Wildfires of the West

I was surprised that none of your heroes are focusing on the root cause of Earth's numerous environmental challenges: unchecked population growth. This issue is apparently so fraught with religion and nationalism that to bring it up would stain the reputation of any heroes and cast their virtuous achievements as questionable. As our little planet hurtles toward a projected 9.4 billion humans by 2050, however, I suspect the topic will eventually come into vogue.
Stephen Ehrenberg, STAVANGER, NORWAY

It may sound absurd, but I am truly sad that I have not yet contributed enough to the well-being of Earth to be listed as one of the Heroes of the Environment. When environmental issues first inspired me in elementary school, I worried that I might have to fight the war against global deterioration alone. I have since realized there is no need to worry; there are many people who take environmental issues seriously and act to make a difference. Right now I am only 18, not yet knowledgeable enough to influence the world, but with my passions, I believe I will become a hero of the environment.
Hannah Y. Suh, YONGIN, SOUTH KOREA

I come from the Niger Delta, which is host to giant oil multinationals that are conducting oil-exploration activities. In the process of searching for oil, large quantities of gas have been flared throughout my over 30 years of existence and are still being flared. I was never bothered by the gas flares until I read Al Gore's Earth in the Balance, from which I learned they are a great contributor to global warming. I became enlightened but at the same time frightened by the damage done to my immediate environment and the greater world. As an African, my interest in the environment was further aroused when Wangari Maathai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for her contributions to the environment. Thank you, TIME, for celebrating these heroes who are working so hard to protect our planet.
Timi Songi, YENAGOA, NIGERIA

Another Inconvenient Truth
Thank you for publishing a fair perspective on the Armenian genocide and Turkey's denial [Oct. 29]. We invade countries in response to feeble threats but fold and quiver in our boots in the face of ultimatums from so-called allies. The genocide did not put our troops in harm's way; our President did. And whoever thinks Turkey can give up billions of dollars in trade and investment with the U.S. is foolish. More honest and objective people like Power are needed to help us bring this century-old matter to some sort of closure.
Eva Garibian, ARCADIA, CALIF., U.S.

Guns for Hire
It would be helpful if we stopped using the euphemism security contractor and instead used the well-understood term mercenary [Oct. 29]. Then everybody would have a clearer understanding of what is going on and what is being sanctioned by our government.
Christopher Hebeler, ST. LOUIS, MO., U.S.

Global Healing
I really appreciated Kathleen Kingsbury's report on breast cancer [Oct. 15]. In this country nobody discusses the disease even though it has become more prevalent. Fighting it is a global challenge. Governments, religious leaders, nongovernmental organizations and social activists have to work jointly to free the world of breast cancer.
Yohannes Aytenfisu, ADDIS ABABA

Of First Ladies and Laddies
I would not have thought it possible to write about the role of the President's spouse without mentioning the remarkable partnership forged between Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt [Sept. 24]. But I guess that would have spoiled your simplified story line reporting an orderly progression of liberation from then to now.
Dick Scott, STANFORD, CALIF., U.S.