Readers Write (Oct. 2): Invasive species, Somali community, transgender students, cycling assault, security, Fleetwood Mac

I heartily agree with the sentiments expressed by critics of the state Department of Natural Resources' response to invasive species control ("Mussels' march exasperates lake advocates," Oct. 1). The state is losing the battle that threatens to forever alter Minnesota's lakes.

As an example, I own a cabin on a beautiful, clean and clear lake in central Minnesota. The DNR Aquatic Invasive Species Department previously provided matching-grant assistance to our lake association for inspections, even though the lake has a relatively small public access. They did this because the DNR stocks trout in our lake and actively publicizes the trout fishery, attracting fishermen from across the state. With the expanding zebra-mussel infestations statewide, the DNR can no longer provide matching funds to our organization. We raise funds and provide access inspectors through a private program on weekends and summer holidays. In those inspections, we have learned that the greatest number of access users are trout fishermen and that fully 30 percent of them last boated on zebra-mussel-infested waters (Minnetonka, Mille Lacs, Superior). Letters to local legislators, the DNR commissioner and even the governor's office are ignored. This is only one story and one Minnesota lake. It is difficult not to become cynical about the future of Minnesota's waters.

Minnesota should be proud that it is home to the United States' largest Somali-American population, which includes some of our most innovative, patriotic and hardworking citizens.

Like any other constituency, however, Minnesota's Somali community has its troublesome constituents, chief among them those recently recruited by the terror organization ISIL. Jamal Abdulahi addressed the dangerous fact that our state has become an incubator for a growing number of radical jihadists and rightly called for quick action to respond ("Somalis in Minnesota: A second chance to get it right," Oct. 1).

Nevertheless, it was unfortunate that he directed his remedies for this radicalization exclusively at government, which, he writes, should do more to "dissuade" interest in extremism. Government is limited in its ability to change the hearts and minds of its citizens.

While federal agencies should do all they can to counter recruitment efforts by terror groups, the "ad campaigns" Abdulahi calls for can only do so much. The government's primary responsibility in this battle is not to "discourage" terrorism, but to terminate it. The main task of federal, state and local government is to capture terrorists and foil their plots.

It is ultimately the responsibility of parents, religious institutions and community leaders such as Abdulahi to expose the lies and false promises of radical Islam. It is friends and family — not federal agents — who can most effectively influence misguided young minds and quash extremism taking root here at home.

TRANSGENDER STUDENTS

The transgender policy proposed by the Minnesota State High School League is a mistake ("Athletes changing gender in spotlight," Sept. 30). I would argue that the current policy is appropriate — boys must compete in boys sports and girls have the option of competing in either boys or girls activities. My primary concern is potential injuries that may occur with males participating in female sports. Contact sports such as basketball, hockey and soccer are examples of activities whereby strength differentials have the potential of causing grave injuries.

The league's proposed definition of what constitutes transgender is inadequate. The definition for boys should include evidence of hormone therapy and having begun sex change surgery procedures. This would minimize potential for serious injuries caused by boys playing against girls in contact sports or dominating sports such as tennis or golf due to their strength advantage.

Forget about locker-room issues. Let's be concerned about safety for girls competing in high school sports. Be restrictive with definitions to prevent abuse and injuries. Just because a boy wants to live life as a girl does not mean he should automatically be able to compete as a girl in high school sports.

Let me get this straight. A man assaults a cyclist by grabbing the cyclist and dragging him and his bicycle with his car ("Mendota Heights motorist charged with dragging biker along car," Oct. 1). The suspect is charged with a misdemeanor for assaulting the person and with a felony for damage to the bicycle. What is wrong with this picture? Note to self: Don't ride bikes in Dakota County as your life is worth less than your bike!

A letter writer noted that the Buckingham Palace perimeter wall is 12 feet higher than the fence around the White House (Readers Write, Oct. 1). Presumably, the early morning intruder in 1982 who scaled the wall, entered the palace and entered the queen's bedroom has been overlooked. Reportedly, the two had a friendly, if uncomfortable, 10-minute conversation, which ended when the intruder asked for a cigarette and the queen was able to discreetly press an alarm button.

I would suggest that the Secret Service take precautions for safety from the news media, as they are constantly reminding readers: 1) Be aware of your surroundings; 2) Lock your doors and windows; 3) Watch for strangers; 4) Give him your property if he asks for it; and 5) Call 911 for help. Do not try to apprehend him yourself.

Jon Bream, in his review of Fleetwood Mac's wonderful Sept. 30 Target Center show ("The full Mac is back with McVie," Oct. 1), dwells on the fact that the band didn't provide the loud, enthusiastic and loving sellout crowd with any onstage, relationship-based interpersonal soap-opera drama.

Perhaps he would have enjoyed the show as much as the other 17,000 of us if he had simply realized that, by all indications, "yesterday's gone" in this regard and that the band is "thinkin' about tomorrow," not the past.