Re: Pam Siegfried's letter about children at the Democratic National Convention ("Let children attend convention," Sept. 5).

Although I can appreciate the concern and even what appears to be a perceived discrimination against mothers of small children, I also have to consider the whole picture. Children are important, and I don't believe that by not allowing them to be present at the conference they are being altogether ignored.

Children under 6 would most likely be bored and become antsy, which holds a great possibility of disturbance for those who are more likely to remember and appreciate the experience. I love kids, and I know they matter. As a teacher, I am invested in them every day. But when a baby starts crying in the middle of the president's speech, it is irritating and distracting and especially frustrating at a national event of such great importance.

I feel as though this is a situation where not everyone would have been happy, and this was the lesser of two evils.

-- Karis Koett

Anchorage