Letters to the editor for Thursday, Jan. 22

While President Obama's goal of a new beginning between the United States and the Muslim world is admirable, for pundits to suggest his comments are a break with the Bush administration is nonsense. But I hope this deception works. It gives Muslims yet another opportunity to close ranks with the Western world against the extremist Islamists.

I'm guessing most Americans have forgotten that one of George W. Bush's best speeches soon after 9/11 made a significant distinction between most Muslims and terrorists who want to kill and destroy Western society. He was extraordinarily gracious and inclusive to the Muslim world.

Thank goodness for the U.S. electoral system, which enables the perception of change so folks will be open to previously rejected initiatives. That's not to say there won't be real, substantive and positive change. But much of what is perceived as change will be rebranded initiatives. For me, what's most exciting about Obama's election is the promise of a less adversarial and more inclusive, civil dialogue that will inspire others to follow his example.

Frankly, this is why I'm such a supporter of Obama. He's said what he needed to do to be elected, but so far he's been a realist. I'm hoping this is his nature, but it also stems from now being accountable for results rather than just critiquing those who are. That's why we've seen Obama change his positions on the timeline for getting out of Iraq, offshore drilling, tax policy, direct talks with Iran, Korea and Venezuela without preconditions, etc. I hope he'll be able to resist the myopic and dogmatic extremists in his party so he can continue down the realistic path he's charted. But since he campaigned on a total rejection of the Bush administration, it will take all his extraordinary charisma and eloquence to do something else.

JOHN NERDAHL, LAKEVILLE

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Barack Obama's inauguration was an outstanding event and a unique addition to our country's history. I wish President Obama the very best, and I'll continue to pray for his success. Unfortunately, the left is seeing fit to spew its ad homonym by badmouthing George W. Bush, the vitriol being led by Star Tribune commentary editor Eric Ringham.

I would think that this epochal event would be positively and singularly dedicated to our new president. It should be exclusively Obama's time in the sun, not spoiled by regurgitated remarks demeaning Mr. Bush.

BILL FITZGERALD, MINNETONKA

Energy future shouldn't include a Big Stone II Tuesday's inauguration speech was a clarion call to all Americans: We need to repower, refuel and rebuild America in a way that jump-starts our economy, creates new jobs and helps protect our environment, especially by reducing global warming pollution. The recent Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) decision to allow the Big Stone II coal plant to move forward is a giant step backward.

We should be sending a price signal to the market that the old polluting technologies of the past have seen their last bailout and it's the growing clean energy economy that will help put America back on track to be a leader in innovation and sustainability. The best policy mechanism to deliver that market incentive is a cap-and-trade program to limit and lower global warming pollution.

CARIN SKOOG,

GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS COORDINATOR,

FRESH ENERGY, ST. PAUL

In the wake of President Obama's inauguration, it is tempting to use today, the 36th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, to recite a litany of policies we want our new administration to enact. While policy changes are important, they will remain vulnerable to the ebb and flow of politics if we do not also help change the public conversation about abortion.

We know that women have abortions for many reasons. Even if we disagree on the issue of abortion, we can agree that we should respect and support a woman and her family as they face the life-altering decision of whether to have a child.

While each woman's life is different, we all care about life and about doing our best for the people we love. When we bring children into the world we want them to have the opportunity to live a good life. And we want to build a better future for our children and grandchildren.

Abortion and reproductive freedom more broadly defined are important pieces of ensuring this common dream. As with all freedoms, there are limits. But a government that respects the personal integrity of its people both interferes in these essentially private decisions as little as possible and helps ensure that everyone has the opportunity to make these decisions responsibly.

LORRAINE KENNY, Reproductive

Freedom Project, ACLU, New York

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During his inaugural address, President Obama stated, "The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

I am saddened to learn that within 24 hours of the president's first address to our nation he is preparing to sign an executive order to fund international abortions. He obviously is not concerned that all have "a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness," such as poor women and their preborn children in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia.

Obama promised to decrease abortions during his campaign. I fail to see how increased funding for abortion around the world will bring about fewer abortions.

JO TOLCK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,

HUMAN LIFE ALLIANCE, MINNEAPOLIS