Quotes of the Day

Hail to the Chief
TIME's nomination of Barack Obama as Person of the Year was a fitting tribute to a man who achieved the impossible in the land of the free by transcending barriers of race, religion and region to take the mantle of leadership in a country that once again can inspire the rest of the world [Dec. 29]. TIME's presentation of pictures and features on Obama makes him simply the most celebrated man in our time.
K. Chidanand Kumar,
Bangalore, India

It was refreshing to read that Obama's goals for the halfway mark in his Administration weren't aiming too high. Too often, politicians say they will do this or that, leaving themselves no room to work. By saying that he intends to begin rather than complete processes that are incredibly complex, Obama shows a remarkable grasp of the reality in which the world works. Reforms in education and energy won't happen overnight, and it's great to see a President who understands that getting things in motion is the first step.
Shawna Browning,
Angel Fire, N.M., U.S.

For the first time in a long time, I believed what I read. President-elect Obama's words are clear and I am comforted to hear them. Most of all, I think I can trust the government again. However it happened, so many Americans have lost faith in their leaders and their government's ability to stand for things noble and good. The previous Administration never apologized for its errors; it didn't seem to care what others thought of them. So I didn't care anymore. But now I do because I believe Obama listens and understands and has his heart in the right place. It's a gift, Mr. President. Thank you for restoring my faith in my country.
Raul Garza Jr.,
San Antonio

Re the Person of the Year issue and Obama's ascent to the presidency: Your article not only praised the skill of the campaign but compared him to F.D.R., who became President during the Great Depression. I recall Roosevelt's famous "There's nothing to fear but fear itself" speech. I was a youngster living in New York at that time. There was no TV in those days, but it seemed that every radio was tuned in to hear F.D.R.'s speech. You could walk down the streets of the city and hear F.D.R.'s voice. It was like being among the largest listening audience assembled in the history of the earth — at least at that time. Judging from the size of the crowds and the hype and buzz he has generated, Obama has reached new heights. Is Obama another F.D.R., who will lead us out of this depression? Who will lead us into a political promised land? He sure feels like it.
Melvin H. Kirschner,
Granada Hills, Calif., U.S.

While I am proud to be one of president-elect Obama's earliest supporters, I disagree with the selection of him as Person of the Year. I would suggest that honor go to the American voter, who elected him, renewed my faith in democracy and helped restore America's image in the world. As a white man, I am so proud of my country and its people for looking past all the fear tactics in this election and choosing the best candidate with nearly limitless potential for the job. In the words of Obama, "Yes, we can."
Scott A. Giordano,
Osterville, Mass., U.S.

I trust that every community organizer and freshman Senator was considered along with President-elect Obama in selecting the Person of the Year. He has done some really good things in those roles, but is there any other basis for which he has demonstrated merit to be Person of the Year? This award was premature, myopic and reduces this distinction to meaninglessness. Let him prove himself in the very difficult role he is about to undertake. As of yet, all he has done is plan, promise and convince voters to choose him. He has wonderful potential but save this award for the outstanding individual who has already delivered the goods.
Daniel Ahlfield,
Duluth, Minn., U.S.

In the context of the political gamesmanship to which we have become accustomed, Obama's unremarkable checklist that Americans could use in the future to evaluate his presidency seems almost revolutionary. Perhaps government can start down a new road graced by reason and commonsense solutions.
Jon Thingvold,
Murrieta, Calif., U.S.

President-elect Obama was the correct choice for Person of the Year. However one cannot ignore the impact of the shoe-throwing Arab journalist. His brazen move to hurl his loafers at the outgoing President will be remembered decades from now as a fitting send-off for a man and an Administration that brought tragedy to Iraq and shame to America. It took courage, wisdom and daring to pull off his stunt.
Doug Canepa,
Mill Valley, Calif., U.S.

A Catastrophic Miss
I viewed with interest "Pictures That Mattered" [Dec. 29]. On May 2, 2008, an enormous cyclone named Nargis hit the delta region of southern Burma. It left over 80,000 dead, nearly 60,000 missing and 20,000 injured. The extent of its destruction is devastating — to the tune of some $4 billion. Despite this, there was not even one small picture of this sorrowful event to be found in TIME's year-end issue. Did the victims not deserve recognition?
K.N. Thein,
Rangoon