To the editor: Thank you, Mark (Gibson) and RaeLynn (Ricarte). I just wanted you to know how much I appreciated your Crosstalk on Christianity.

To the editor: So you want to have a discussion about “crosswalks.” I have a lot to say about crosswalks.....just a second, I was told it was “crosstalk,” not crosswalk. Never mind.

To the editor: I appreciate your Crosstalk feature. I would appreciate it more if you focused on local issues. I suggest a Crosstalk featuring the pros and cons of the continued existence of the Mid-Columbia Council of Governments.

To the editor: A recent front-page story in The Dalles Chronicle contained good advice from local counselors for achieving healthy and productive political engagement. Good civic discourse is when citizens step out of their tribal comfort zone and engage someone of decidedly different political persuasion in mutually respectful give and take. Everybody benefits when understanding the issues is at the heart of the discussion instead of personalities or "being right.”