Readers write (June 25): Political hypocrisy, blacks and homophobia, Jim Foti, backyard firepits, state budget

It seems hypocritical that at the same time Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and Gov. Mark Dayton are appealing to FEMA for aid to tornado victims, both are ready and willing to spend millions on a new Vikings stadium. If I were FEMA, I sure wouldn't blink.

ROBERT KOHLMEIER, DULUTH

* * *

It was with interest that I read Bill Maxwell's commentary about homophobia ("Homophobia is, sadly, a black thing," June 21). Since the state Legislature allowed the marriage definition amendment to be placed on the 2012 ballot, I've suspected that we'd be engulfed with a media blitz that says that if anyone is against allowing gay marriage, then they must be a homophobe.

The column tries to play the discrimination card, likening the homosexual struggle with the civil-rights movement. The writer is much dismayed that the black community has not been more supportive of the gay community. I can see why. The majority of the black community is either Christian or Muslim. Endorsing homosexuality flies in the face of the teachings of both of these religions. I'm happy they are standing up against this misapplication of their very real struggle.

JOHN GEORGE, NORTHFIELD, MINN.

* * *

Jim Foti's experience with victims of torture almost made me cry ("For torture victims, flowers, laughter and country music," June 24). His work and that of the Center for Victims of Torture is truly God's work.

RICHARD BREITMAN, MINNEAPOLIS

* * *

Enough already. I have read the letters about the dangers of wood smoke and the practice of using backyard firepits by those who choose to believe they have the right to insist that the rest of the citizenry live their lives only as those writers deem appropriate. The hypocrisy of their intolerance is amazing.

While I sincerely sympathize with the recent writer who suffers from asthma, the others who seem to think fire pits are unfairly polluting their lifestyles have little cause to cry victim.

Are we then to outlaw home fireplaces? Surely, they also put out wood smoke into the neighborhood. Or do we outlaw gas-powered lawn mowers, trimmers and the like?

Clearly they would fall under the guise of polluting the immediate environment. Perhaps we can outlaw the prevailing winds from forest fires from other states?

The claims of the fire pit critics raise a number of questions. How often are these pits raging each week? Nightly? A small number of times a month? How many firepits are burning at any one time within a single block?

Have these critics spoken politely to their neighbors and requested a middle ground of understanding? Or do they simply choose to ignore that their neighbors have a right to enjoy their fire pits? If you don't like it, shut your windows.

I propose the firepit critics calm down, and take a moment to speak with their neighbors. I suggest that common respect and seeking of common ground is the appropriate solution, rather than overreacting and seeking legal recourse for something so simple, relaxing and inviting as neighbors enjoying each other around the occasional outdoor fire.

MARK DAUM, EDINA

• • •

Back-yard firepits in large cities should be banned. The properties are generally too close together for the fires to be safe. Last year, during a neighbor's fire-pit burn, I had to call the fire department as my home was subject to damage from the winds blowing the smoke into it.

Fire pits should be enjoyed in the safety of the great outdoors, not in our tight urban communities.

TERRI NOWICKI SMITH, ST. PAUL

• • •

If I am camping at a Minnesota state park, will I be disallowed the enjoyment of a campfire if there is someone with asthma at the campsite next to mine?

JEFF JOHNSON, BROOKLYN PARK

* * *

News flash to legislators: This isn't the Republican state of Minnesota or the DFL state of Minnesota. You were elected to do what's best for all the people of Minnesota.

A government shutdown isn't good for anyone. Now, get over yourselves, quit playing political chicken with the lives of thousands of Minnesotans and start doing your job.

MARY LINDEN, MINNEAPOLIS