I was very glad to see the column about staying in the Minnesota Republican Party, because I also believe that it's worth working with the party to restore our republic ("Why we're staying with the Minnesota GOP," June 26).

While it's true the party has drifted in recent years from its core principles of fiscal responsibility and individual and property rights, I am encouraged to see so many members renewing their interest in and commitment to constitutionally limited government.

I am home-schooling my children this summer on the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The first lesson teaches the balance between internal government by conscience and external government by force. More of one means less of the other. The larger and more intrusive that government becomes in our lives, the less freedom we have as individuals.

From the federal takeover of automotive companies to the state sales tax to fund arts and trails, the Democrats are making entire segments of commerce and society dependent on government.

When we celebrate our independence as a nation, it's a good time to remind ourselves that this country was founded to protect the inalienable rights of the individual, and I will work with the Minnesota GOP to fight for the liberties and privileges established for us 233 years ago.

Norann Dillon, Plymouth

The writer is secretary for the Republican Liberty Caucus of Minnesota.

Let's refine

a proven system

Regarding the way Minnesota handled the Franken/ Coleman race — and one bone-headed Minnesota Supreme Court decision notwithstanding (giving either party veto power over any absentee ballot) — I am reminded of a scene in "Apollo 13," when the astronauts are brought safely back to Earth.

NASA director: This could be the worst disaster NASA's ever faced.

NASA flight supervisor: With all due respect, sir, I believe this is gonna be our finest hour.

Now let's get to work and further refine a proven system.

Charles Strinz, Eagan

Surplus in

South Washington

I read with dismay the article about the $5 million surplus the South Washington County school district has after construction costs came in lower than anticipated ("$5 million left over from school bonding," June 26).

In 2006, South Washington County voters approved a $159 million bonding referendum to be used for specific building and technological projects.

Now, the district is trying to decide what to do with its perceived windfall. I have a novel idea: Give it back to the taxpayers.

When this referendum was put before us, nowhere did it say that if there was a surplus, it could be used for paying down existing bonding debt, other building projects, wind turbines or anything else they might think of.

What makes these people think the money belongs to them? I know that in these tough economic times I could use my money back, and don't tell me there are laws prohibiting this from being done. We've all found lately that rules can be broken under the guise of jumpstarting the economy.

Don Anderson Jr., Cottage Grove

Interesting lives

It was interesting to read the stories of the lives of three people on June 27.

Jeanne Matzke ("Woman struck, killed downtown"), Mike (the "Hook") Deutsch (" 'The Hook' was 'a blues man, through and through' "), and Father Tim Vakoc (" 'He is not a war hero. He was a priest' ") each gave life to those around them as he or she lived their own.

They leave to those who knew them strong memories of what it means to be alive and involved in living, and, through your paper's stories, to those who did not. Thank you for making me aware of their interesting lives.

It appears to me that one of the things I receive from your paper is an understanding of local people and concerns. That makes me consider the uniqueness of the people who are around me. It makes me respect and seek to understand them. That is a gift that you give us each day.

Terry Hartman, Hastings

Time to move on

While I did not vote for former Sen. Norm Coleman (or Sen.-elect Al Franken), I am relieved that it is finally over. While Coleman should have conceded earlier rather than later, I do applaud the fact that he finally conceded gracefully.

It is time to move on.

Jacqueline Heintz, St. Paul

Those who didn't vote for him

Let us all pull together and welcome our newest U.S. senator. Now Mr. Franken can finally get to work doing the people's business and demonstrate his complete disdain for that half of the population that did not vote for him.

Terry Kelsey, Little Canada

Not to worry?

Minnesotans who voted for this person who wrote about women being raped and avoided various state taxes and workman's comp payments should be proud.

In his statement to the media, he (Al Franken) says 60 is not necessarily the magic number in the Senate, but he intends to support President Barack Obama's agenda.

So, not to worry, we will have higher energy costs, higher taxes and more un-employment as businesses relocate.

Also, we will have socialized medical care that will be rationed. Why do you think President Obama wants all of our medical records electronically warehoused? This way, his medical czar can deny coverage to older Americans. And do not think that this is not true. President Obama's voting record indicates he did not care for babies who suffered a botched abortion, so what makes you think he will support medical care for us older people? Isn't Medicare being reduced?

Congrats to ACORN and all for an election that was legally flawless.

Lee Ruiz, Long Lake

Send in the clowns

Minnesota has two groups of clowns to celebrate.

On one hand, we have Democrats Tim Walz, Betty McCollum, Keith Ellison, Colin Peterson and Jim Oberstar voting for the "Cap-and-Tax" energy bill — and on the other, sending Al Franken to the Senate.

Gary Legrand, White Bear Lake