AD Resignation, Yoga Pants and the Military’s Budget: Feedback Friday

Each week, Patch users contribute numerous insights, opinions and observations. The following is a collection of the most thoughtful, moving, controversial or just plain funny comments that appeared on Patch sites in Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Richfield, Shakopee, Plymouth, St. Louis Park and St. Michael. Click on the headline to read the full story and join in the conversation.

(The comments below are not meant to reflect the opinions of Patch or its staff.)

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New To You Thriftique is a thrift store in Golden Valley that's run by volunteers. All of the shop's proceeds go toward a tuition scholarship fund at Calvin Christian Schools.

Carolyn Kaehr had this to say about her shopping experience:

I found a beautiful oil on canvas painting at the thrift store several weeks ago, bought it, and plan to give it to my pastor in October for Pastor Appreciation month. I know that he'll love it because it will remind him of his growing-up years in Holland !! I know that it's worth much much more than the price I paid for it, too. I stop at the shop each Tuesday, when clothing is half price, and look around at everything. The oil painting was a true "God Wink" that surprised me because of its beauty and what the scene will mean to him and his family !! I'm very glad that proceeds from the shop help continue Calvin Christian Schools, too, as many students benefit so much by the Christian education provided !!!

This past Tuesday, our country marked an infamous day as our national debt grew past 16 trillion dollars. To put that into perspective that burden equates to more than $50,000 for each and every Minnesotan. We now have a debt that is larger than our entire nation’s GDP, wrote Congressman Erik Paulsen.

Pat Shane blamed the debt on military spending:

The F 22 has not been used in a combat despite the initial introduction of this jet in 2005. The last of the 188 planes rolled off the assembly line in April of 2012. It has cost The United States more than $64 billion, more than double the initial expected cost.

Now they have given another contract to Lockheed Martin to fix the mistakes of the 188 planes that have issues.

The US spends more on its military than the next 19 biggest spending nations combined.

This is where our nation needs to cut its spending.

The Richfield Human Rights Commission believes .

It's no secret that these are issues that draw constant debate. One reader commented that when Election Day has come and gone, the majority will have spoken. This comment prompted a reader, who only identified himself as Keith, to write:

Since when does the majority have the right to vote on the rights of the minority? If the majority vote is that of bigots it will be far from over. Eventually, the US supreme court will overturn any discriminatory laws just like they did in the 60s. Be on the right side of history!

Lake Minnetonka Editor Jay Corn speaks out against girls wearing yoga pants to school asserting that they are not appropriate attire and serve only one purpose--to attract boys' attention.

Beau Sorrell spoke against this assertion wondering where this type of thought process could lead:

I was in school once and I would look at girls who wore yoga pants. And jeans. And shorts. And skirts. And dresses. And sweatpants. And baggy sweatshirts.

I think the most important thing is for parents to have discussions with their kids about clothing and how they present themselves to others and how others may react. Years ago, wearing a dress that showed the ankles was considered too sexy, and as we know in Saudi Arabia, showing one's face can also be considered deplorable. The only rules for guys is to basically not go shirtless. I can't imagine being a woman and having to figure out how every little thing I do with my clothes, hair, and makeup might be perceived by others.

We have to be careful we don't move into, "Well, she was asking for it. She was wearing a short skirt!" territory.

Many leaders across the west metro were upset after news came down that the Department of Employment and Economic Development and scored the Southwest Light Rail Transit project at the bottom of the 37 projects that cleared initial screening.

But Scott Rickhoff thought DEED’s judgment was fair:

No... we don't have the money. None of these special interest projects, stadiums, 19th century train systems can operate without millions of taxpayer subsidies in the out years. Before spending billions, can someone tell me what a train does that a bus system cannot do better? If any of these project could run in the black, would be built and ran privately. These "bridges to nowhere" create nothing but additional taxes and contribute little to communities for the expansive cost vs bus system. What ever happened to all that bravado and anguish about corporate cronyism? But no one seems to have an issue about special interest cronyism?

Athletic Director and Assistant Principal John Soma resigned from his position at this week, following a district investigation into undisclosed allegations.

His resignation was effective as of Monday, Sept. 10, and closed out an investigation the district had launched regarding unspecified allegations against Soma. The district under Minnesota law.

Soma, 34, said the decision to resign was "based on what is best for me and my family."

Patch reader Dave Haas had his own theories as to why Soma resigned:

Since the Red Star (aka Pravda) won't let me post there - I'll try here... The fact that he resigned must have indicated one of two things - 1) they (Edina) were close to releasing the results of the probe - by resigning he blocked that release - since he no longer employed by them and they no longer have a right to investigate him. or 2) He knew that the results of the investigation were not going to be good for him or the school. This way he gets to walk away scott free. No harm, no foul. Now only he, his family, the investigators and God know what he did.

Meanwhile, user KW wasn't buying any of it:

The District's wishing Soma well is an excess of Minnesota Nice. Just sending the bad apples on their way or letting them know that resignation is a best case scenario doesn't make me feel comfortable as a parent that EHS is exercising appropriate oversight of athletic staff. Reminds me a bit of the dismissal of Annie Glavin, Varsity Volleyball Coach a couple years ago during her first season. Nothing was officially said, but many knew and disapproved of her "style" of coaching. It takes guts for students and parents to speak up when teachers act inappropriately. My respect for the school administration is diminished by how this is being handled.

That was good news to most residents, as the logo would have cost the JPWB about $20,000. Other options for the tower included recognition for all three communities involved in the joint powers agreement. 

Al Anderson said the idea to ditch the logo and save money was a "step in the right direction: 

Bravo! With property taxes continuing to rise...it was a much better decision to stop spending on needless confusing things. One litle baby step accomplished.

Thanks JPWB!

St. Louis Park Patch asked its readers to reflect on the tragedy Tuesday, which was the 11th anniversary of the attacks.

Caroll Solberg said she remembers the day well:

Having just arrived at KARE 11, I turned on the TV set in my office. My first thought was that the scene was a trailer for a new movie. Then I saw "live" in the upper corner of the set and knew we - the United States - had been attacked. Our Eleven Who Care program was scheduled for the following Friday, Sept. 14. It was ultimately decided to hold the event and everyone in attendance said it was exactly what was needed. I also remember one of our winners' daughter drove from New York to attend since air travel was not allowed. It is a day I will never forget, but as "k h" stated, with God's help I will forgive.