21st Century First Lady

To see Michelle Obama, the great-great-granddaughter of slaves, up close is to finally see America up close [June 1]. Until her arrival, most Americans did not know the White House and Capitol were built by slaves. For those who contributed so much to our nation, the time has arrived for their progeny, the Michelles and Baracks, to receive their just due.
Helen H. Gentry, DETROIT

I couldn’t help drawing parallels between America’s First Lady enthusiastically organizing an evening in Washington where successful women could mingle with girls to help support the aspirations and diverse potential of a small segment of America’s youth, and the private parties reported to have been hosted by Italy’s Prime Minister Berlusconi, where young Italian women were encouraged to sing and dance, grooming them for a career in show business, or maybe politics. After all, what’s the difference? Makes you wonder what is to become of Italy’s young female population.
Catherine Minciotti, MONTEFIASCONE, ITALY

Why are we unable to build up one woman, without comparing her to others? Comparing Michelle’s style with Hillary Clinton’s style of sending emissaries to key policy meetings does a disservice to both. Both embrace their roles fully. Calling some First Lady traditions “baggage” diminishes the important work that previous First Ladies have done. Collectively, the First Ladies have made a difference for their country. Perhaps it is time for us to appreciate them for what they are — many different women, all of them remarkable.
Irma Eloff, PRETORIA

Unfortunately, your portrait of Michelle Obama was no more illuminating than the Afro-haired, fist-bumping “Angry Black Woman” that characterized her during the campaign. Brand Obama is what we saw, but we are no closer to understanding the kind of woman who dresses up to plant a vegetable garden or buys $540 Lanvin sneakers and wears them to a food bank. This is a good snapshot of how meticulously Brand Obama is executed but we are going to have to wait for an article that reveals the real Meaning of Michelle. Part of me actually prefers the Afro-haired, angry black woman.
C. Stewart, LONDON

I’m a card-carrying Democrat who voted for Barack Obama and would do it again. But you have got to stop treating the First Family as if they were Brad and Angelina and children. Michelle Obama is a beautiful, poised and educated woman, not a Hollywood-celebrity wannabe.
Jeanni Green, DAYTON, OHIO, U.S.

I Get the Picture
Thank you, Joe Klein, for being the rare writer to condemn both the use of torture and the release of its images [June 1]. The response to the use of torture should be based on a factual examination, not on a visceral reaction to pictures. Images are not necessary to understand and evaluate what has happened. One can assess a story about a murder, for example — and have a complete moral response — without seeing the crime-scene photos.
Nadia El-Badry, DOBBS FERRY, N.Y., U.S.

High-Level Security
In your article “Casualty of War,” you complain that “In Pakistan’s case, sections of the media are reinforcing the nation’s paranoia,” [June 1]. But you don’t need to go to Pakistan. There was another example in the same edition, in “Postcard: Ramallah.” Israel was forced to build the wall to try and prevent what is happening in Pakistan and Iraq, where almost daily innocent people are killed. Walls in other countries are also ugly — but they protect people.
Carlos Blatt, TEL AVIV

The barrier is indeed “ugly.” it is not built as an ornament but to prevent Palestinian suicide bombers killing and crippling Israeli citizens. It has cost Israeli taxpayers hundreds of millions but it is effective: the bombings have been stopped. When the Palestinians — and TIME — criticize the wall, they should think about who is to blame for its origin.
Leo Kramár, STAFFANSTORP, SWEDEN