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.

The United States again is close to squandering a rare resource. The issue affects national security and generations who will need the resource far more than we do in the early 21st century. The subject is oil drilling in Alaska, but hold on before skipping to the next article. This is a new argument to most readers.

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.

Sexual predators hold an especially low place in American life. They have preyed on our most vulnerable and played on our deepest fears as people and parents.

Dear editor,

Dear editor,

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,

Dear editor,

Dear editor,

Dear editor,