An open letter to St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry

In light of the fact that our political system is in shambles; that half the country — and now much of our state — is facing severe drought; that our 911 system is so overwhelmed that callers are being placed on hold; that we lack enough police officers to address dangerous speeding; that we are only now beginning to return to normal after the ICE raids, and that St. Paul faces such a serious budget deficit that libraries and recreation centers may close, I believe the question of whether St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her crossed a line by using the word “wiener” in a text message is relatively insignificant.

This lawsuit against the mayor is a cost our city can ill afford. More importantly, it deepens divisions within our community and makes St. Paul appear consumed by conflict rather than focused on the urgent issues facing residents.

I ask — indeed, I urge — you to drop this case so that we can move forward and direct our time, energy, and public resources toward something more constructive. Thank you.

— Hans Mouritzen, St. Paul

Voting and driving

The week of Aug. 9-15, I did two major things. I voted and renewed my Commercial Driver’s License with the school bus endorsement. The first volunteer I met at the polling place asked my name, then turned her computer screen towards me and all I saw was my name. She asked me if that was me and I answered yes and signed the computer pad. I was handed a slip of paper and moved to the next table where I received a ballot and I voted. I could have been anybody as they showed me the name I needed to sign.

Two days later, I went to the OMV in Arden Hills to renew my license. It was the fourth year renewal, so I needed to retest for the school bus endorsement. I had to show the examiner my current driver’s license, my valid passport, my current property tax statement and the paid invoice showing my mortgage payment was auto-drawn from my account on time. Only then was I given a code number to put in the computer to start the 50 question test, which I got 48 right, by the way. I then went into another room, stood in line and when it was my turn showed the license and passport again, paid the fee and got my picture taken.

Isn’t it time we show a little more ID to vote?

— Mike Hermes, Roseville

Moral inconsistency

As we observe the first anniversary of the shooting during Mass at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, my mind spins.

How strange are we humans! We have banned switchblades that hide and seek a lone victim but refuse to ban a rifle that can pulverize and decapitate kids praying in church!

We ban explosives and fireworks — except for folks with a license to deploy them — but we have not the common sense to ban the assault weapon that kills and scatters!

Something we keep in our pockets and purses, keys containing certain amounts of lead and cadmium, are banned.

Yes, the sale of 11 categories of products containing PFAs is banned. In Minnesota, by 2032, all products with intentionally added PFAs will be banned, including carpets, cookware, dental floss, fabric treatments, car seats, menstruation products and more.

And thankfully, our legislators have banned lawn darts but, sadly, not the weapons of mass destruction!

Our lawmakers have the solution to the moral inconsistency revealed above. They must ban military-style weaponry. A federal ban from 1994 -2004 saved lives. It can do it again, if not federal then at least statewide. There is no good reason not to.

— John Forliti, St. Paul

A good start

I watched Mayor Her give her 2027 budget speech. It was a good start, but more cuts need to happen. Kudos that she is taking a $20,000 cut to her own salary. Also good idea to keep front line workers, but thin the management. I am hoping that she will again look at each department and find more ways to cut. Some programs are no longer needed and others could be picked up by outside agencies.

Mayor Her campaigned on just the basic needs so let’s keep it that way. St. Paul has many young people who want to raise their families here. Also many older folks who have made St. Paul their home. This property tax increase is not sustainable for homeowners. Mayor Her was elected to make tough decisions. This is not a criticism of her as she has already done many good things, but an encouragement to do more.

— Judy Schultz, St Paul

Who benefits?

So, it is reported our national debt has increased to over $40 trillion and increased over $2 trillion just this past year. Last year President Donald Trump reported his annual income at $62 billion. Adding insult to injury, Trump’s Department of Justice negotiated a deal where the $62 billion will not be examined by the IRS. This is the same President Trump, who as candidate Trump back in 2016, said he was going to eliminate our federal debt. While the country went deeper in debt last year Trump profited by $62 billion as income and wealth inequality in the country continued to grow. It is no wonder that Democrats are looking good in their effort to retake the House of Representatives and possibly the Senate.

— Pete Boelter, North Branch

Socialism for whom?

Communist! Socialist! Far-left radical! The Joe McCarthy playbook is back for this election season with bogus smears for advocates of affordable healthcare and educational programs and no more mountains of debt. Would you call Social Security or Medicare socialism? What about over 40 years of tax cuts that made sure the rich got richer at the expense of everyone else? Political campaigns with an agenda of even more tax cuts with the promise of great jobs and economic prosperity are hollow. What have they done for the country?

Socialism isn’t anything new. Under FDR’s brand, America prospered, the American Dream was alive. Over the last few decades it’s been demolished by the Republican vision of socialism that benefits very few. So many struggle day to day under very real increased costs caused by this president born with what had to be a gold-plated spoon in his mouth. He’s made America great again for the richest of the rich, that’s been his only concern.

— Thomas L. Lenczowski, Mendota Heights