South metro letters to the editor

I am hoping what I read today -- that momentum for a Vikings stadium is building in this legislative session -- is accurate. It seems to me to be a no-brainer. I don't care much to discuss the added taxes if that becomes a reality and while I respect the opinion of those that oppose additional taxes I would ask those who do oppose, have you really felt a difference since Target Field was approved? All I know is that what is occurring with the Twins makes us feel good and adds to our quality of life and we can do the same with the Vikings.

For those who say we are lining the pockets of billionaires, look around. Cities have lined up to build new facilities for their sports teams all across the country. It's the price of doing business. It's pretty simple. If you want the Vikings in Minnesota we will have to pay. We all love the Twins but let's face it, the Vikings are the most popular team in town. We have an out-of-state owner who looks around and sees public money spent on new stadiums and arenas all over the country and here in our own back yard. Why wouldn't he expect some help for the most popular team in town? So it's easy, folks. Pay up or run the risk of losing the Vikings.

JIM STAMOS

SHAKOPEE

Missing: Humanity Sarah Palin's and Michele Bachmann's rise happened mainly on religious morality (gay marriage for Bachmann and abortion for Palin). But where is the religious humanity? The tolerance and help for the most vulnerable in our society? All I hear is antigovernment rants and conspiracy theories. Even more amazing is that neither attracts Christians but only segregates. In 2004, I was unemployed and living with my folks and just got out of college. My brother turned on KTIS but instead of something inspiring it was Bachmann rallying against gay marriage. I almost lost my faith that night, but God never lost his faith me and I did get a job at a nonprofit. It does not pay much and we depend heavily on government aid and I barely get by, but the humanity in doing it restores my faith every night. That is much more than I can say for Bachmann or Palin.

WILLIAM CORY LABOVITCH

SOUTH ST. PAUL

First of all, a judge can do a lot of damage in one term and we wouldn't have had a chance to vote them in or out, let alone know anything about them beforehand! Second, it is the citizens' right to elect our judges per Article VI of the Minnesota Constitution. Third, if the amendment passes, what happens if you don't like or agree with the politics of the governor in office at the time -- how well might you like his/her judicial picks? Fourth, do you suppose the governor and a small group of cronies might select their own buddies, perhaps paying off political debts along the way?

Some will argue that there is often only one name for a judge in a given district on the ballot. So what? Don't vote for him/her if you don't want to. But keep in mind that a few simple changes are all that is needed. For example, judges should be made to show their record on the bench and provide we the voters with open, unbiased performance evaluations. Judges should be required to leave their position only at the end of the year of an election year unless under the most dire circumstances and giving us ample warning of their intent to quit. That way, there is time to provide a slate of judges for the upcoming election. Today, they simply quit in a nonelection year and the governor selects a replacement. How convenient.

It is not only our right but our duty to elect those who serve us and that includes open elections for judges. Tell your state senator and representative to vote no on the Quie bill!

JIM PAULSON

FARMINGTON

Secondly, it is repeatedly said that our current system is not developing minority teachers. Is that because it is designed to keep them out? If that is that case, then why haven't lawsuits been filed? That is a strong accusation. If that's not the case, then is it suggesting that we should lower the bar to make it easier for minorities to become teachers? And if so, wouldn't that be completely against what ...

Like I said, someone smarter needs to answer.

GREGG L. KOTSONAS