The taboo topic

After all of the speeches, debates and interviews; I find it interesting no one asks or talks about our huge national debt.

It is no secret that the only way to create a balanced budget is to cut some existing programs or/and raise taxes. But if you would propose this balanced budget you could never be elected. How paradoxical.

— John Heller, North St. Paul

In a word

The Election?

Rejection!

— Pat McKenzie, Hastings

The best money can buy

My favorite saying lately has been “we have the best government money can buy.” Now that Elon Musk has bought the United States government we can only pray and wait in trepidation to see what he does with us.

— Carole Mulcahy, South St. Paul

Work together and fix what’s broken

OK, don’t you think it’s time to end the rancor, disinformation, divisiveness and lies in the political arena, the nation and the media? The voice of “we the people” has spoken loud and clear.

For both political parties and the media it’s time to listen to what the majority of Americans want and need The election results should be a mandate to all who hold a public office: Work together and fix what’s broken. That’s what “we the people” expect of you and are paying you to do.

— Gary Schraml, Lindstrom

Hoping for trickle down?

In just one day after the election we can already see the Trump effect: the rich get richer. On Nov. 6, Forbes published that Elon Musk’s net worth increased nearly $21 billion Wednesday. No wonder he offered $1 million daily sweepstake wins to Trump supporters in Pennsylvania. Jeff Bezos saw a net worth increase of $7 billion. The other billionaires were all enriched similarly. Of course, all of us other U.S. stock owners also benefited; our stock holdings were enriched by 4% or 5% on average.

What did the many Trump supporters who cannot afford stocks realize from this election? They must be hoping for some trickle down effect from all this new wealth. Good luck.

— Chris Lyons, St. Paul

What happens to vaccine program?

Given that a new administration will come in in January, and that there is a possibility that RFK Jr., the famous vaccine denier, will be given a role in this administration, there is one danger we have not considered. What happens to our COVID vaccine program? COVID is still out there. It is still taking lives. If boosters are no longer available, now what?

Make an appointment to get the latest booster now. Get your children vaccinated now against all the childhood ailments.

— Regina Purins, St. Paul

Let Harris take over for remaining days

After 80 plus years on this Earth, having been raised in a working-class family, I had hoped to see a woman in the U.S. Presidency. Obviously it cannot happen for another four years. After listening to Vice President Kamala Harris give her concession speech, she sounded like a good president to me.

I am wondering about the 70-some days left until Jan. 20, 2025. Perhaps we could make a change in the current presidency. I believe President Joe Biden has been a good president and his ethics have been very high. I wonder if Biden could retire and let Harris take over.

Of course the new U.S. Senate members will be sworn in Jan. 3, 2024, and they would select a Republican Pro Tempore. This would take 17 days off of her 70-some days and reduce it to 60-some days.

And of course Washington politicians take a Christmas holiday to be home with family.

It is a short time, but the presidency is a 24/7 job. I believe she could accomplish a good deal with presidential orders in those days. Perhaps a fireside chat on television with Biden and both families present would present a good image for a future presidential run four years from now.

I also think Liz Cheney could be appointed to a White House job and would provide good advice to Harris.

— Frank Owen, River Falls

A library remodel is the better deal

The article “City prevails in library fight” (Nov. 3) boggles my mind.

To begin with, the statement that the Hamline Library has a value of $600,000 means nothing. Further, statements regarding handicap access, sight lines, ventilation, insulation, mold, moisture and building code issues are also meaningless in this decision because those issues are covered in any valid renovation estimate — many would be legally required. Some even point to possible poor past maintenance. The end result — a clean decision process based on cost.

Simple facts: The remodel/upgrade cost is predicted to be $3 million. The demolition/build new is estimated at $8.1 million. Considering stated timelines and recent financial history, the $8.1 million will become closer to $12 million and the $3 million will be closer to $4.5 million. In anybody’s market, a well-functioning library for $4.5 million is a good buy.

Then there is the environmental aspect. Some days ago, the Pioneer Press featured a column highlighting the high environmental cost of manufacturing Portland cement, placing its annual effect about equal to the emissions of the entire aircraft transportation industry. It didn’t mention similar issues with the manufacture of steel and glass. That’s not even mentioned here. Apparently the environment is no longer important.

Apparently the local populace has more sense and wisdom than the court or city management and Mayor Carter.

— Art Thell, West St. Paul