I like to think of the citizens of the Napa Valley as thoughtful people who are governed by thoughtful people. How else can one explain how this valley has become the envy of every other wine country in the world, by far the most beautiful and a heaven to live in? It did not happen by accident.

President Bush makes a good case for allowing a Dubai company to take control of key American ports. The United States badly needs foreign investment to finance its trade and budget deficits, and Treasury Secretary John Snow is absolutely right when he says, "It would send a terrible signal to friends and allies not to let this transaction go through."

Dear editor,

Dear editor,

Dear editor,