Editor, Times-Dispatch: The Earth is always cooling or warming; only the time interval will determine which one is currently happening. If we start with the last Ice Age 15,000 years ago, then temperatures have warmed. If you start with the little Ice Age that ended 200 years ago, it certainly has warmed. If you start since 1998 then the Earth has not warmed but cooled.

We have been experiencing an unrelenting 25 years of one-sided indoctrination by the media, various scientists, and governments concerning carbon dioxide-induced global warming.

The global warming scenarios have been promoted by vested-interest scientists seeking larger federal grants and publicity, the media that profit from doomsday scenario reporting, governments that want power over lives, and socialists who want to level out global living standards.

We need an honest and broad debate on the basic science of carbon dioxide impact on global temperatures. Al Gore's mantra that the science is settled is simply not true.

Dr. William Gray, a renowned atmospheric scientist and hurricane forecaster, has stated that "the global climate models predicting large amounts of global warming for a doubling of carbon dioxide are badly flawed. They should never be used to establish government climate policy."

The recent revelations coming out of the University of East Anglia seem to demonstrate a well-organized international climate warming conspiracy. The consequences of the alarmist actions such as restricting carbon dioxide would cause very large increases in our energy costs, a lowering of our standard of living, and do nothing to improve our climate.

The recent EPA announcement on carbon dioxide represents a serious threat to the industrial world's continued economic development. M.A. Jones. Ashland.

Pro-Choice License Shows Colors

Editor, Times-Dispatch: What a disappointment it was to read of the new license plate that Gov. Bob McDonnell supported in a bill that will benefit Planned Parenthood. The plate, which will read, "Trust Women, Respect Choice," just goes to show that our governor and other so-called "pro-life" politicians have turned their backs on those of us who stand up for life.

This move on the part of our governor has not only confirmed to all of Virginia that he has abandoned his campaign as a pro-life Catholic Republican, but his action has made the Catholic Church look weak and supportive of abortion and Planned Parenthood's motives.

We are told that the money from the license plate sales will not directly fund abortions, but how can we be sure? McDonnell has shattered our hope of moving toward a Virginia that respects life at every stage.

Let me make clear something that many Catholic leaders may deny or not recognize: The Catholic Church is against the deliberate killing of any person, born or unborn, by means of abortion, euthanasia, or assisted suicide, just to name a few. The list goes on and on.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which lays down the basic beliefs of Catholics, clearly states: "The inalienable right to life of every innocent human must be recognized and respected by civil society and the political authority." What is so incomprehensible about that?

This is a life-or-death situation! Mr. Governor, please reassure your fellow Catholics and pro-life advocates that you really do respect life in the commonwealth.

Danielle Zuccaro.

Richmond.

Gays in the Military Isn't an Inevitability

Editor, Times-Dispatch: In an otherwise good examination of some pros and cons of "Don't ask, don't tell," Commentary columnist Robin Beres ["Gays in the Military Raise Conflicting Emotions/Issues"] seems to have accepted the "inevitable repeal" myth.

Unfortunately, this plays into the hands of those whose cynical calculation is to ignore or suppress principled dissent and to declare victory in their radical, social-engineering assault on the traditional values that have strengthened and sustained the U.S. armed forces for 235 years.

Imposing acceptance by America's military of those who are openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) -- all categories included in the Obama administration's stated intentions -- would be an earth-shaking event. It is an unconscionable disservice to those currently in the military and their legions of supporters in the civilian world to dismiss the necessity for vigorous, thorough, reasoned, and sustained debate on the full implications of such a monumental change.

Parroting the hollow assertion that "75 percent of Americans support repeal" is no defense. Beres' commentary was a good start, but now it's time to invite Elaine Donnelly, the courageous and tenacious president of the Center for Military Readiness, to illuminate this dark and smoke-screened battleground.

And advocates for the GLBT agenda need to present more than emotional appeals to fairness for carefully selected, poster-perfect gays. Let's hear their case for how morale, readiness, recruiting, retention, unit cohesion, combat effectiveness, and continued support from mainstream America will be enhanced. Robert "Sarge" Bruce. Richmond.