Tuesday's Election (Cont'd)

I was disappointed that the D.C. public school system did not treat Election Day with more significance this year. It doesn't appear that teachers and staff members were allowed enough time to vote during the morning. It was understood by staff members that they had to be at work at their regular time.

Given the city's predominantly African American population and the presence of the first African American nominee of a major party on the ballot, I would have thought that school system employees would have been allowed to arrive late if they needed to vote in the morning. With decisions such as this, it's no surprise that the city's public school system continues to be held in low regard by others in the area who see the school system's hierarchy as out of touch.

Maryland and Virginia schools were closed Tuesday because so many schools serve as polling places. Let us hope that D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee will have more sensitivity to such historic events.

BRIAN S. JONES

Washington

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As a lifelong "Demopublican," I was prepared to vote Republican this year.

Then John McCain insulted the intelligence of the electorate by picking Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, and I was easily swayed to vote for Barack Obama.

Now I find that the voters of Alaska appear to have reelected Sen. Ted Stevens (R) [news story, Nov. 6].

Holy cow. We might as well let the polar bears vote.

JOHN HAYES

Williamsburg, Va.

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Now that carbon levels in the atmosphere are rising above 350 parts per million, drastic changes will occur in the global climate, as environmental activist Bill McKibben has noted. The world needs a leader who will recognize and face this problem. A U.S. president who effectively addresses climate change and the environmental crisis will not only be taking action on the most important international issue of our time but will also be taking huge strides toward improving America's image around the world.

President-elect Obama ran on a platform of change, and this environmental challenge will demonstrate the extent to which he intends to keep his promise. Reduce carbon emissions; increase funding for research on renewable energy sources; sign on to the Kyoto Protocols. Yes, he can.

KATIE SIEGNER

Chevy Chase

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The reference to Wall Street vs. Main Street in Barack Obama's victory speech on election night [news story, Nov. 5] may have spooked the market, causing a sell-off. The campaigning is over, and the time is coming to do something about the financial crisis. There is no need to pit sides against one another in this campaign-style way. Both streets are part of the United States of America.

There just needs to be a better balance.

SUSANNE HUMPHREY

Wheaton