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In the article, the writer states that these stem cells are like a vegetable seed that, given the proper conditions, can be made into any plant from an azalea to a pine tree. Azaleas and pine trees, although both plants, are as distantly related as humans and crocodiles. The variety of cell types that are produced from Verfaillie’s stem cells (for example, liver cells and brain cells), although they look and function quite differently, are genetically identical.

Growing a pine tree from a vegetable seed would be a truly miraculous accomplishment. Thus, this is perhaps where the analogy made is accurate. The potential these adult stem cells hold for curing a vast range of diseases makes their discovery miraculous.

Sheila Lutz Prigge (B.S. ’90, M.S. ’00) and Michael Prigge (B.S. ’94) Ann Arbor, Michigan

An Alternate Sprawl Theory
I must take exception to the "On Race and Space" article in the March–April issue. Enough already! [The article] states, "In city after city, there is a clear correlation between race, wealth, and access to opportunity." [John Powell] may be partially right—but not for the reasons he cites. I see primarily a desire to improve one’s position in life and provide a better, safer environment for a family—read: initiative—as the primary reasons people move away from the inner city. With the exodus from rural America back to the cities during the last century, there was little choice but to expand the cities outward.

[The article] also states, "Sprawl . . . has been a conspiracy to deny people of color equal access to the good things of America." That’s funny, the inner cities used to contain the good things of America. But once again, we are lambasted by the typical "let’s blame it on the whites for our misfortunes" drivel that seems to occupy every headline of the day. Blaming your neighbor and coveting what he possesses is not the way for any man to better himself. Here’s a novel thought—get an education, get a job, and live where you want, be it the inner city or the suburbs. That is the American dream.

Rick Coccie (B.S. ’83, UMD) Minot, North Dakota

Giving up the "Cause"
"After the Layoff" (March–April) offers good advice even for a nine-job veteran of the career wars. After 30 years, I arrived at the same conclusion last month that work should not be a "cause." It is especially hard for us in the environmental "cause." And, loyalty is a myth that can be destructive when either partner—employer or employee—in the temporary arrangement believes it exists. It is and always has been hard work to make a living (my Iron Range miner father can tell you about that). We need to make our own rewards and success, appreciate every last paycheck and benefit, and stay in the market, anticipating not only layoffs but better opportunities for yourself. Good article.

Will Haapala (B.A. ’71, UMD) Klamath Falls, Oregon

Please send your letters to the editor to: Minnesota, McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. SE, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Or e-mail to: fling003@umn.edu. Letters may be edited for style, length, and clarity.