American dream for blacks, too

In answer to a March 27 letter titled, "Illegals prove 'dream' not for whites only," I'd ask the writer if he's wearing blinders.

Some of the wealthiest people in the United States are Oprah Winfrey, Eddie Murphy, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Muhammad Ali, and too many baseball, basketball and football players to name. All of the above have been living the American dream, and unless I'm colorblind, they are not Caucasians.

America is the land of opportunity for all of its citizens. If illegal immigrants wish to live in America and earn their living here, why not become citizens?

-- Shirley Perlick, Lodi

As a type 1 diabetic, I'm infuriated that the parents of Madeline Neumann allowed their daughter to die. Regardless of their personal interpretation of the Bible, they contributed to her death by making the choice to not seek medical help.

Dying from untreated diabetes can be slow and painful. The child would have been drinking and urinating frequently, causing great stress on the kidneys. Her eyesight was likely impaired. She may have suffered episodes of vomiting after eating.

The Neumanns were blind to the fact that their prayers were answered in 1921 when Dr. Frederick Banting and Charles Best discovered insulin.

They were answered again in the 1980s as diabetic specialists, blood testing equipment and intensive insulin therapy became available. And they were answered again in the 1990s with the development of rDNA insulins.

People's beliefs are not a license to allow others to die. The parents of Madeline Neumann should be prosecuted for contributing to the death of their child.

-- Bill Sterna, Madison

Pick justice now; fix the system later

Shame on the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board. Their decision to stand on the sidelines as citizens prepared to vote for a state Supreme Court justice validated one of the most despicable high court campaign seasons in history.

Whether you were for the incumbent or the challenger, objective assessments continued to point out the distortions and lies in campaign ads issued by the candidates or their supporters.

Also, backers cloaked their support in anti-crime rhetoric that would irk voters when, as objective assessments concurred, the real issues were guns, school choice, public health and the needs of corporations. "Integrity" was ignored.

The State Journal stated its decision to not endorse was made because it would rather that Supreme Court justices be appointed based on "merit." That was an easy out, and allowed the newspaper to sit idly by as a major statewide decision was being made. There may be better ways to select judges, but that argument is irrelevant when a decision has to be made now.

Using a sports analogy, I may not like seeding for the NCAA basketball tournament and think there may be another way, but I don't opt not to support the Badgers or other teams because I don't like the process.

-- Gary Slaats, Fitchburg

System not 'broken' because liberal lost

Whenever a conservative defeats a liberal, why, according to Justice Louis Butler, is the system broken?

Why was the system not "broken" when Butler, who was rejected by the voters in 2000, was appointed to the state Supreme Court by Gov. Jim Doyle?

I hope the system of allowing people to vote for their desired candidate is never fixed.

--David A. Lunde, Cottage Grove

Conservative Court bodes ill for state

State Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler was defeated by 2 percent of the vote. Are the majority of state voters stupid? In the last two elections they have elected two seriously flawed candidates for the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and not because they are conservatives.

Part of the problem is that the Wisconsin Republican Party, Wisconsin Manufactures and Commerce and their ilk spent millions buying this election for Gableman, as they did last year, with some of the most sleazy, negative television ads. Much of the money came from out of state.

Another problem was Gov. Doyle. Instead of being in Wisconsin campaigning for Butler and putting pressure on the Legislature to pass the smoking ban, reform the school funding formula and find a way for the uninsured to obtain medical care, Doyle was off in North Carolina campaigning for Barack Obama.

The conservatives on the state Supreme Court now have a clear majority to rule that environmental laws and regulation of big business and corporations are unconstitutional. The WMC has gotten what they paid for. They have made justice for sale in Wisconsin.

-- Dave Searles, Brodhead

Our system allows 'purchase' of offices

Our Wisconsin governor and legislators should hang their heads in shame for corrupting our state government with unlimited campaign funding.

Instead of taking responsible leadership and making good on his campaign promises to reform government, Gov. Jim Doyle blames conservatives. Legislators are also unwilling to give up extorting money from special interest groups.

There are no winners on our state Supreme Court. Don't even think of going there unless you have given large contributions. Our government will continue to be more and more corrupt unless we act to change it.

-- William P. Rowe, Madison

McPike inspired students, community

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Milt McPike. He was a great principal at East High School who had the ability to inspire students, teachers and parents.

However, we are fortunate that his gift was not constrained by the walls of the school or the hours of the school day. His knowledge and guidance could be felt throughout the entire community in a multitude of boards, committees and task forces. Everyone who had the opportunity to work with this great man learned about his passion for service to our school district and community.

McPike's service to our community was as large as his physical stature. He was always willing to share advice and perspective with those who were inspired to be like him, as well as those who were struggling to find themselves. His leadership helped many people fulfill their educational goals, secure employment or just become better citizens. His friendship to me will never be forgotten.

-- Johnny Winston Jr., Madison School Board

Power of voting found in campaign

In the age of computers, Harry Potter and Big Macs, I experienced an epiphany on Election Day after hours of volunteering for Adrian Augustine, candidate for the Dane County Board.

I prepared hundreds of pieces of literature, stuffed envelopes, maneuvered around icy sidewalks to deliver literature to houses, and made calls reminding people to vote for Augustine.

I felt the cold while placing yard signs, conversed with people and smiled when they said "be proud you are participating in democracy" or "thanks for making a difference." I still smile when I recall those citizens who reminded me I made a difference by volunteering.

When the voting began, I realized how much hard work it takes to run a campaign, how much it took to earn a vote. I'm a better person, citizen and American because of volunteering. I feel enlightened.

This was the first time I have been involved in politics. From now on I will make the effort to vote in all elections. I will choose elected officials and they will respect me. I am a voter.

-- Ryan Slesar, Middleton, treasurer, Augustine for County Board