Check out the food pyramid; it will expand your mind

If people thought the "Our Body" exhibit at the fair was revealing and thought-provoking, then they should try looking at the food pyramid -- it will blow minds.

-- Brennan Scotland

Eagle River

Republicans support corporate rights instead of states' rights

I couldn't help noticing that only registered Republicans in my household received industry-supported "Vote No. on 2" mailings.

Doesn't coastal management have something to do with states' rights? Somehow, even in the legislative battles to keep teeth out of the proposed bills, that issue was ignored.

My conclusion: Even though Republicans talk a states' rights line, what they actually wholeheartedly support exclusively are corporate rights.

-- Jon Sharpe

Anchorage

Doctors' charges explained

Of course Alaska's doctors must charge more. Think about those vacation airfares they have to pay from up here! Not to mention the price of gasoline for their airplanes -- and have you ever thought of how much it cost to ship tongue depressors here? Give them a break!

-- Billy Choate

Homer

It's too bad Matanuska River homes aren't a rural village

It is very unfortunate for the homeowners of homes near the Matanuska River that they are not a Native village. Although building a house near a river or ocean has its risks, the government will only move and rebuild at taxpayer's cost if the residents are from a hapless native village. Matanuska River residents have bonded together and helped each other out in rebuilding and relocating. Some of these homeowners have lived here their whole life and are just as much Alaskans as a person who had ancestors living here first.

Equality in the form of government aide should be blind to race, color and creed, like our federal and state constitutions guarantee. Hmmmm.

-- Linda Compton

Wasilla

Insurance company CEOs better paid than physicians

Alaska physicians provide excellent care in our community to our population.

Health care costs may be more expensive here, however, the physician's overhead in managing an office is much higher in Alaska than "Outside." To me, cost is relative.

Is the point of Premera's research to provide better care for all Alaskans and to reduce insurance premiums or to give the physicians in this community a bruised eye?

From my own research, CEOs of Health Insurance companies are better compensated than physicians who go to school for 12 years. However, in recent years, compensation for CEOs have decreased markedly.

There are times when patients need to go outside for their health care. Encouraging a general population and setting it up so care is given "outside" is, in my opinion, divisive.

-- Margaret Hansen

Anchorage

Voter angry that polling place moved four miles farther away

I am a super voter and voted in every election, local and primary, since I was 18 years old. Imagine my anger when I showed up to the polling place that I've voted at since 1998, and was told that I had been redistricted.

My usual polling place was across the street from my subdivision. My new place is now 4.5 miles away at City Hall. When I was offered a questioned ballot at my old place I said no way. After the voting fiasco in Anchorage no one was getting a reason to question my vote.

I trekked the four-plus miles to my new polling place. That's an extra nine miles I drove to exercise my right as an American citizen. I wonder how many people were discouraged from voting because their polling place was moved farther away with no notice? Would I have received notice if I was a registered Republican?

Voting is a right and a responsibility. When there are obstacles to discourage voting, it should make us more determined to overcome them.

-- Lori Wilkins

Wasilla

Consider organics' source

There is an important factor that has been overlooked in the recent debate over whether or not to buy organic products. That is, the decision we make, when buying organic, to support those who are engaged in a more sustainable method of agriculture. Many of us feel it is worthwhile to encourage those who are striving to bring healthier products to our table.

For those whose main concern is pesticide residue, the Environmental Working Group offers a "Dirty Dozen" list online that tells you, not only which products to avoid, but lists produce that is probably safe to buy non-organic.

-- Thomas Crowley

Anchorage

Political truth via newspapers

Re: "Full truth is sometimes missing at Republican convention," Aug. 31.

Last week's Republican convention confirms the importance of daily newspapers. Delegates chanting "jobs jobs jobs!" must have missed the news about the Republican blockade in Congress for President Barack Obama's "Jobs Bill" only months ago.

Exaggerations and lies put forth by convention speakers, including candidate Mitt Romney, would not get past an informed public. Thank you, Daily News, for reporting the facts for voters to consider. May your circulation increase!

-- Sue Scherwin

Girdwood