So first, those of us who don't stand and cheer every time President Trump Jong Un speaks are considered un-American traitors — something none of his predecessors would ever have even contemplated, much less stated. Then the man decides he wants to be feted with a massive military parade like the one he saw in Paris. A feeding no previous commander-in-chief's ego has ever required ("Trump ordered military parade," Feb. 7).
I can only assume that the next command from on high will be for every community across the country to gather all available people — preferably female to suit his tastes — meeting specific size and appearance requirements, dress them in matching brightly colored outfits and send them to Washington to gather on the mall and on cue hold high cards that will spell out "We love you, Dear Leader."
Pyongyang on the Potomac — our president's dream.
Harold W. Onstad, Plymouth
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So, after seeing the Bastille Day parade in France, President Donald Trump wants a "huge" parade displaying the military might of the U.S. — row upon row of soldiers, tanks, missiles, Humvees, etc. that he can look down on from his viewing platform. Why?
• So he can say mine is bigger than "Rocket Man's."
• So he can say this is the hugest crowd ever, even bigger than the one at his inauguration.
• So he can pander to his base with his pseudo-patriotism.
Trump loves to pontificate about his admiration for, loyalty to and concern for the U.S. military. If that's true, why did he allow bone spurs on his ankles to be the reason to avoid serving in the military? They sure don't seem to keep him from playing tennis or golf.
Roland Hayes, Shoreview
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The news of a spontaneous military parade our president has ordered reminds me of an old "Beverly Hillbillies" episode. In an effort to appease Granny to keep the Clampetts and their fortune in Beverly Hills, their banker Mr. Drysdale ordered a "Possum Day Parade." I'm certain that parade only cost taxpayers a couple of bucks for Ellie May's Possum Queen sash. I'm not sure which parade idea is more comical?
Mike Schafer, Minnetonka
MINNESOTA PRECINCT CAUCUSES
What a breath of fresh air to see these young women involved
Reading the article in Wednesday's Star Tribune, I took pause over one of the photos ("Walz, Johnson surge in caucus straw polls," front page).
As an admitted middle-aged, bleeding liberal Democrat, I was quite thrilled, and even slightly choked up, to see the picture of two young women volunteering/participating in the caucus sessions. I showed my wife and said, "See? This is what we need — more young women in the political process!" I added, "When women finally take over politics, we will be a much better country and safer world." So, imagine my liberal double-take as I read the caption and discovered they were working at the GOP caucus. "Wait. What?" I quickly shelved my stereotype thinking and said, "Yes!"
Country before politics is what my party is preaching. And with that in mind, I want to thank these two women for stepping up, being involved, making the process better and, yes, eventually making politics and this country better. Thank you, Smrithi and Natalie!
Tim Pearson, Minneapolis
SUPER BOWL LII
A few last (?) words on the topic: Stolen seat, Eagles fans, 'F' word
Regarding Super Bowl LII in Minnesota: I would like to ask the letter writer who was born and raised in Philadelphia (Readers Write, Feb. 6), and who stated that to his knowledge there were no incidents of unruly Philly fans in Minneapolis and for us Viking fans to get over our loss: Is he going to pay for the damage done by his disgusting Eagles fans to the U.S. Bank Stadium ("Hot seat: Fan swipes stadium souvenir," front page, Feb. 7.)? All I can say is good riddance to bad rubbish! I am glad that fan base is gone!
Lynda Berglund, Plymouth
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First of all, I want to apologize to any Vikings fans who were mistreated at the Eagles-Vikings game. There is no excuse for this and the offenders should be arrested.
What's unfair is saying that all Eagles fans are like that. These were isolated incidents caused by a few hundred drunken idiots out of 69,000 fans. That's less than 1 percent. The other 99-plus percent are well-behaved, passionate fans who respected Vikings fans.
I'm sure this happens in other stadiums, too. You can't tell me this doesn't happen in Green Bay to fans in full Vikings gear or to Packers fans in Minneapolis. If I went to N.Y., D.C. or Dallas in Eagles dress, I might get my butt kicked.
Eagles fans have always gotten a bad rap all the way back to 1969, when fans threw snowballs at a drunken idiot who ran onto the field dressed as Santa Claus. We are loyal, passionate fans like you who finally won the Super Bowl and hope you win one too someday. You have a great team.
Scott Stokes, Haddon Twp., N.J.
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Isn't anybody else embarrassed that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is still laughing at his proclaiming proudly the use of "The 'F' word" [when referring to Philadelphia Eagles fans]? A Feb. 2 article states that he "already has that polished politician look, totally comfortable as the face of the city" ("Mayor tackles first big event," Page 8A). How embarrassing. He was featured in an article with several children with this quote and he repeated it in interviews for TV reporters after the Super Bowl while laughing. Minneapolis citizens deserve better than that from officials. Especially the mayor. Those of us who are offended deserve an apology.
Barbara Nylen, Minneapolis
SCIENCE PROJECTS
Note to Peppermint Patty: You don't have to go it alone
The Feb. 7 "Peanuts" comic made me uncomfortable, then sad, and then driven to write a letter (Variety, Page E5). Contrary to Peppermint Patty's lament, a science project is only good if you do it as part of a team. I rely on my collaborators' contributions every day. Most scientific journal articles have several co-authors plus appreciative acknowledgment of many nonwriting contributors. In fact, our society contributes daily to science of every flavor through funding, comments, questions, participation in studies, etc. Scientific inquiry is an unconventional example of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone's mantra, "We all do better when we all do better." We call ourselves a science community for a reason! Thanks, neighbors, for being part of Team Science — whatever your role.
Melinda Erickson, Minneapolis
STAR TRIBUNE
Thumbs up for latest Steve Sack cartoon, paper's delivery folks
Bravo to Star Tribune editorial cartoonist Steve Sack for his portrayal of God's nonresponse to former U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann's phone call (Opinion Exchange, Feb. 7). Sometimes, when we seek God's guidance in prayer, his silence is answer enough.
Patrick Hirigoyen, St. Paul
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Every morning when I open my front door, I have added respect and admiration for our paper deliverer. The paper is faithfully delivered not only in subzero weather and snow, it's placed within 2 inches of the door. Our thanks to all the conscientious Star Tribune deliverers.
Sue Kearns, Minneapolis
