From the White House:

Robert, from Altoona, PA writes:
How do you feel when humorists like Capitol Steps and the Onion poke fun at you or your policies? And who are your favorite political humorists?

Tom Ridge
I like to think that I have a pretty good sense of humor and enjoy a good story or joke. And I also think that humor is a very effective way of communicating serious messages. So when political cartoonists, singing groups or comedians talk about duct tape, it is a humorous reminder for all Americans to take a look at our web site (www.ready.gov) to review our emergency preparedness recommendations and kit suggestions. When they talk about the color coded warning system, they remind us that the 21st century includes a different kind of enemy, international terrorism, that has America as its primary target and that we need to understand that we must be constantly vigilant and on the alert.

No, Tom. When humorists joke about duct tape, they’re not suggesting that people check out your website. They’re referring to how laughably ridiculous your agency is, how all the only protection they can offer Americans is the kind we can buy at a hardware store. And when they talk about the color coded warning system, they are not reminding us about the unique challenges of 21st century bad guys. They are ridiculing your childish efforts at creating a coherent warning system. You’ve failed, tubby.

And this is also funny, since Bush calls Ridge “Tom” but Ridge calls Bush “Mr President.” Zap!

Amanda, from Evangel Christian School writes:
Dear Mr. Tom Ridge,

How does it feel to work with the President?

Tom Ridge
The President and I have known each other almost 20 years. I know him as a friend — now I know him as my boss. We are on a first name basis based on our longtime friendship. He calls me Tom and I call him Mr. President. I am privileged to be part of an extraordinary group of men and women that President Bush has assembled throughout his Administration. Several of us meet every morning with the President and Vice President to review our national and international effort to combat terrorism.