Inbox

Seeing the Fluorescent Light

Thank you, TIME, for giving us solid reasons to be hopeful on the crucial energy issue [Jan. 12]. With incentives for energy efficiency, the economy would hum with millions of local projects requiring little or no government planning. Moreover, by choosing a relatively low-tech policy that the world could readily copy, we would at last become leaders in climate protection--and in rejecting the needless and dangerous expansion of nuclear power. Egan O'Connor, SAN FRANCISCO

Another underutilized energy-efficiency tip: for new construction, simply orienting buildings correctly and optimizing window locations can cut energy use by a quarter or more. These are savings from Day One--and at no extra cost. Dave Deppen, SAN RAFAEL, CALIF.

Energy efficiency can also have its downside. The California building codes you praise ("airtight shells") have harmed some who have reacted to the chemicals trapped inside. The much touted compact fluorescent lightbulbs can increase symptoms in people with migraines and other conditions. Plus, if they break, they can release toxic mercury. And when one burns out, you can't toss it in the trash; you have to waste gas driving the bulb across the county to a toxic-waste disposal center. Karen M. Campbell, SACRAMENTO, CALIF.

I'm 24. The challenge of my generation is not only to create practical solutions for conservation but also to do what our grandparents did: put on a sweater. Michelle Sisson, FAIR OAKS, CALIF.

In Defense of George W. Bush

Michael Kinsley's Essay on Bush's failures fails to take into account legitimate concerns over growing terrorism before the Bush Administration [Jan. 12]. He dismisses the 1993 World Trade Center attack and the 2000 U.S.S. Cole bombing--which killed 17 U.S. sailors--to create the image of a fearmongering Republican President. Kinsley scolds Bush for not keeping his promises, but Kinsley must realize that these circumstances call for extreme measures. Raza Syed Hoda, ITHACA, N.Y.

Violence in Gaza

I hope the Israelis know there is a non-Israeli who fervently prays for their success [Jan. 12]. Hamas provokes, as always, and waits for the world to condemn Israel. I don't know why people cannot see through this cheap trick. Vani Valluri, SECUNDERABAD, INDIA

I want the Jewish people to have a homeland as intended by the U.N., and the Israeli people have the right to defend themselves against those who employ terrorist tactics. Yet given the painful history of the humanitarian crimes against the Jewish people, it saddens me to see the disproportionate response by Israel in dealing with the situation in Gaza. Israel should hold to the highest standards of human rights and fairness. Instead, in my view, it practices bullying tactics. The Israelis should be careful that they do not become what they seek to defend themselves against. Greg Bergh, CAPE TOWN

Where was the outrage and media coverage when Hamas militants began firing rockets daily into Israel even before the cease-fire was over? If Hamas had believed Israel's threat to retaliate if the attacks did not stop, maybe the death toll would have been limited to only Israel. Miriam Goldman, MINEOLA, N.Y.

And They Call It Puppy Love