Commentaries

January 08, 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.

Submit your commentary!


Revisit the child custody structure

As another father that has been hit hard by a legal system that is bent toward the mother, I must say and beg that this law be changed. [MPR News: Child custody law up for review]

I know this is not a perfect solution but the system does treat the "non-custodial" parent as a non-parent. I was always involved with my children from birth onward. When the divorce hit I found out that the mere fact that I worked put the system against me. If I would have stayed in Wisconsin I would have ended up with Joint Physical custody of our children no questions asked. The "Best Interest...." program in Minnesota is a biased document to begin with in that a working parent is somehow less of a caregiver. I was usually off of work 15-16 days a month and always spent my time caring for and volunteering for my children.

I whole-heartedly admit that parents that can get along are what is best for the children. Joint custody (for those that want it) is by far the best, if a parent does not want their children so much then the court should allow this without shame. The court should also equalize the financial burden, or at least find a way that parents are held accountable as to how the money is spent.

If I sound a bit upset, its because I am. I love my children and just want to continue on with my life with our family time balanced out between two households without constant fighting.

Kyle Williams
Savage, Minn.


War and conflict in the Middle East

Stop this insanity! [MPR News site: Israeli troops and tanks slice deep into Gaza]

War is not an answer. My heart goes out to all he Palestinian people and others who live in fear and want. I am so ashamed of our govenment officials. Doesn't anyone represent me?

In sadness,

Suzanna Johnson
St. Cloud, Minn.


Declining school enrollment

This is a controversial and emotional topic that merits a heightened level of public discourse. [MPR News: Consultant lists three Robbinsdale schools that should close] It seems as though we are on a never-ending downward spiral. School closing are decided by school districts who are driven by financial constraints that are largely influenced by state and federal regulations.

Education is not the only issue with facilities especially elementary schools. Somehow, we need to insert into the dialogue quality of life and begin innovating to arrive at a morw sustainable approach to our public school systems.

Brad Scheib
Plymouth, Minn.


Coleman suit just typical political behavior

I think this is ridiculous! [MPR News: Observers say Coleman's next move comes with costs] If you think back to election night, Norm Coleman was calling for Al Franken to concede right away to save Minnesotans the time and trouble of a recount, and he also was adamant that no wrongfully rejected absentee ballots should be allowed in the counting process.

So, with all the votes tallied, it appears Al Franken is the winner. It's no suprise that now Norm Coleman cannot follow through and do what he called on his opponent to do: bow out and save us the cost and time of a lenghty court challenge. He's also changed his tune about wanting all ballots allowed in 'to make sure all votes are counted'. Ah, the good old fashioned flip-flop. It's amazing how upstanding one can be when they stand to benefit from their morality.

Tsk, Tsk. Typical politician.

Amanda Ladyha
Chaska, Minn.


Commentaries home  :  Submit a commentary

MPR News
Radio

Listen Now

Schedule

Shortcuts
Hosts
Station Map

Other Radio Streams from MPR

Classical MPR
Radio Heartland

Services

Become a sponsor

In The Spotlight