Netlets for Saturday, Nov. 29

The will of the many It gets really tiresome reading letters from people bemoaning the refusal of voters to accept the "will of the people" only when it suits their taste. The word "democracy" always creeps into the argument. I have news for these people: The United States is not a democracy; it is a constitutional republic. There is a huge difference, and we can be thankful for the distinction. In a democracy, if one existed, the majority would have the final say, and it would not be a blessing to the minority.

When I was a child in the '40s, the most democratic region of the country was the Deep South, where black people could not drink from certain fountains or attend schools that offered quality education because the majority set the rules. The main value of a constitutional republic is that the rights of the few are protected from the will of the many. For that we can thank God, who is not mentioned in the Constitution.

If we were truly a democracy, Wyoming with 10 percent of Minnesota's population would not have 30 percent of our electoral college votes. Nor would we have a Senate with two members per state, regardless of size.

States, and even Congress, can go on passing unfair laws, but we have a Supreme Court to set things right so long as people of good will occupy the bench.

DANIEL R. KRUEGER, MINNEAPOLIS

Serious health issue deserves sensitivity As someone who sees on a daily basis the devastating and life-threatening effects of eating disorders on all populations, but especially teenaged girls, I must respond to Colin Covert's poor choice of words in his Nov. 20 review of the new vampire movie, "Twilight," a movie which specifically targets a young adult audience.

Covert describes the hero, Edward, as "perfect" as a result of his "eating disorder." To imply that an eating disorder makes anyone perfect, much less desirable, shows a lack of understanding that eating disorders are serious mental health issues, which are exacerbated by many factors -- not the least of which are society's impossible standards of perfection when it comes to physical appearance.

In future writing, we would ask that Covert use the same sensitivity he would exhibit when making comparisons to other illnesses such as diabetes or cancer. They, like eating disorders, are very serious health issues, which if left untreated can result in permanent physical damage and even death.

JILLIAN CROLL, DIRECTOR, EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, THE EMILY PROGRAM, ST. PAUL

Top of his cost-saving agenda President-elect Barack Obama is pledging to end wasteful programs ("Obama vows to cut wasteful spending as part of recovery," Nov. 26). He could start today with the Iraq War.

ROLF WESTGARD, ST. PAUL

The greater evil I read Dan Wentzel's column ("In the face of homophobia, forbearance is not an option," Nov. 26) and immediately thought: This is overkill.

A bus driver makes an insulting comment, not directed at the passenger. He should not have done this. But Wentzel takes two days to stew about it, considers that the fellow, whose main concern is the safety of his passengers, not their feelings, may lose his job in this bad economy. But after two days of brooding (as a retiree, I know I have a lot of time to contemplate, probably an actor-writer does as well) he still makes the call, knowing the havoc he might wreak on the driver.

Somebody's hurt feelings vs. somebody losing his living -- folks, balance the equities. Which is the greater evil? Amalgamated Transit Union, do your duty and give this guy good representation!

BILL THOMS, LITTLE FALLS, MINN.

Watch your finances, America So the Federal Reserve is going take over debt from the failed dealings of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac all in an effort to ensure economic stability. The approach is suppose to help "Main Street" as well because it will allow the credit card companies and banks to free up cash to make loans at low-interest rates and increase one's line of credit. Is this not how America started down the road to economic ruin? What types of controls are being placed on lending institutions to ensure another collapse does not occur in five or 10 years?

Owning a home is not a right that all Americans are guaranteed. The direction the Democratic Party has America going is right behind the changes that took place in the final days of Rome. Congress wisely asked the Big Three for a recovery plan before it will give any bailout, or rather, loan. Why is Congress not doing the same for the financial realm? Could it be because leading Democrats are in bed with those who benefit from the bailout? Yes!

Sen. Barack Obama is going to bring "change" to America; the "change" will be in the form of a penny that used to be a $20 bill.

CHRIS LUND, HAMBURG