Minnesota's medically assisted dying bill flattened near the finish line – Twin Cities

Knee at the finish line

The bland headline of your May 22 edition (“Physician-assisted dying bill fails to cross finish line in this session of the Minnesota Legislature”) implies that the legislation does not was not adopted during this session due to atrophy or lack of energy. The title doesn't even hint at the truth: The bill that was moving quickly and widely supported died suddenly, approaching that finish line with momentum, brought to its knees by two DFL senators who prevented the bill to advance even in committee.

One of these senators publicly made hysterical and absurd comparisons between the intent of the Minnesota bill and Hademar, the “extermination camp” run by the Nazis in the 1930s, while claiming to be a champion of the disability community, most of whom do not. share extreme opinions. The other senator has all but turned a deaf ear to his own constituents – even his own campaign committee – asking not to be further harassed with requests to support MAID legislation, even as Minnesotans poll consistent and reliable at 75% support for the law. While we are accustomed to witnessing the tyranny of the minority in Washington, DC, it is unspeakably sad to see this same kind of tiny but powerful stranglehold halt the implementation of this excellent and compassionate legislation in our own state.

Tara Flaherty Guy, Saint-Paul

Epiphany?

What's going on with the LDF? Telling Minnesota State Senator Mitchell that she should resign because she was accused of committing a crime? The word epiphany comes to mind. Maybe, but the explanation is probably simpler. Isn't she presumed innocent?

TJ Sexton, St. Paul

Is it just show and tell?

Thoughts on the Community “Open House,” based on the May 14 Riverview Corridor Open House, Palace Recreation Centre:

On February 29, “the Riverview Corridor Policy Advisory Committee approved the exploration of three forward-looking plans, two streetcars and one bus rapid transit (BRT) along West 7th” with the informational event series “ open house” this summer.

The West Seventh open house got off to a bad start. I asked if I could have a corner of the room with my poster about the BRT Gold and Purple line combination, but was told to leave. I asked if they wanted their staff's spreadsheet on relative costs and transit times. They said no: the public could access the website. This spreadsheet has been embarrassing for planners because the light rail options are inadequate compared to BRT.

I wondered why there was, for the bus option, the “Davern Diversion” off Seventh Street, which adds five to seven minutes of travel time compared to the direct route. They said it was to subsidize future developments by Johnson Brothers, at the request of “city staff.” The diversion avoids Sibley Manor and its 2,000 residents, mostly people of color, who bus themselves to work at the mall and the airport.

A neighbor asked that we get together and ask questions of the project directors. She was told she was broken down; people were only allowed to listen and see their spiel, and comment as individuals on their screens, almost all of them promoting trams.

Regarding Seventh Street: The infrastructure is not collapsing; it is crumbled. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has scheduled construction of a plant and pavement several years away, but will not address substrate issues while Ramsey County works to promote its streetcars, wanting the The federal government is covering half of the more than $2 billion cost. With commercial real estate and downtown tax revenues depreciating, residents will recoup their share through increased property taxes, and MNDOT will no longer have to repair West Seventh.

Since the county repeatedly revised the 2016 “Local Preferred Alternative” (3,000 people in the West End then signed a petition opposing it), once the Political Advisory Committee (remember that? ) will have approved the streetcars, the city will have to submit a new preferred local alternative. Alternative. Citizens advocating the combination of the BRT Gold and Purple lines are excluded.

Ramsey County is misleading the public with its obsession with streetcars and failing to provide an accurate comparison to Bus Rapid Transit. Maybe the decision has already been made.

Jos F. Landsberger, St. Paul

Which one is it?

Is this addressed in the ERA bill? No, it's not, but it very well should be.

RE: “Man, 23, Accused of Murder of Pregnant Sister,” May 29 issue of Pioneer Press. The man is also accused of murdering his unborn child. This is the second case in about a year that the charge of murder of an unborn child has been brought against men accused of killing a pregnant woman. What is incredible about the previous case is that the unborn child was born surgically without injury and lived for nine days under the supervision of health specialists.

Yet, under the protection of Minnesota law, a woman, up to the moment of her birth, can choose to abort (killing the unborn child) without facing legal or criminal consequences. It is not difficult to see that the result is the same: the life of an unborn child taken away.

Which one is it? It can't be both ways. One is called murder and the other is reproductive rights.

Gary Schraml, Lindstrom

Believe it the first time

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” These are the words of the famous American author and poet Maya Angelou. When will we, as American voters, apply these words to Donald Trump? No other American president has been impeached twice. No other American president has ever been a convicted felon. No other American president has attempted to overturn an election and overthrow the government. No other American president has been found responsible for sexual abuse. No other American president has had his company convicted of fraud, and the list goes on. Donald Trump has repeatedly shown us who he is, and yet there are many in our country who refuse to see him for what he is, that is, a common criminal. Believe it the first time, the second time, the third time or whatever, but please believe that he is completely unworthy to hold the great office of President in our great nation.

Dennis Fendt, Oakdale

A nice man and a Coke

Two weeks ago, my son Michael and I were on our way to Highland Popcorn in St. Paul. Unfortunately, Michael, who has an intellectual disability, suffered a very traumatic fall. Luckily he didn't break any bones, but he was quite shaken by the experience. He insisted that we continue our journey to Highland Popcorn. When we arrived we were greeted by Craig, the store manager. Hoping to calm my son down, I asked if Highland Popcorn sold Diet Coke, since it's one of his favorite treats. Craig said they don't sell sugar-free soft drinks, but he was more than happy to offer Michael a Diet Coke that he personally brought to work that day. I couldn't believe my ears. Michael calmed down and found comfort in his Diet Coke. Craig is a kind, selfless and compassionate man.

Please support Highland Popcorn as they employ people with disabilities who have dreams and needs, just like all of us, living, working and playing in this beautiful community we call St. Paul.

Patricia Leseman, St. Paul