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The Great Arctic Grab

As a university student of ecology and evolutionary biology, I would prefer that the Arctic remain largely unspoiled [Oct. 1]. But since exploitation of this increasingly accessible area is inevitable, substantial fees should be imposed on corporations and nations that profit. Moneys collected could aid conservation and ameliorate poverty. But it's more likely that we will see the traditional unholy alliance of nationalism and greed. Fred Drumlevitch, Tucson, Ariz.

The Arctic belongs to mankind as a whole, not to the region's border states. Devising a treaty to enforce that is simple: you just have to copy and paste the basic agreements of the Antarctic Treaty System, which has kept greedy people off that continent for decades. Jean Lehouchu, Nice, France

Sticks and Stones

While it is true that the right has made political hay from MoveOn.org's ad asking if we should call General Petraeus "General Betray Us," it is also true that most Americans found the ad offensive [Oct. 1]. And Michael Kinsley's defense of the ad was equally offensive. People can disagree with the general, but he deserves respect for his service and high position. Richard Kapanka Greensboro, N.C.

Senator John Cornyn should resign for co-sponsoring a resolution condemning MoveOn.org's free speech. This is the sort of fascism that is a far greater threat to Americans than terrorism. The Senate has the gall to question basic American freedoms while its members are under investigation for bribery (Ted Stevens) and sex scandals (Larry Craig and David Vitter). Dale Stevens Montgomery, Texas

Those of us who have served indeed took "umbrage" at one of our own being called duplicitous and unfit to wear the uniform. None of us are perfect, but by God, we did our best to serve our civilian masters without genuflecting. Shame on Kinsley for missing the point behind the outrage and doubting its authenticity. Kenneth M. Currie, Lieut. Colonel, USAF (Ret.) Indian Harbour Beach, Fla.

I'm a Republican, and I want us out of Iraq. But the ad crossed the line. Kinsley sits at a desk typing away while Petraeus leads people who take bullets for you and me. It's not trite; it's reality. Don't insult those standing in harm's way so we can debate in the comfort of our homes. Mark Carpenter, San Antonio

I am a Republican, but those who are tripping over one another to crusade for Petraeus' honor need to realize how silly they look. Even so, Kinsley weakened his credibility by failing to give examples of Democrats who have behaved similarly. Daniel Jensen, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Setting the Record Straight

RE "The Real Running Mates" [Sept. 24]: I am very disappointed that Time would publish incorrect information from another publication that stated that I never worked outside the home. Never was I interviewed for Time's article, but it was certainly written to imply that I had been. For the record, after receiving my law degree from the University of Kansas, I was a research attorney for a justice of the Kansas Supreme Court. Later I accepted the position of an assistant vice president and trust officer at a bank. After our first child, I worked again in a trust department until shortly before the birth of our second child. Simply put, I have worked both in the home and outside of the home, just as a vast majority of American women have. Thank you for letting me clear up these errors so they don't appear in print a third time.

Mary Brownback, Topeka, Kans.

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