Readers may have noticed the Sun’s Editorial Page has redirected its focus to local issues such as the hospital bond, management of public lands, the local economy, proposed solar farms and cell towers, fires, schools, etc.; however, this does not mean that larger national, state, or international issues are being kicked to the curb.

Rather, letters to the editor that address and/or comment on events such as the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, national politics and policies, global warming, same-sex marriage, immigration, the state of the economy, and the like are now being posted on the “Around the Water Cooler” online blog.

Last week, in response to the submission of two letters discussing a federal judge’s ruling that voter-approved Prop 8 is unconstitutional, the letter writers received the following response from the managing editor: “I believe Judge Walker's landmark ruling is very important; however, it isn't a 'local issue' per se, although it does affect some people in the valley. Therefore I posted your letter on the 'Around the Water Cooler Forum,' where it can be discussed.” The letter writer’s response, “I understand. Thanks for posting it.”

Current topics on the Around the Water Cooler Forum are making for lively, though civil, dialogue. Readers can post topics themselves, as well. Check it out.