FACEBOOK CONTROVERSY
Teach by example
In Friday's Star Tribune, there was a story and editorial about the Eden Prairie students suspended for pictures on Facebook showing them allegedly drinking, and on the front page of Scene there was an article on adults looking for the ultimate cure for a hangover.
Our schools want to teach our children how to grow up and be adults. Punishing our children is so much easier but ultimately less effective than teaching by example and open communication.
The educators at Eden Prairie High School have missed a golden opportunity to develop a dialogue with the students. The administration's action has only promoted confrontation.
JARED FRAZIN, BLOOMINGTON
An apt analogy How is the plight of the Eden Prairie students any different from that of those caught running red lights by the "photo cop"? Isn't this a case of "guilty until proven innocent"?
ART JACOBSON, BLOOMINGTON
Play by the rules All high school students need to understand that being involved in athletics and other activities is an honor and a privilege. They represent their communities by putting on the uniforms that bear the name of their city or school.
In doing so, they agree beforehand to refrain from drugs or alcohol. That doesn't mean drinking once in a while, it means not drinking at all. And certainly it means not being so proud of yourselves that you feel compelled to advertise your deeds on a popular Internet site.
TOMMY HINZ, LAKEVILLE
MOLNAU AT MNDOT
Pawlenty's mistake
The Star Tribune's Jan. 10 interview with Carol Molnau revealed less about her than it did about her boss, Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
The case against Molnau continuing her dual role as lieutenant governor and transportation commissioner is manifest. Her decision to delay necessary structural work on the Interstate 35W bridge until after resurfacing was completed, gross mismanagement of the Wakota Bridge, Hwy. 610, the Crosstown projects, politicization of road funding issues and lax supervision of errant, possibly criminal managers -- I could go on for a while here -- are plenty for any boss to reasonably conclude that change in MnDOT is needed.
But Pawlenty has seen that leaving Molnau to twist in the wind serves him politically. She's taking the heat while Pawlenty does his touchy-feely act in front of the cameras and on his radio show. He privately tells Molnau that "you've done a good job" but we learn in Thursday's piece that Brian McClung, the governor's spokesman, refused to respond to a question about whether the governor currently supports her.
That act might play with the media for the short term, but it reflects the passive-aggressive leadership style that many of us who have tried to work with this governor have seen for years. It's not that he's upholding conservative or Republican principles -- I'd have more respect for that -- it's that he's a politician without any particular political viewpoint beyond personal ambition.
If he doesn't act to replace Molnau with a qualified, dedicated professional to head the Minnesota Department of Transportation, I and others will start the process by voting against her reappointment when the Legislature reconvenes in February. She will continue as lieutenant governor, the job she was elected to.
It's a shame it should have to happen that way. It could be avoided by Pawlenty exercising some belated, but much needed, leadership.
SEN. STEVE MURPHY, DFL-RED WING
RAMSTAD RETIRES
He should switch teams
I read that one of the reasons Rep. Jim Ramstad is leaving Congress is because that it is more difficult to affect change from the minority. I have heard the local right-wing talk radio denigrate his record. When he announced his retirement, those talk-show hosts bid him good riddance.
I invite him to reconsider not running for office and join the Democratic Party.
DOUGLAS WOBBEMA, BURNSVILLE
NWA MERGER RUMORS
Its married name
Richard Anderson, CEO of Delta Air Lines, has made it clear that if any merger takes place the new airlines "would be named Delta." Northwest Airlines will not be forgotten, however, because Delta's management will use the first name of its corporation and Northwest management will use the last name of their corporation. The new airline name will be Delta Airlines.
RICH OSBORN, Edina
CHANGE AT CARLSON COS.
Focus on the negative
I was saddened and disappointed in your judgment to make the recent personal problems of Marilyn Carlson Nelson's son the focus of your story on succession at Carlson Companies (Star Tribune, Jan. 9). With any other company the story would be about her very successful term as CEO of the company and the selection and resume of her successor, Hubert Joly. Selecting this personal family emphasis for the news story was in very poor taste, but then to write a full editorial restating the personal issues involved was even more egregious. You owe the Nelson family an apology.
PETER H. SAMMOND, MINNETONKA
