Sustainable?

The subject article on Page A6 (PP 9/12) needs a qualifier. The “definition” at the end of the article is not complete. The term, sustainable, to me means something that will stand on itself. The existence of a U.S. Government subsidy of up to $1.25 per gallon of qualified SAF means this is not a sustainable product. Oh, sure, there are caveats alluding to the future efficiencies and concerns (properly noted in the last paragraph) that will magically appear in the process. But “sustainability” will never happen. For two reasons:

1. Historical fact: The excise tax credit for ethanol was introduced in 1975 with the same caveats. Almost half a century (49 years) later it is still here.

2. Operational fact: With the posted tax credit on the SAF program, it also will not happen — because, with the credit in place, there is no reason to improve efficiency.

Art Thell, West St. Paul

Encouraging girls in sports

My compliments on the  excellent article on Sept. 7, ”Hoops and History”, featuring Dorothy McIntyre’s role in girls’ sports in Minnesota and highlighting the History Center’s exhibit on girlhood and struggles of girl athletes. The article mentioned many of the obstacles girl athletes face, but one barrier, rarely considered or mentioned, is the need for a sports bra. Young women who cannot afford this critical piece of equipment are sidelined.

I recently became aware of a  non-profit organization called FLY:FWD which helps provide sports bras that make a difference in the lives of young girls from diverse backgrounds. FlY:FWD is part of Operation Warm, a non-profit which manufacturers and distributes sports bras and warm coats for those in need. Operation Warm is available to work with individuals and groups in any community who want to set up programs to distribute bras or warm coats (www.operationwarm.org/flyfwd).

Jan Prazak, North Hudson

Donald in Wonderland

Regarding the presidential debate: Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris made misleading and erroneous comments, however there was a huge qualitative difference in that respect. For the most part Harris’ were more in the nature of degree whereas Trump’s were much more substantial (full disclosure: I lean conservative on many issues). Perhaps all of this is irrelevant as the outcome will likely be decided by Taylor Swift and Elon Musk. Nonetheless here goes:

Harris called Trump’s tariff proposal a “sales tax” which of course it would not be. However a tariff-induced increase in the cost of imported goods would almost certainly be passed on to consumers. Tariffs do have a purpose, but before implementing them it is necessary to balance the cost to consumers versus the value of protecting a particular sector of the U.S. economy, as well as national security issues.

Harris also misspoke in claiming that no U.S. troops were in combat zones. Well they are of course, but they are not involved in any large scale military engagements.

She also was a bit generous with the money being invested in clean energy ($1 trillion v. $700 billion).

Now compare these to just a sample of some of Trump’s howlers:

— “Under Biden we have had the highest inflation rate ever.” Nope. During Biden’s term it topped out at 7% in 2021 which was higher than it had been since 1981 but nowhere near as high as it was in 1980, 1979, 1974, and 1946, the last reaching 18.1%. Oh, and by the way, during the Trump administration it was higher than the previous four years under your good friend Barack Obama (all data from Investopedia).

— Immigrants taking over apartment buildings in Aurora, Colorado, and eating peoples’ pets in Springfield Ohio (“Gee Mildred, that catsup sure tastes funny”). Wrong again. Says who? Says the police departments in those two cities.

— Harris’ running mate Walz is fine with killing babies after birth. Trump struck out again; no state allows that.

— “Democrats are encouraging illegal immigration so they can secure their votes.” Non-citizens cannot vote in federal elections.

— Finally, despite having no support from a slew of court cases, Republican governors, and secretaries of state in the contested states, he still maintains that the 2020 election was stolen (my personal view is that that notion was subliminally put in his head from sleeping on one of Mike Lindell’s pillows that contained a hidden transmitter; I’m in the process of putting the finishing touches on this theory before submitting it to the National Enquirer).

Sandy Beitsch, St. Paul

Sainted

After the Saint Paul Saints game Sunday a gentleman slipped something into my hand and said, “I want you to have this. Hang on to it; they are scarce.”

When I opened my hand I found an Eisenhower silver dollar. It’s not the amount that matters; it is the thought behind it. It made my day. I am most appreciative of this kind and thoughtful person.

Jim Ashworth, St. Paul