I agree and disagree with recent editorials. The editorial on rail transit published from the Austin Daily Herald was right on. Despite the budget crisis, it is imperative that our state legislators look at long-term economic impact as well as short-term savings. Rail transit is an example of this. Other examples are cutting of retraining funds for persons who are unemployed and increasing educational expenses for young people who will be entering the workforce. Without a well trained workforce and good transportation infrastructure, this state (and the nation) will not be able to compete economically with other countries.

I disagree with the thumbs down on operations in Libya. First, there was the humanitarian aspect that was the impetus for U.S. involvement and U.N. action. We would have witnessed a slaughter if we had just stood by. Second, I strongly feel the action is in the long-term security interests of our country. Considering how negative the view of the U.S. is in the Muslim world, it is great to see positive reactions there to U.S. actions. As long as tyrants remain in power, hatred against them can only help fuel fanatical movements such as al-Qaida. I do not know where the revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya will lead. I certainly have not forgotten what happened in Iran. However, I am optimistic that by bringing more freedom to these people, combined with access to the outside world from the Internet and other modern communications sources, we will see nations that play a more positive role in international affairs. That is good for our nation’s security.

There does not seem to even be any consideration of commitment of U.S. ground forces, and I agree there should not be for various reasons — both practical and political. Also in the interest of full disclosure concerning my comments, I was involved in Operation El Dorado Canyon — the 1986 airstrikes on Libya.

Mike Miller

Albert Lea