Readers Write (Sept. 13): Minneapolis treehouse, climate change, the VA, youth vote, high expectations for schools

Shame on the Minneapolis Zoning Board of Adjustment for destroying 13-year-old Daniel Pryke's dream by deciding that his treehouse must be removed ("Boy's treehouse must come down," Sept. 12). It seems like a very unfair decision given that the city had no specific zoning regulations. The treehouse looks sturdy and well-built — any kid would be lucky to have such a place to let the imagination soar. Stop being a bully and let the kid be a kid while he still can.

Its not only countries like India that will suffer economic losses and increased deaths as a result of global climate change ("Economists calculate the climate change costs," Sept. 12). Minnesota will, too.

A 2012 report from the Minnesota Department of Health noted that extreme heat events are increasing and have well-documented health impacts, including breathing difficulties, dizziness, fainting and heat stroke. Extreme heat also can exacerbate conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and renal failure.

And not only humans are affected. Steve Olson, executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, noted significant losses to the turkey industry during the hot weather of July 2011. One turkey barn site in southwest Minnesota lost 45,000 birds, worth $450,000.

It's time to put a tax on carbon-emitting fossil fuels, return 100 percent of the revenues to U.S. households, and thus promote renewable energy. A border tariff on imported goods from counties that don't tax carbon would protect U.S. producers and farmers.

I volunteer at the Minneapolis Veterans Medical Center as an outside greeter/wheelchair helper, etc. ("Minnesota, too, shirks its veterans," Sept. 12). Consequently, I have the opportunity to lend an ear to patient concerns — from ailments to transportation to service or whatever else is on their minds. I often ask if they are satisfied with the treatment they receive from the hospital. Almost to a person, they are so appreciative of the care from the doctors, nurses, support staff and volunteers that it sometimes brings tears to their eyes.

Does the VA need correction? Yes. Are changes being implemented? Yes. Will it take time? Yes. Commentary writer Jason Quick wants somebody to go to jail? Did anybody go to jail for WMDs? Did any of the deregulated bankers who raped the middle class and sent us into a depression go to jail? Jail should start with Congress. Quick should stop hiding behind Concerned Veterans for America if he wants to go on a Tea Party Republican rant, because he certainly doesn't speak for this combat-related disabled Vietnam veteran.

The story said Bell Museum Director Susan Weller hopes that in the new, modern quarters, "the dioramas can be enlivened with multisensory aids such as nature sounds or scents, touch tables and activity kiosks." Although such learning aids, when properly designed and implemented, can be valuable supplementary vehicles for exciting the public about natural history, I caution those considering future changes to also consider how dioramas are meant to be viewed.

There is a reason why the dioramas are displayed as they are, namely without a surplus of lit technological multisensory aids. The idea that lit interactives surrounding a space with dioramas means improvement to an area referred to as otherwise "dark and claustrophobic" denies the experience of immersion that successful diorama spaces require. I believe that creating spaces for such aids holds potential, as long as those spaces do not interfere with the viewing experience of the historical, artistic, mini-worlds that can be so enchanting and inspiring.

Come this November, a new demographic — my demographic — will be given the opportunity to finally have its voice heard in political affairs. But will we take that opportunity? I'd be inclined to say that a lot of people my age will not. I was sitting down with a large group of friends, and the conversation turned to politics. One friend did not intend to vote. Others began chiming in: "It doesn't matter; a vote can't change anything; the political system in this country is already too far gone," ad nauseam. Of the nine people at the table, mine was the only dissenting opinion.

We all get a say, in aggregation with every other voter. If somebody argues that the political system in this country is in shambles, I won't disagree. However, the only way change can arise is through action, whether that means large time commitments like campaigning for a cause or volunteering for an organization, down to something as simple as voting. No great movement or change ever came from one person alone.

We are asking the schools to make sure children are physically active.

We are asking the schools to report when children are abused.

And oh, by the way, educate them.

All of these things are important, and it does seem obvious to try to get help the place where our children spend a huge percentage of their time, but each time we uncover something else that our children need, we throw it at the schools to fill the gap — without providing any more money.

It's an easy answer, but meaningless if we don't follow through.