Wrong site
The University of Saint Thomas proposes to build a 5,500 seat sports stadium where it does not belong (“St. Thomas neighbors appeal site plan approved for new D1 hockey, basketball arena,” April 16).
Many of us in the adjoining neighborhood wish the University well in its educational mission. Whether that mission includes building a sports stadium equal to those of national athletic powerhouses, however, is open to question. That proposition gets even more difficult if the University chooses to shoehorn a large stadium into an already full campus designed for a smaller institution and located in a residential neighborhood.
One outcome of the mismatch is that the University proposes to leverage ordinance changes meant to encourage use of transit oriented development by providing no (as in zero) new parking for fans. When pressed on that, officials vaguely refer to public transportation.
Other Twin City stadiums are located in highly urbanized areas with multiple transit options to handle surging crowds. Not this one. One bus line touches the site.
Let’s be realistic. Many of the fans will drive to the stadium and roam the residential streets looking for parking. Even if they find a warning ticket when they return, who cares?
The proposed stadium is in the wrong place.
Joel Clemmer, St. Paul
Little by little
There never was any question whether or not the shadowy surveillance program referred to as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act would be renewed. (“Biden signs extension of surveillance program.”) Over the past 50 years it’s been an enigma of American government to secretly spy upon its own citizens. The civil liberty loopholes briefly alluded to near the end of the article are what makes this yet another means to surveil the American citizenry.
Unfortunately, despite clear mandates, intelligence agencies are still conducting backdoor searches to review communications from Americans, in clear violation of the 4th Amendment. Found buried inside this bill is the biggest expansion of domestic surveillance since the Patriot Act. It drastically expands the number of businesses that the U.S. government can force to eavesdrop on Americans without a warrant.
The 702 program works by compelling the cooperation of U.S. businesses defined by the government as ECSR “Electronic Communication Service Providers” (think Google; AT&T). The three-letter agencies want to expand the definition to include data centers, commercial landlords, but may ultimately ensnare delivery personnel, utility providers and even cleaning contractors. In practicality: Everyone. No wonder it has been nicknamed the ‘Stasi Amendment.’
This covert means to expand governmental reach and influence over every aspect of our very lives means little by little government is adhering less to the principles of our constitution, and as for you and me — American citizens all in all — now Stasi agents forced to work on its behalf.
Aesop was right! The Tyrant always finds pretext.
Julia Bell, St. Paul
Bad smoke, good smoke?
The Minneapolis City Council is making a move to control smoking by raising the price of cigarettes to $15 a pack. The object is to stop people from using tobacco because of its pernicious effects on their health and create another revenue stream for government.
I am truly shocked that they haven’t attempted to address the other smoking problem that is also deleterious to your health, motor skills and judgment when you’ve smoked too much. That would be marijuana. Last time I checked, I think it’s made of something similar to tobacco and has some of the same harmful ingredients as tobacco smoke.
Jim Feckey, Mendota Heights
Government job growth
I am not as positive about Minnesota’s job growth as the DEED commissioner as reported in the April 19 Pioneer Press. What bothered me was that for the year over half the job gains were in the government, 24,347, versus 23,161 in the private sector.
Also I am curious if some of the jobs in other areas, e.g. construction or education, are not the result of government funding. In any case it should be obvious that job growth in the government over that in the private sector is not sustainable.
Ed Erickson, Woodbury
Charity begins at home
Last Sunday’s Pioneer Press highlighted some of the problems currently facing the United States. The front page noted that the House approved a $95 billion aid package to Ukraine, Israel, and other allies on Saturday. Our current debt, before this expenditure, was considered unsustainable.
Also on the front page was an article about a LGBTQ+ refugee who fled Russia, along with his partner, as they were considered enemies of the state, and were fleeing for their lives. This heart-warming story detailed how he is settling in well. A GoFundMe page has been started to raise money for an attorney to give his partner an opportunity to join him. Minnesota Nice at its best.
I feel this immigrant is only among a few that are facing danger in their countries, and running for their lives. The majority of immigrants coming to America illegally are coming because they want a better life. Due to lack of proper vetting, of course, in this group are terrorists who want to destroy America.
Those coming illegally are coming to America (Disneyland to the World) where they hope their wishes will come true. The cities can’t afford to care for all of these people. Because of this, services are being reduced to the tax-paying citizens living in these cities.
In this Sunday edition, another article explained that the Supreme Court is to decide whether “punishing homeless people sleeping outside, when shelter is lacking, amounts to unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment.” This article stated that “homelessness in the United States grew by 12%, to its highest reported level since 2007. More than 650,000 people are estimated to be homeless.” “Soaring rents combined with declining Covid assistance has put housing out of reach for more people.” “People of color, LGBTQ+ people and seniors are disproportionately affected.”
The United States should put the welfare of its citizens first. Biden’s policy of opening the borders to all who want a better life, deprives our citizens of this right. Charity begins at home.
Vicky Moore, North St. Paul
Related Articles
Bruce Yandle: Halt, they cried! But the inflation tide continues
Other voices: Government incompetence is keeping kids out of college
Lisa Jarvis: Idaho’s abortion ban is based on legal delusion and medical myth
Other voices: The GOP isolationist trend is dangerous
Joe Soucheray: New bike lanes won’t solve St. Paul’s problems
Leave a Reply