2007 Your Opinions Archives
March
Honoring our veterans: The EP Veterans Memorial
Throughout our history, many bright and loyal young citizens have answered the call to serve and made great sacrifices for the greater welfare of our world. Our parents, grandparents and friends have stood up to defend freedom all over the globe in the wars and conflicts of the past. My father, like many men from his generation, fought bravely in World War II six decades ago. Now in this decade members of our military are engaged in a similar struggle in Iraq and Afghanistan. We thankfully live in a free nation where we all own the right to voice our concerns about war and its consequences. But regardless of how one feels about this war, our troops need our support.
In the spirit of service the men and women of this nation, this state and this community are daily engaged in the grim reality of war. Knowing their actions and sacrifices will make a significant difference in the lives of others, they selflessly place themselves in harm's way knowing full well that someday their sacrifice may include their very lives.
We owe our veterans a great deal for what they have done to establish and sustain our way of life. It is essential that we continue to teach future generations about the real sacrifices made by the brave men and women of our military so that all Americans may fully understand and appreciate our nation's unique and courageous history.
For that reason, the Eden Prairie Veterans Committee has done a great deal of work in planning and raising private funds for the creation of a regional veterans memorial to be erected in our community serving not only Eden Prairie, but also Minnetonka, Hopkins, Edina, Bloomington and Chanhassen. Dedicated to peace, liberty, freedom and security, its purpose would be to honor those from our communities who have bravely served our country in the armed services.
The Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial is planned to be located on the south end of Purgatory Creek Recreation Area overlooking the waterfront and Harris Bridge.
The Eden Prairie Veterans Committee has raised some funds, but more is needed. Recently, several members of our community, John Mallo, Toby Sarahan, and Bob Grant, gave compelling testimony to the Capital Investment Committee. They spoke in support of legislation I introduced (HF961) that would provide state bonding appropriations to the project. It should be noted, that because Rep. Erik Paulsen previously worked to secure private dollars for the memorial , the project was given a favorable reception.
I am very pleased that this proposal has been included in the Capital Investment Omnibus Bonding Bill that will be voted on this week on the House floor. I am hopeful that this bill will pass, and that the governor will sign it to ensure the construction of this important project in our community.
We owe our men and women of the military a great deal of gratitude for their service. I feel very strongly that the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial will serve our region well in honoring our veterans and preserving the legacy of their sacrifices for years to come.
We as a community also owe a great deal of thanks to the Eden Prairie Veterans Memorial Committee for the good work they have done to establish this memorial in Eden Prairie. Without their vision, dedication and spirit, this project would not have been possible.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to ask you to support our troops and their families in any way you can by writing a letter or making a phone call. I also ask you to consider the option of supporting First Lady of Minnesota Mary Pawlenty's Military Family Care Initiative by logging on to www.firstlady.state.mn.us/initiatives_militaryfamily.
By supporting our troops and honoring our veterans, we can do a great deal to preserve our national heritage and instill the high ideals upon which our nation was founded in all our children for generations to come.
Rep. Maria Ruud, DFL-42A
Eden Prairie News, March 29, 2007
What is responsible government?
In a recent commentary, Sen. David Hann wrote, "One of the core principles for Republicans is a commitment to a limited and responsible government." I think that, in recent years, too much emphasis has been placed on "limited" and not enough on "responsible." With the "limited" government we have had, the focus has been on cutting costs (not necessarily getting us the best deal for our money). I think a "responsible" government works to solve problems people cannot resolve for themselves in a cost efficient way. What should a "responsible" government do? Perhaps the first step is to ask questions and then listen for good solutions.
What are fair tax rates for sales, properties, incomes and businesses? Zero percent? What should we pay to guarantee a "responsible" government? What should be done to reduce our national debt? What programs should be cut?
How should we respond to our nation's enemies? Which do we use force against and which do we negotiate with? What are reasons for going to war: as a response to an attack, as a preemptive strike, or to save good people from bad situations? How much force would we need to use? What do we need to do to maintain our armed forces? How much do we need to commit to support our returning soldiers?
Are there ways, other than war, to stop Iran and North Korea from continuing their nuclear weapons programs? Can we seriously engage a war with either country? These countries say they only want nuclear material for energy. Would it help to highlight problems associated with safely transporting and storing nuclear waste, like at Yucca Mountain? As an alternative, could we suggest renewable sources of energy, like wind or solar power?
What is the future of public schools in our society? How do we define failing schools? Who is responsible for failure in our schools: parents, teachers, students, or others? What can we do to improve our schools? What should we do with unsalvageable schools: keep working to fix them or remove all the students?
Where is the wasteful spending in our health care system? Should anyone profit in this system? How do we maintain high quality health care service? Can we create a system that covers everyone?
On a related topic to global warming, a liberal prediction would estimate that the world's supply of oil (even with development in ANWR and elsewhere) will run out in less than 100 years. (A conservative estimate would be less than 50 years.) Should we start to develop alternative fuels as soon as possible? How do we drive our cars without gasoline? How do we maintain a strong military if our planes, tanks and warships have no fuel? Will we return to 19th century technology for our transportation and other needs? (Which Kevin Costner movie will our future be like: "Waterworld" or "The Postman"?)
My intent for this letter is to encourage honest discussion about making a "responsible" government. Who should I expect answers from?
Dan Daniels, Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie News, March 29, 2007
Sold out by the council?
We've been sold out by the City Council and mayor. Their new position in favor of expanding the airport will only hurt the city by increasing noise, pollution and air traffic. There is no real benefit for the city residents — only a very real potential loss in property values.
Airport noise complaints have more than doubled in the last two years and they are still climbing. Thousands of residents are upset and irritated by the noise pollution coming from Flying Cloud Airport.
It is striking how many homes are up for sale within a two- to three-mile radius of the airport. It may just be coincidence, but many people seem to want to move out of Eden Prairie.
The City Council took their new position favoring the airport expansion without even asking the 63,000 residents of Eden Prairie! City code requires that the mayor and council listen to residents — not outside business owners.
If you feel betrayed by the new mayor and council, call them at 949-8300, or e-mail them at allcouncil@edenprairie.org and tell them they need a new letter to federal legislators retracting their old letter. They need to tell the legislators that residents are not in favor of the city lobbying for federal funding to expand the airport.
For more information go to zeroexpansion.com and be sure to vote on the issue at edenprairienews.com or http://www.edenprairienews.com:80/node/1412. At least the newspaper is giving the opportunity to express our position on the airport.
Gary Demee, Eden Prairie (former member of the Flying Cloud Airport Advisory Commissions)
Eden Prairie News, March 29, 2007
Airport expansion support?
As a 10-year Eden Prairie resident (presently living in Settlers Ridge) I am feeling shocked and betrayed to read in the Eden Prairie News that our Eden Prairie City Council would consider reversing all the years of time, money and effort of the vast majority of citizens and previous City Councils that have vehemently opposed expansion of Flying Cloud Airport. What can this new council be thinking? As far as I am concerned the previous council caved in too easily to the powerful MAC by counting on a lot of wishful thinking with vague agreements having little contractual teeth that left citizens simply hoping that the MAC would be priced out of any expansion plans due to the rising costs of acquiring precious land. Perhaps they had it right.
Frankly, it seems it was only a matter of time before the MAC would wise up and move further out to affordable land beyond Eden Prairie that would accommodate their budget (remember BFI in its attempt to expand the city landfill before it finally moved out?). That was until our new City Council decided suddenly without public input to now promote lobbying efforts and full support in a formal letter from the council for federal funding to expand Flying Cloud Airport. Unbelievable! Without federal dollars the expansion simply cannot happen. What happened to the 60,000 plus people this council is supposed to represent? How does the mega eyesore of airport hangers, increased noise and resulting pollution trump the potential for incredible real estate opportunities overlooking scenic bluff views for the city and all of our residents?
Are business going to move out of Eden Prairie without the expansion of the airport? That would be ridiculous. Will residents move out in large masses from the city in fear of more noise from twice as many flights, the stigma of noise and further encroachment by the airport? You bet they will. Will an expansion hurt property values of homes for miles around? You bet it will. The question is how much — 3 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent? As an 18-year residential Realtor/broker manager my guess is closer to 10 percent. How many home owners do you know in the city that would tolerate our elected council supporting a devaluation of their single largest financial investment for their present and future lifestyle?
I can assure you that none of you would be sitting on the council today had you run a campaign on even the slightest support of an airport expansion. I believe you owe it to the Eden Prairie citizens to explain your positions on the 180-degree turnabout in the new council support of Flying Cloud expansion. Why weren't each of you more forthcoming during your election campaigns of your airport support? Why must we be informed now by previous council members in an editorial? The residents of Eden Prairie deserve full disclosure, transparency and accountability by the council especially on an issue of this magnitude with long lasting, far reaching negative impact. Any letters or lobbying efforts by the city of Eden Prairie to promote support and to solicit federal funds for Flying Cloud expansion should be retracted immediately.
Lyndon Moquist, Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie News, March 29, 2007
Will Bush Folks Testify?
A pattern of secrecy
President Bush refuses to allow members of his administration to speak under oath to Congress about the firing of federal prosecutors.
In the early days of the Bush administration Vice President Dick Cheney met with the heads of energy companies to craft U.S. energy policy. We are not allowed to know what was discussed or decided in these meetings. In the war against terror we have secret prisons where we torture both the guilty and the innocent. But Bush won't talk about it. We don't get the whole story on the Guantanamo tribunals and the treatment of prisoners -- sorry, it's a secret.
The list goes on and on. I am way past cynicism and have lost respect for Bush and his administration. How did we end up with this secret government?
Paul Abeln, Eden Prairie
StarTribune, March 23, 2006
Questions Hann's commentary
It was with a great deal of disgust that I read Sen. Hann's commentary (March 1, 2007) in this paper. Why is it that the very same ideologues who want to stamp out government are the very ones making a career of government? Examine his voting record and he appears to be against funding anything except harsher seat belt laws. (See www.vote-smart.org for fascinating details on what our legislators are up to.)
Perhaps he has never read the Constitution of the United State, specifically that bit about "promote the general welfare." We the people need a lot of things to promote our general welfare. Things like highways, universal public education and health care, a postal service, weather forecasting, a military, emergency rescue services, police, food and drug inspections, retirement plans, a safety net of social services, and so on and on. These are all huge budget items, much too large for any private organizations to handle.
We pay for all of these items with our taxes. Our legislators spread those taxes around to fund the things they like and deny funding to those things they don't like. Judging from what Minnesota has funded in the last four years, it looks like our legislators like big business and don't like working people. For all of this nonsense about no more taxes, we are all paying more. The feds cut money to the state, who cut money to the cities, who raised our property taxes to make up for it. The Taxpayers League stooges can say they cut taxes, but really all they did was pass the buck, and that buck landed in your mailbox.
There are and should be limits to government, as Sen. Hann says. but when you start to make cuts to the government, the first thing you should trim off are the ineffective, the wasteful, and the pork barrel projects, not the things that are going to hurt people if they go away. You invest in people today so they become solid, law-abiding, taxpaying citizens in the future, not costly burdens to themselves and society. To do less is short-sighted and mean spirited.
A reasonable government should pay as it goes. It should raise the money before it spends it, just like any private citizen would. If that means a broader tax base, so be it. To finance our government by issuing bonds is just maxing out the credit card today then having to pay it all back with interest in the future. Yet that was last session's plan for transportation. Again, short-sighted.
During the last campaign, a lot of things were said, senator. You promised lower taxes. Your opponent promised to try to fix the damage that you and your party have done to our state through funding cuts. I'm voting for the fixed, even if they do cost more. I'm voting for a government big enough to do the job we trust it to do, promote the general welfare.
Alan Belisle, Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie News, March 15, 2007
Questions about Climate Science Symposium
Did you know Sen. David Hann sponsored a "Climate Science Symposium"? I didn't until it was over and then found out only by chance. This March 8 gathering, co-sponsored by three other Republican legislators, was held at the Minnesota History Center. To me, his participation reinforced his statements from the 2006 League of Women Voters forum that he wasn't sure humans were involved in global temperature increases.
Presenters included global warming skeptic and Cato Foundation fellow Patrick Michaels, who's accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars from industrial polluters to muddy the issue on global warming (according to www.mediamatters.org). Other guests included theologian Prof. E. Calvin Beisner and James Taylor of the conservative Heartland Institute.
Why would Sen. Hann sponsor a symposium on a hot topic like global warming and not notify his constituents to give them the opportunity to attend, listen to speakers and learn about his point of view?
Patti J. Indre, Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie News, March 15, 2006
Column contained 'misinformation'
William Kittelson's column "Global warming act ignores ..." in the March 8 edition of Eden Prairie News represents significant ignorance on the topic of climate change through genuine misinformation. This worries me as a native of Eden Prairie, as a graduate student in atmospheric science, and as someone who cares deeply about the accurate depiction of this issue. Such unscientific evaluations of climate change are irresponsible and ultimately contribute nothing to public discourse. They simply fill the air with white noise and trivialize what is a very complex problem in terms of understanding and response.
Mr. Kittelson is clearly concerned that taking action to mitigate global warming will hurt Minnesota businesses and taxpayers. This is a common concern, and perhaps the most valid given our fragile economy. However, the costs of inaction could be much higher. An October, 2006, report issued by British economist Sir Nicholas Stern projects that if no action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the global economy could face up to 20% reduction in Gross Domestic Product. In light of these findings, reducing GHG emissions now appears all the more necessary and alluring.
What is most disappointing is that the column's title belies the thrust of the test that follows it. The complaint over the lack of nuclear energy considerations in the Global Warming Mitigation Act of 2007 is a petty afterthought at the conclusion of the column.
Instead, Mr. Kittelson's words seem more intent on conveying a sense of complacency and levity over global warming which he considers to be benign, even going so far as to suggest that the benefits of warming might outweigh any consequences. This is simply not the case, and a growing body of scientific knowledge on the Earth's climate system supports such a view. We are poised at a place in time where science allows us to unequivocally state that the world is warming, and that recent warming is very likely due to human activity (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate CHange, 2007). The choice of whether to respond is ours, and the Global Warming Mitigation Act of 2007 represents Minnesota's collective answer.
The legislation currently being considered by the state government is another step in the right direction. It simply sets goals and initiates planning to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A brief reading of the bill's purpose provides a lucid rationale for passage, and ought to capture the attention of anyone who examines it.
I appreciate the foresight of the Minnesota state legislators.
Their acknowledgement of climate changes as an important issue of the day is a testament to their leadership and to their concern for the people of Minnesota, the United State and the globe.
Brian Smoliak, Seattle, Washington (formerly of Eden Prairie)
Eden Prairie News, March 15, 2007
February
Digital Billboards
A threat to safe driving
As a Minnetonka resident, I'm proud of our city officials for taking quick action against the new digital billboards. Bright, distracting billboards like these are designed to serve the bottom-line interests of advertising companies and their clients at the expense of local residents and, in particular, freeway drivers.
And if large, brilliant LED billboards aren't enough, the billboard images were going to change every 8 seconds -- presumably so that approaching motorists can read several different ads as they approach the displays. OK, now what is it that freeway drivers are supposed to be focusing on while moving at speeds of at least 55 miles per hour, often in heavy traffic or bad weather?
Bill Steinbicker, Minnetonka
StarTribune, February 2, 2007
Disagrees with letter
In response to an opinion article in last week’s newspaper about the video of Hussein’s death, I definitely understand where she is coming from. Viewing someone being executed is a gruesome ordeal. That is where my agreement ends.
I cannot but shake my head and laugh in disgust with her view about the Internet. Being the last refuge of free media, the Internet is the only place that I can knowingly turn to find news and video that hasn’t been filtered through the American media. How dare she suggest that we should regulate what should be viewed on the Internet. One only has to turn on the television everyday to see the watered-down, corporation and lobby biased news being spewed out of our favorite anchor’s mouth.
I’m not sure if she cared much to think about the fact that we are at war with Iraq currently and that the mission is “not accomplished,” unlike our president’s media generated speech on an aircraft carrier. War is real. War is death. War is blood. War is not fun and should not be covered up. The fact of the matter is that what we view as news in America is quite different from what everyone else views. If she’d happen to turn on the BBC or Al Jazeera one night, she may actually view “real” news of the day, including the aftermath of the daily bombing of a civilian hangout somewhere in the Middle East, as medics covered with blood, carry out the dead bodies. In America, we get only scenes of the ambulance driving away from the attack, then a pan to the latest “American Idol” or Hollywood’s hottest couple.
So yeah, viewing the death of a dictator that we supported for many years can be troubling for some, but not for others. Heck, we are in Iraq to liberate the people and not weapons of mass destruction right? If that’s the case, haven’t we then won the war?
The Internet is a place for a free exchange of ideas that isn’t controlled by a couple of corporations. I’m sure the FCC will try to regulate it one day and will most likely succeed, but please don’t take away the final frontier of free ideas. It is only here that I can view documentaries and read the news about the majority of the planet that lives in poverty and despair, without hearing some personal interest story or some one-sided view of things. Until the television programs begin to show the other side of the news that is actually unbiased journalism, don’t you dare touch my Internet.
If you are so inclined to write about your traumatic psychological experience while on MySpace, why don’t you act like a grownup, close your account, and stop going there. Problem solved. This is reality; if you can’t handle it, move to the country and don’t bring any electronic devices.
John Samstad, Finance student at Iowa State and 2004 Eden Prairie graduate
Eden Prairie News, February 1, 2007
SUVs needed?
It doesn’t take long to spot a sport utility vehicle driving down the streets in Eden Prairie. Considering the high levels of carbon dioxide they dump into the air, it’s frustrating to see so many of them on the road. Each year, one Jeep Grand Cherokee will emit three times its body weight in its own carbon dioxide emissions and the oil needed to run it. Furthermore, I fail to see the need for such mammoth vehicles.
Some parents could argue that their SUV is needed to transport their kids, but there are just as many seats in a Ford Escape Hybrid as in any other popular sport utility vehicle. More claim that they need their SUVs for cargo space. My family owns a Ford Focus with a hatchback trunk and we have no trouble carrying a week’s worth of groceries in it.
High carbon emissions and gas prices should be good enough reasons to buy a smaller vehicle, however some people still seem determined to own an SUV. In this case, buying a hybrid or diesel sport utility is much more environmentally friendly. The Chevy Suburban is well named; there are too many in Eden Prairie and other neighboring suburbs. The last time I checked, there are no mountains or desert sand dunes around this area that anyone might need a sport utility vehicle to get through. We can all do the environment a favor and drive a properly sized vehicle.
Kristin Schulte, Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie News, February 1, 2007
Eden Prairie
Mental health parity
If Jonathan Schulze had shown up at the VA bleeding profusely, he would have been admitted.
Depression is a treatable disease, not a character flaw.
I blame elected officials with puffed-up empty promises about supporting our troops; I blame a health care system that puts the almighty dollar first; I blame an American public that prefers to focus on gay marriage rather than veterans benefits.
Jim Ramstad is cosponsoring the mental health parity bill that will treat mental health issues like other diseases. It also will improve veterans' mental health care.
Perhaps in the meantime, Halliburton can make a generous contribution to the VA to help free up the waiting list. Our soldiers deserve better.
Jennifer Doyle, Eden Prairie
StarTribune, February 1, 2007
January
Andrew Borene: Be ready with the mental health safety net
Americans who risk their lives for their nation also deserve access to treatment once home.
The real tragedy in the wake of the suicide of Jonathan Schulze is that the young Marine asked for help but help was not forthcoming. We can respond proactively to this travesty, if we now prepare the state to help other veterans who may also be suffering.
Reading the story of this young Marine, I recognized that the same story might have been written about me. If I had not had the luxury of inpatient treatment and a supportive community when I needed it, I might have met the same fate.
I too may have been called "the life of the party," unaware that what lay beneath the disguise of thrill-seeking behavior was sadness and shame. Many were likely fooled by my unfulfilling search for happiness and escape from my own pain. I sought importance with an early run for the Minnesota Senate, even while attending law school and with two young boys at home. In the end, nothing I did in pursuit of excitement allowed me to outrun my shadow for long. Like Jonathan, my feelings of inferiority associated with believing I had not done enough and did not merit the nightmares and the overly intense reactions to daily events, may have created obstacles to seeking help.
I have now learned that, through no fault of our own, some of us may be predisposed to long-lasting psychological effects from the experience of war. It is well known that some human beings are simply predisposed to addiction, depression, anxiety or other disorders. For many the stigma of seeking help as a "mental health" patient is almost too much to bear in itself -- so when Jonathan Schulze showed the courage and responsibility to ask for help, it should have been available.
"Post-traumatic stress disorder" has been associated with a negative connotation for so long that the Department of Veterans Affairs has suggested clinicians refer to the same set of symptoms with terms like "adjustment" disorder and "transition" difficulties. Whatever the name, it is estimated that nearly a third of our combat veterans will need some assistance in readjusting to civilian life.
Mental health crisis services provide a safety net that is crucial for many Minnesota families. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota, suicide is the leading cause of death for 15- to 34-year-olds. But reimbursement rates for mental health are inadequate for private providers, and our public services are frequently overburdened or underprepared.
For some, like Jonathan, the only option might have been the VA medical center or other state services. But if Minnesota's hospitals are overwhelmed now, what will they do when approximately 3,000 Minnesota Guardsmen return after an unprecedented combat extension?
We need to act now. Advocates for mental health suggest that more efficient coordination of outpatient care would open beds for emergency admissions. Paying mental health crisis workers commensurate with other public safety officers might keep them available 24 hours a day. We should also support Rep. Jim Ramstad's mental health parity legislation, which would require private health insurers to provide reimbursement for mental health care comparable to that for physical health care.
Troops returning from the war will need the services that they were promised as part of their enlistment contracts. We need to honor an unwritten guarantee that Americans who stand up and risk their lives on behalf of their country deserve access to treatment upon returning home.
Emergency mental health services save lives, and treatment works. One young Marine made the right choice to ask for help but was let down. Minnesota now has a choice in our collective response to this wake-up call on veterans and mental health issues. Let us pray that we do the right thing and never let this happen again on our watch.
Andrew Borene, Edina, a law student at the University of Minnesota, was a U.S. Marine lieutenant in Iraq. He is an adviser to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a veterans advocacy group.
StarTribune, January 31, 2007
Project would help worthy businesses
I moved to the Glen Lake area of Minnetonka in 2004. I found it to be just what my family needed. We had moved from state to state and city to city to find a place where we could lay down some roots. What attracted us to this particular part of town was the sense of community. They had a family-run gas station, a local post office, a neighborhood grocery store and a ball park. It could have been a Norman Rockwell picture.
There has been opposition to the new Glen Lake Exchange project. Some of the objections are concerns of the "wrong element moving into the apartments" and the added traffic problems. I think first, a community that works together for the betterment of all in the community is the best way to overcome that bad element. Being an African American professional myself and living in this area for three years, I have never felt more a part of the community.
I not only love it, but my wife and children as well feel at home. The boys love it when business owners give them high-fives and ask how they are doing in school. I am in full support of this project that promises to foster a new sense of community and bring more business to the business owners who help make Glen Lake what it is: a great place to live.
Al Johnson, Minnetonka
StarTribune West Metro Section, January 24, 2007
Consider benefits of your tax burden
It is probably a good idea to have people figure how much tax they pay, but the only way it has any validity at all is to also figure what they receive for those taxes. Of course, if people only look at what they pay out, it is more than likely they would find it is more than they would like. But as with anything else, it has to be weighed against benefits received.
In order to complete this process, they must list the things they are "buying" with those taxes. Be sure to include the obvious things like schools, police and fire protection, roads, Social Security and Medicare benefits (if not now, later), parks and recreation facilities (local, state, county, national) the court system, the national military, the legislatures, national resources protection, the state universities, the postal system, protection of our food supply, environmental protections, et cetera. Regardless of how well you feel each of these things works, our country could not function without them, and this list barely scratches the surface. Does anyone really think that they could provide all of these services for themselves?
In order to inject some semblance of fairness into your proposal, I ask that you follow through with the "benefits assessment" half of the picture.
Carol Slothower, Minnetonka
StarTribune West Metro Section, January 10, 2007
Bring 'em home
The mission in Iraq has been defined several times and each time our military has accomplished the mission. Now it is time to come home and let the Iraqi people reclaim their country on their terms.
Gregg Harcus, Eden Prairie
StarTribune, January 10, 2007