THE ENERGY CRISIS
Big Stone II a start
Mind-boggling. Energy prices are at all-time highs, and we are going to argue about approving transmission lines for Big Stone II ("Big Stone II plant left in limbo after a no-vote by PUC," June 6)?
We need to build Big Stone II -- and Big Stone III and Big Stone IV. We need to drill for oil everywhere. We need to mandate 40 mile-per-gallon cars tomorrow. We need to build more refineries now. We need more nuclear and coal-fired plants today.
Democrats, submit your top three energy-policy plans. Republicans, submit your top three energy-policy plans. President Bush, sign all six! How about that?
Instead, we will be relegated to months, maybe years, of finger-pointing and blame. All the while, hard-working Americans pay the price.
Republicans and Democrats have let us down; neither party offers any solutions -- only pain. It would be comical if it were not so sad. I need to go find a leader to vote for, somewhere. I am not hopeful I can find one, anywhere.
JASON DREFAHL, ROCHESTER
Give us more options We've had many conversations about rising fuel prices and what should be done to resolve the problem. I hear everything from drilling for more oil to plug-in electric cars to nothing will change during our lifetimes. But I'm a lot more optimistic than that.
We'll never see the end of oil products, but what we really need are more choices in the market so consumers can invest in what they feel are the most feasible options.
We have choices when we buy groceries, furniture, clothing, electronics, hot tubs and beds; why not when it comes to looking for transportation?
Build it, and we will buy it. Give us choices, and that alone will drive down the cost of fuel.
RICK DINGWALL, ANNANDALE, MINN.
Close SUV loophole A large part of the demise of the St. Paul Ford Ranger plant has been the SUV tax writeoff that gives a big-time advantage to those who buy much bigger vehicles on which to hang their business signs.
This loophole was opened wide by the Republican-controlled Congress.
It's nice that Sen. Norm Coleman, who supported that loophole, is for doing something to keep the plant open now. It beats hanging a "Lose Jobs Now -- Ask Me How" sign on an Escalade or Yukon window next to his campaign sticker.
CLAYTON HAAPALA, MINNETONKA
ANTIWAR PROTESTERS
Denying GOP its rights
It's almost laughable to hear antiwar activist Mick Kelly complain about being denied free speech (Star Tribune, June 7) when the whole object of the antiwar demonstrations during the Republican Convention is to prevent Republicans from having their freedom of speech.
The antiwar activists want to harass Republicans in front of their hotels, block sidewalks and roadways to prevent people from getting to the convention and cause as much disruption as possible.
Kelly and his antiwar activists have had 362 days to demonstrate across the country and practice their freedom of speech. I think it's only fair to allow Republicans to have their days of free speech at their convention.
I find it very interesting that the people who scream the loudest about freedom of speech are the very ones who do everything in their power to prevent freedom of speech for everyone but themselves.
PAT NOKLEBY, PAYNESVILLE, MINN.
AN OBAMA-CLINTON TICKET?
A very clear choice
The possibility of a Barack Obama-Hillary Clinton ticket generates a full spectrum of emotions and outcome speculations -- particularly when viewed as the "Barbillary" ticket.
Obama correctly observes that this is "our moment." The outcome of the November elections could precipitate an accelerating, multi-decade change of our nation's socioeconomic course, particularly when both the executive and the legislative branches of the U.S. government are controlled by Democrats.
The distinct benefit of an Obama-Clinton ticket is that, given the contrast of likely government policies under Obama-Clinton vs. John McCain, voters have a very clear choice. Thereby, America is more apt to attain the outcome that it deserves (however defined).
GENE DELAUNE, NEW BRIGHTON
SEX ED IN SHAKOPEE
Facing reality
I just shake my head when I read articles like the one about the disgruntled Shakopee parents ("Sex-ed class angers parents in Shakopee," June 11).
Parents these days are too concerned with making their kids comfortable. Schools should offer a "nonembarrassing" alternative to a sex ed class? Are you kidding me?
The fact is that more and more kids are engaging in sexual activity at a young age. A report earlier this year from the Minnesota Department of Health revealed that sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise. Classes such as the one at issue are a necessary component of a comprehensive sex ed curriculum.
And in response to the question, "[w]hen is it ever appropriate for a sixth-grade boy to learn about female puberty and vice versa?" the answer is, in the real world, right now.
JESS THEISEN, MAPLE GROVE
Not 'babies' anymore While I agree that 11- and 12-year-old children should be separated during a sexual education course, I do not agree that an 11- or 12-year-old boy shouldn't know anything about an 11- or 12-year-old girl.
The earlier a child knows the risks inherent in sexual activity and what it is, the less likely they are to engage in risky behavior. If parents wait to tell their children about sex until they are 13 or 14, the possibility that the child has already engaged in some type of activity is greater. Children who know the facts earlier will be better prepared to deal with the situation when it arises.
Parents may still feel their children are "babies" right now, but, in a year or two they won't be, and, if you wait any longer to tell them the truth about sex, they will be having babies.
SUSAN WOOD, BIG LAKE
'beauty and the beak'
A waste of money
I don't know which disheartens me more about the June 7 Star Tribune article "Beauty and the Beak": That the Raptor Center spent at the minimum $100,000 to fix Beauty's beak or that the Star Tribune chose to present the story as warm and fuzzy rather than as an expose of outrageous waste. I wonder how the folks at the local pound feel about enough money to save hundreds of animals being used to save one.
PHILIP CARLSON, BLOOMINGTON
