Palin's reasoning is flawed I find it disingenuous that Gov. Sarah Palin will not speak with an investigator hired by Alaska lawmakers to look into the firing of her public safety commissioner because he would not fire her former brother-in-law without cause.
Palin's claim that the investigation is tainted and has been hijacked by Democrats is false. An investigator had been hired to look into the claim before she became the vice-presidential nominee.
Palin appears to be using this bogus claim to avoid responsibility in providing honest and binding testimony. Binding testimony has been the downfall of several members of the Bush administration. Does anyone remember where Scooter Libby is right now?
ANNE BRAY, BROOKLYN PARK
Remedial education for elected officials and law enforcement A Sept. 16 letter informed me that the Minnesota State Bar Association has a project to help students learn about the U.S. Constitution, in honor of Constitution Day. Such work is to be commended.
But given that this month Minnesotans experienced violations of the First and Fourth amendments on a massive scale -- and based on the dangerous premise that constitutional rights can effectively be sold away when a private political organization indemnifies municipalities from lawsuits -- it would be more valuable if the MSBA extended its education efforts to our mayors, police and sheriff departments, and city and county attorneys.
MICHAEL FRIEDMAN, MINNEAPOLIS
See Franken's ideas on health care Al Franken's website has an excellent statement on his views for health care reform. I suggest going there rather than listening to Norm Coleman say "your next trip to the doctor would remind you of a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles."
STEVE JANUSZ, NORTHFIELD, MINN.
Running for public office? Show us the passion In reference to the Rovian attacks on Al Franken and "the Left": Being "angry" should be a prerequisite for office at this point. The blithe indifference of the nonangry masses is exactly what has gotten us into the situation we are in.
BEN SEYMOUR, MINNEAPOLIS
Give Franken and his party some power What are you folks thinking! Your Sept. 15 headline is on the Norm Coleman and Al Franken nonsense ("Coleman, Franken sink amid sniping"). The change we need in this country is not about individuals but about changing the teams!
The reason Congress has such a low rating is that "we, the people" send insufficient team members of one party necessary to over ride a presidential veto. What is it about this that you don't understand?
I don't care much for Franken but will vote for him. I firmly believe that the November election will determine if American leadership at home and abroad is at an end. If it is, welcome to "American Idol" and "the rapture," and it's your turn to make the popcorn.
FLOYD KELLER, BAYPORT
