Commentaries

November 13, 2008

 Commentaries 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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Bailing out U.S. automakers

I think it is pretty ridiculous to bail out the automakers in the U.S. [MPR Midday: Status report on the economy]

I think that Gary's guests are correct in saying that they have had ample time to make themselves competitive and haven't taken the opportunity. I read many stories about U.S. automakers destroying fuel-efficient cars made for California and New York when emissions standards were relaxed. They are dragging their feet on issues of the environment and ruining their own competitive edge and so they should get what is coming to them.

Krissa Henderson
New York, NY


Where are our businesses heading?

I don't understand were this country is heading now days. I don't believe a business should have to make special arrangements or considerations for anyone or any group of individuals. [MPR News: Somali workers settle discrimination suit with Gold'n Plump] If you want to pray so be it I have no problem with that it is a free country pray to whom you wish, but don't expect that a company or business is going to shut down at particular times to allow you to do this. Furthermore if handling pork products is against your religion I again have no problem with this but then don't apply for a job where this might be the case. There are plenty of jobs were you do not have to handle pork, be around liquor, dogs or anything else you may not want to be in contact with. But a business where this does happen should not have to change there business for your benefit.

Mike Nihart
Hammond, Wisc.


The experiences of a left-leaning teacher in Nebraska

I'm a left-leaning Minnesota native who taught at the University of Nebraska last year. Many students were from small, conservative towns in Nebraska and were experiencing city life for the first time. Students had rarely been outside of their ethnocentric communities - even the idea that I was from three states away was surprising. One fellow professor commented that until he attended the university, he'd never had a teacher with an accent, let alone someone with different political views.

Diversity was part of both my management and communications courses. I didn't spout my ideology during lectures, however, during a lecture regarding the importance of diversity in business, students were shocked that I had a lesbian roommate in college, or a bi-racial nephew and that my husband didn't grow up in the United States.

In my opinion, exposing students to a wider world perspective is a big part of the college experience. [MPR Midmorning: Colleges and political bias] I found most students held their parents' political views, but were very curious about other views. Staying respectful was the key to good discussion. Students were certainly engaged in the discussion and enjoyed sharing different points of view. Isn't the exchange of ideas the point of education?

One comment from a student at the end of the course was, "Thanks for teaching with gusto uncommon to most University courses."

Jessica Mallinder
Lewiston, NY


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