. 14).

With this new data, and with the national debate over the debt and deficit crises, it's important to keep in mind how hard-pressed working people are affected. As national leaders work to cut $1.2 trillion from the federal budget, we urge them to preserve social programs and tax credits that support the economic security of low-income families.

Historically, major deficit-reduction strategies have avoided cutting such programs and tax credits. Refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit have been hailed for helping families stay in the workforce by providing a buffer for many living in or close to poverty levels, which is now one in four Minnesotans.

Such credits help families pay their everyday bills, provide for their children and access education to improve their employability. This, in turn, puts money back into the economy.

TRACY FISCHMAN, ST. PAUL

The writer is executive director of AccountAbility Minnesota, a free tax preparation and financial services nonprofit.

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Ending poverty will benefit our whole society, not only those in need.

JIM DAHLGREN, CRYSTAL

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I have to say that I am very disappointed in our government and America in general. Instead of burdening college students with huge debits and tuition costs and fees, why not help us out? Even in high school, I could see the way my school was struggling to make ends meet.

The only hope for our future is better education and more support for students. Taxes are a vital part of keeping the government alive and thriving. Our tax money is only helping to keep our roads safe, parks open and education consistent.

LEAH ROST, RICHFIELD

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A recent letter writer ("Opponent's message was one of compassion," Sept. 15) partially agreed with a writer critical of Father James Livingston's upholding of church teachings against same-sex marriage and relationships, in that Jesus came to Earth to absolve sinners and affirm the primacy of love.

But she added a condition for Jesus to give his love and compassion, saying "but sinners must confess and repent of their sin -- whatever they may be -- to be absolved, not continue in it."

Either love and compassion are there, or they are not. When you add conditions, you aren't offering love and compassion; you are trying to change people, and you are using your offer as a stick to get your way.

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How nice that people like Father Livingston and the subsequent letter writer will let me be gay as long as I don't have gay sex.

FELIPE MUNOZ, MINNEAPOLIS

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The increase in Minnesota's unemployment rate and number of people living in poverty means more people are seeking help from food shelves, losing their homes to foreclosure or moving in with friends and family.

WATCH, a court-monitoring organization focused on violence against women, witnesses this choice being made. Just recently, a WATCH monitor returned from a sentencing at the Hennepin County Government Center.

The defendant was charged with strangling his girlfriend, with whom he has two children. The victim requested that she be allowed to have contact with the defendant because she needs his financial support. She said that "one can of formula costs more than I make in an hour."

Scenarios like this are played out in courtrooms across our state. Battered women are sacrificing safety so their children have food on the table or a roof over their heads. This is not a choice anyone should have to make.

And the consequences are not only the obvious immediate ones. There are long-term consequences as well, particularly when children are in the picture.

Research shows that children who witness domestic violence are more likely than their peers to suffer depression, chemical dependency and anxiety.

In our community. Here, at the Hennepin County Government Center. And then let's work together so families can be safe in their homes and have food on their tables.

MARNA ANDERSON, MINNEAPOLIS