Keith Burgess-Jackson, J.D., Ph.D.

I must take respectful issue with Peggy Noonan's comment about Sarah Palin's Ronald Reagan remarks ("Americans Vote for Maturity," Declarations, Nov. 6). Viewed in context, Gov. Palin's observation was correct. Reagan was not first and foremost a politician. He was a professional actor who used his real-world experience and learned how to communicate effectively with people. It was the message that mattered, not that it came from a man who had sharpened his craft on the stage.

Gov. Palin is merely observing that American politics today needs to have participation by "average Americans" who have done something other than run for office. Citizen legislators are fundamental to the success of the American experiment.

The idea that grocers, accountants, truck drivers, software designers, bar musicians and restaurateurs—not just attorneys—can step up to the political plate and help decide the future of the nation makes huge sense to American voters right now.

Steve Hites

Skagway, Alaska

In a column that celebrates the ineffectiveness of negative political ads this year ("boring, unpersuasive"), Peggy Noonan still chooses to take shots at Sarah Palin. Ms. Noonan's political advice may be sound: Stop the negative ads and run candidates with full resumes (prior to public service) and demonstrated talents. She needs to keep her own advice in mind.

Alex Brooks

Bethesda, Md.

Note from KBJ: This is why I stopped reading Peggy Noonan a couple of years ago. In fact, I don't read anyone who attacks Sarah Palin.