I was disappointed with Rep. Mike Thompson's response ("Thompson reads and understands," Aug. 10) to Chris Burns' letter, "Politicians aren't listening," (Aug. 6). I didn't find Chris' letter "curious and illogical" at all and I didn't perceive it as criticism of Thompson per se. To me, his letter reflected a more general frustration with our political system as a whole, a frustration that is shared by many others, including me. Instead of taking his letter personally and merely devaluing it, I would have liked to see Thompson acknowledge his dissatisfaction, which is real and valid, and offer some political solutions.

In response to Kelly Abono's "Your Turn" article in the Register (Aug. 9, "Despite pressures, women must leave abusers"), I feel I must highlight that there are several churches that support divorce in the case of domestic violence. Two of them in the Napa Valley are in the United Methodist tradition -- in Napa and St. Helena. Our Book of Discipline states that "we affirm the right of women to live free from violence and abuse." We know that divorce is a sad and often painful process. It is not to be taken lightly. But if it leads to ultimate healing and hope for new life, then it may well be the will of God.

Now that greenhouse gases are the pollutants to fear, nuclear power may be making a comeback; British Petroleum's failings in Prudhoe Bay, revealed last week, only enhance the attractiveness of alternatives to oil. But as the nation rushes back to the future by embracing atomic energy, the industry and government have to solve one little problem left over from the past: how to deal with nuclear waste.

The notion that "politics stops at the water's edge" hasn't prevailed for much of U.S. history, but the current level of foreign-policy partisanship is dangerous to national security.

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Dear editor, I would like to thank Richard Morgan for his article in the "Your Turn" section of the Register on Aug. 15 ("Ad hominem attack on warming unpersuasive").

Dear editor, Acorn Soupe connects kids and the community to nature through education. Our programs allow children and adults to gain an understanding and appreciation for natural ecosystems. Children interact with their peers and adults in a cooperative setting while positively impacting the local environment. The experiences gained from these opportunities instill messages of stewardship and environmental ethics that last a lifetime and provide opportunities for personal growth.In 2005 and 2006, Acorn Soupe kicked off its School Ambassador Program recruiting representatives from schools participating in Acorn Soupe programs. Eight ambassadors stepped forward and agreed to meet three times a year to learn more about Acorn Soupe programs and act as a liaison between the schools and Acorn Soupe.

Dear editor,