Letters to the Editor

Norm Coleman has, at times, demonstrated himself to be a Republican capable of acting in the best interests of his constituents, not just his wealthy Republican ones ("War Torn," 9/5/07). Helping preserve the ANWAR and being among the first to ask for Attorney General Alberto Gonzales's resignation proved that. Now our president is threatening to veto the highly controversial, at least in his universe, bill to continue to provide health care for millions of children. A big part of the problem isn't even the legislation itself but who gets credit for it. That is playing politics at its most cynical.

I don't think that was the kind of statesman Senator Coleman envisioned himself being and, though I am a Democrat, don't even think that's the kind of senator he is. We all know when Michelle Bachman hears "jump" from the White House, her only question is, "Off which cliff?" I wonder if on this issue it will be the same with Senator Coleman.

Christopher Hassett
Minneapolis

Bush's Brain

Here is another caption for the photograph of Bush gripping the back of Coleman's head. As Norm votes against him now and then, Bush scowls:

"I know it was you, Normie. You broke my heart. You broke my heart!"

James P. Smith
St. Paul

A word from a U worker

I've been working for the U for over 13 years and make less then $24,000 ("Wage War," 8/29/07). Being a single mother, I qualify for heating assistance and make food-shelf runs from time to time. They can afford to build a new stadium but can't pay a livable wage to their employees. I love my job and work extra hours with no pay many a week.

Mary Wint
Mora

 

Unfair to Target

I was recently reading an article about Target and its Archer Farms brand in City Pages ("The Farm That Doesn't Exist," 8/29/07). I'm all for keeping the man in check, and keeping an eye on things that large corporations do, but where do you draw the line? Target Corp. has committed to giving 5 percent of its profits back to the community. It has kept this percentage even as the company has grown. The national corporate average is 1.4 percent. Target's 5 percent comes out to roughly $3 million a week that it gives back to local communities. Are you committed to doing stories on the good that this $3 million does each week?

As for the claims of Target and its milk distributor, that is an article in itself. If this is true, I'd have devoted the entire article to that instead of making objective claims about Target.

Jason Scully
Minneapolis

Guess we won't be endorsing Michael Cavlan

I just read City Pages' latest piece on Al Franken with a certain degree of interest ("Go Al! Grrrr!," 8/15/07) I have no real interest in the personal foibles of the man, but it is indicative of how the corporate media works.

In the last election cycle, I was without question the only real peace and social justice candidate on the ballot for U.S. Senate in Minnesota 2006. Yet our campaign experienced a virtual blackout of our message by the corporate media. In the middle of an obviously illegal, immoral, and racist war, which was promoted by the corporate media, it must be noted. I expect the same treatment by those corporate forces who own our media and government this time around.

City Pages markets itself as a semi-radical "alternative" media outlet. This is "greenwashing" at its finest, as the truth is, City Pages is just as much corporate trash as the Star Tribune, WCCO, KSTP, and all the other corporate media outlets. This proves it is just as untrustworthy as a source for information and opposed to the free flow of facts to the Minnesota public as other stated media outlets.

Tom Tomorrow's is a really cool, funny, and relevant cartoon. Perhaps your editorial staff should try reading it sometime.

I look forward, with great interest, to see if this letter will be published.

Michael Cavlan, Green Party candidate, U.S. Senate 2006, seeking Green Party endorsement, U.S. Senate 2008

Minneapolis

There's no business like politics

To the editor, regarding your excellent bridge story ("Who's to Blame?" 8/15/07): If Tim Pawlenty and Carol Molnau worked in private industry, they would have been canned for incompetence long ago. If they were in military service, they might be in the brig awaiting trial for dereliction of duty. If they were in China, they'd either have been executed or applying lead paint on toys for the rest of their lives.

Willard B. Shapira

Minneapolis