Quotes of the Day
Our current presidential candidates should take some lessons from Nelson Mandela [July 21]. Like most Americans, I am disappointed by the lack of leadership in this country and the lack of long-term solutions to the present state of the nation. I imagine it was the belief in his ideals and principles that kept Mandela alive under unspeakable hardship. Our current and prospective leaders should never forget that idealism and consistency — not the week's polls — are what truly distinguish the great leaders in our history.
Michael Osorio, ORLANDO, FLA., U.S.
Thanks for sharing with us some immensely inspiring and beautiful insights into the mind of one of the greatest ever leaders of the world. There is a lot for everybody to learn. I hope the dictators in Zimbabwe and Sudan read this piece and learn — and then act like true leaders.
Anju Chandel, NEW DELHI
Hear Us Roar
Michael Kinsley makes the mistake of dismissing the anger of Hillary Clinton's supporters rather than analyzing its causes [July 21]. For many, the Democratic race was the culmination of decades of strong, deeply personal feelings about feminism and civil rights, with candidates whose experiences resonated meaningfully with voters. How does one "get over" that? And when will Barack Obama thoughtfully address gender inequality in a speech, as he has with racism, faith and patriotism? A winning coalition in November could result if efforts are directed toward understanding rather than dismissing the concerns of these voters.
Stephanie Hornbeck, ALEXANDRIA, VA., U.S.
Re Kinsley's comments on Clinton supporters lacking "progressive passion" and going "off in a snit" to pursue yachting: Wow, do I feel chastised. Maybe I'll sell my yacht and donate the proceeds to the Democratic National Committee. What on earth is this progressive passion? The Nobamas want exactly two things: a leader who is qualified and one whom they can trust. Obama does not qualify on either count. I'm a Democrat for McCain. May the best man win.
Benita Canova, GLOVERSVILLE, N.Y., U.S.
I find it galling that Clinton's supporters keep demanding to be heard. They lost because they had poor strategy and poor cohesion among the campaign leadership and failed to keep Bill Clinton on a short leash. If they think they will get a better deal from McCain in terms of moving a progressive agenda forward, they are sadly mistaken.
Eugene M. Giudice, CHICAGO
Obama the Centrist
By shifting to the center, Barack Obama is practicing a unique, diplomatic solution: compromise [July 21]. As a not-quite-17-year-old daughter of a Republican father and a very left-wing Democratic mother, I feel that our unorthodox political arguments around the dinner table — in which I declare both parents absurd — have given me an unusual understanding of centrist politics. Compromise doesn't necessarily mean compromising one's personal values but rather accepting there is another point of view and sometimes adapting it. Maybe, just maybe, Obama is simply a reasonable guy able to change his opinions when the right rationale and information appeal to him. Isn't that a trait we should be looking for in our President?
Leslie Castello, JACKSONVILLE, FLA., U.S.
Defending Pakistan
Your coverage of Pakistan is very one-sided [July 21]. You say the country is reeling from rising radicalism and a slumping economy. You call it a failing state, a terrorist sanctuary and a serious threat to the security of the U.S., despite the fact that in February's election, Pakistanis rejected religious extremism and said yes to democracy and the rule of law. All economies are in a slump. Radicalism, terrorism and extremism are rife from Colombia to Sri Lanka. And I fail to understand how a small group of extremists in a corner of one Pakistani province can be the greatest threat to the U.S. Pakistan is not a failing state. Criticism must have proportions and not be propaganda against a country that has paid a high price for being America's friend.
Bashy Quraishy, FREDERIKSBERG, DENMARK
Defining Patriotism
Nowhere in Peter Beinart's article [July 14] did I see mention of the word nationalism, which is what much of far-right patriotism really is. It is not healthy to say, "I love my country, right or wrong." This leads to the delusion that our way of life is the right way for the whole world and that we should impose it on people if they are unwilling. I love my country too — and I am not ashamed to acknowledge all of its mistakes, as well as all of its accomplishments.
Mark Fagerburg, RICHMOND, VA.
I found Beinart's article informative and accurate but also ironic. He says liberals don't like symbolic patriotism, and yet much of the support for the liberal candidate, Barack Obama, is symbolic. They are concerned more with what his mere election would mean than with what he would or could accomplish as President. Rather than finding this inspiring, I feel it smacks of American narcissism and naiveté. For the country's sake, I hope people — and the press — will evaluate the candidates on their qualifications, not their pop-culture IQ.
Carrie Wolfe, STERLING, VA.
It is our actions and accomplishments, not our rhetoric — and certainly not our jewelry — that define us as patriots. The flag pin on your cover has been a lightning rod for controversy during the presidential campaign, but it is not a litmus test for patriotism. Francis Scott Key wrote of the Stars and Stripes waving "o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave," not o'er the Brooks Brothers lapel.
Tracy Leverton, VIENNA, VA.
Sadly, the real meaning of patriotism for too many Americans has become arrogance toward and ignorance of other nations. Fueled by years of vengeful post-Sept. 11 rhetoric, this combination distorts America's real values and harms our standing in the world. Many countries far surpass the U.S. in areas such as environmental stewardship, public transportation and health care. My admiration of these countries is not a lack of patriotism but simply a confession that my homeland still has much to learn.
Brad A. Hoffman, SOLON, OHIO
Taliban Trouble
Re Peter Bergen's article on al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden [July 14]: The U.S. and Europe should not assume bin Laden is irrelevant or that al-Qaeda is no longer active. It is true that al-Qaeda has not managed to carry out any attacks in the West in the last few years. It is also a fact that it carried out more than 50 suicide bombings in Pakistan in 2007. Al-Qaeda is taking full advantage of the weakness of Pakistan's new government to recruit, train and arm more jihadis. This will boost its chances of hitting targets in the U.S. or Europe. Western nations must pressure and help the Pakistani government to crack down on al-Qaeda and the Taliban, its identical twin.
Iftikhar Qureshi, SYDNEY
- Hear Us Roar; Obama the Centrist; Defending Pakistan; Defining Patriotism