Do hunters need more to kill?

I am not surprised voters at Wisconsin's Conservation Congress hearings voted to bring back the wolf hunt. Who do they think they're trying to fool? Any excuse to hunt down another population of creatures that might be making a comeback is exciting news to this state. Any reason to add another species to their hunting season is all they care about.

Year after year we hear how the hunters "must" kill hundreds of thousands of deer to help the population deal with "disease" control. The wolves are the solution to this problem and the reason they have been able to come back from near extinction. But the minute some farmer's cows are attacked, everyone is up in arms and acts like the state is overrun with wolves and we're all in danger.

-- Kevin Connell, Madison

It hasn't been that long since hunters and loss of habitat almost succeeded in wiping wolves off the face of the Earth. I would like to give my voice to the wolves since they can't show up at the pro-hunter meetings that determine their fate.

Wolves are an essential part of the wild and deserve to be left in peace. Hunters already have enough creatures to kill for sport.

Most of us face obstacles to achieving financial wellbeing, but we don't shoot or trap ourselves out of them, which some farmers feel entitled to do.

God created us as stewards to creation, which means we don't have the right to inflict fear, suffering and death on other beings to make our lives more convenient or have fun with our buddies.

-- Kim Hogan, Madison

Let animals be; keep people in the cities

I agree with a Tuesday letter writer who stated that turkeys, wolves and many other wildlife species are victims of our growing cities and disappearing rural areas. She wrote that it wasn't "rocket science" to just relocate the wolves, turkeys and rest of the wildlife that man has displaced or harmed.

We should relocate the people, and keep them living in cities, unless they are farmers or know how to respect wildlife and their natural habitats. Other countries have the majority of their populations living in cities and not engaging in urban sprawl the way Americans do.

Another aid to keeping people in cities is population control. After all, God meant man to share this world with the rest of his creation, not destroy it. And hunting wolves just for the thrill of getting your prey is sick.

-- Margaret Bordihn, Dalton

Kudos to all for bus fire update

It was thoughtful of the State Journal to remind so many people of the senseless Madison Metro bus fire 10 years ago, and especially of the ongoing story of Eric and Heather Nelson. Thanks, too, for the up-to-date news on everyone involved.

Ten months after that terrible night, my husband, Bob, and I learned the facts about them and the UW Hospital burn unit when he had an emergency admittance to UW Hospital with a rare and life-threatening bacteria infection in his leg. He became a patient in the burn unit with the same doctors and nursing staff. As I recall, Nelson was then receiving therapy in another UW Hospital location.

Heather Gallagher had been discharged, but came to be with Eric every day. We met Rodney Scribner and his parents on his last visit to the clinic.

We saw Heather and Eric occasionally until he was discharged. We developed such admiration for them, with their incredible spirits and loving regard for each other. Thanks for letting us see and read about their lives now, with the wonderful, God-given gift of their son, Dylan.

The UW Hospital burn unit deserves all the praise it receives. The patients need much special care, which is warm, loving and humorous, with laughter as well as tears.

Special praise, too, for Doug Erickson's stories and Craig Schreiner's photos.

-- Liz Stark, Madison

Dems may blow yet another election

Sen. Barack Obama's recent comments about guns and religion make me wonder about his membership with the United Church of Christ. Is it because of bitterness and frustration about his financial situation that he clings to his religion? Or, is mere posturing for a better image in his constituents' eyes the reason he attends church?

His patronizing attitude is sure to turn off many of the independents who will decide the presidential election.

Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton are wearing me out with bone-headed remarks, and I wouldn't be amazed to see the Democrats blow yet another winnable election.

Tom Trow, Stoughton

Democratic agenda best for America

As we move into the 2008 elections, Americans are fed up with years of Republican control of Washington. Democrats have a clear vision for the future.

We will end the Republican culture of corruption and restore a government as good as the people it serves, starting with real ethics reform.

We will protect Americans at home and lead the world by telling the truth to our troops, citizens and allies. We believe in a strong national defense that is both tough and smart, recognizing that homeland security begins with hometown security.

We will create a cleaner, greener and stronger America by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, eliminating billions in subsidies for oil and gas companies. We will use the savings to provide consumer relief, develop energy alternatives and invest in energy-independent technology.

We will create jobs that stay in America and restore opportunity, starting with raising the minimum wage, expanding Pell grants and making college tuition tax deductible. We also believe in budget discipline that reduces our deficit.

We will join other industrialized nations in making sure everyone has access to affordable health care, starting by fixing the prescription drug program and investing in stem cell and other medical research.

We will ensure that retirement with dignity is the right and expectation of every American, starting with pension reform, expanding saving incentives and preventing the privatization of Social Security.

It's time for change, and the Democratic Party has a clear agenda to make America better.

-- Tim Watermolen, Green Bay