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Commentaries
March 28, 2008Commentaries is where Minnesota Public Radio welcomes your thoughtful opinion about current events and issues. Commentaries are like letters to the editor. To be considered for publication, your commentary should be issue-related, clearly written, and follow our Terms of Use. New insights into ongoing topics are especially welcome. Not all commentaries received are published. For topical interaction with others, visit the discussion groups.
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Ban the moose hunting season
As a resident living in the Superior National Forest I am aware of not only the dangerously dwindling moose population up here, but also of the increasingly dangerous acceleration of the deer population. [MPR News: Minnesota's moose are dying; global warming may be to blame] It does not take a genius to realize, or maybe it does, Minnesota must stop hunting the animal which is dying out and address increasing the hunting of the animal whose population is out of control. Why do we not get that in nature everything is balanced, perfectly balanced?
If human beings are going to falsely assume the role of playing Mother Nature, then take a lesson from the inherent perfection of how and why her system functions. Human beings are included in this cycle of life, by the way. Every life form is inextricably inter-connected, and as such, every life form is affected when the balance is out of whack.
Dianne Hudson
Brimson, Minn.
An undiscussed issue in the transit conversation
The program considered with what taxes transit should be purchased. [MPR Midmorning: Taxing transit in the metro] A far more crucial issue (in this writer's opinion) is whether the transit proposals are wise or feasible.
BTU's per mile are not mentioned in public discourse. Costs per mile of the light rail vs. Personal Rapid Transit are not discussed. Velocity is not discussed, nor compared PRT vs. bus or light rail. Light Rail and bus are much slower and more expensive per ride. Versatility of system is not discussed. Is light rail an option for high schools, colleges? What comparison is made on capital costs and subsidies for PRT vs. light rail?
And finally, is massive transit the best solution for community development? There are alternatives to the direction we are taking. An old proverb states, "If you are on a journey and discover you are going the wrong direction, turn around, no matter how far you have traveled."
Alan James
Stillwater, Minn.
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