Quotes of the Day

Four More Years?
Thanks for the excellent issue on the Democrats ["Obama Plays Hard Ball," Sept. 10]. It takes more than a four-year presidential term to turn around a disastrous situation that was already under way in 2008. The hopes and values espoused by Barack Obama then are still relevant, now more than ever before. The world needs this man, the only international leader of integrity.
Gordon Oliver,
Cape Town

U.S. voters put Obama in the White House with high hopes that this new President would fix the economy and bring prosperity back to America. Now hope has become hopeless, and the economy has changed for the worse. Instead of confronting the challenges and taking responsibility, this Administration keeps blaming Obama's predecessor. Clint Eastwood summed up the situation nicely by saying that Obama has not done a good job, so voters should let him go.
Van Hang,
Mosman, Australia

Michael Scherer's piece makes me smile because it is about the closest a major media outlet will come to admitting that Obama has failed. Americans should stop their love affair with the popular cool guy and elect somebody who is actually smart before the country crumbles.
Aty Adejo,
Karu, Nigeria

This article demonstrates clearly the futility of party politics. Despite many Democratic policies containing compromise solutions to suit the Republican demands, they were single-mindedly blocked or rejected. This behavior is shameful and hurts employment and the economy far beyond the U.S. Perhaps politicians should be honor-bound to serve their country first, ahead of other allegiances.
Michael Woolley,
Chesterfield, England

Taking Action
I was delighted by Bobby Ghosh's article on Indian actor Aamir Khan's quest to make India a better place ["Star Power," Sept. 10]. I agree that very few entertainers dare to go out of their comfort zone and work on social issues, but Khan had always had a special place in our hearts. He had been trying hard to bring about change, and Satyamev Jayate finally made that happen. If another season is in the cards, I would suggest covering the sense of alienation felt in diverse communities by looking at the recent attacks on the Assamese and northeastern Indians.
Vikram Grewal,
New Delhi

We Indians believe in hero worship, yet while there are so many organizations working for various causes — and, believe me, there are people out there who are really working hard — the media never highlight them. And here is a person like Khan who comes up with a TV show, and TIME features him as if he were an activist.
Alok Sogani,
Jaipur, India

Khan's quest to start conversations about socially relevant issues has indeed been achieved by his TV program. As an ordinary citizen of India, I have observed the effect it has had on people like me. We were already aware of the problems discussed on the show, but it has persuaded us to be more proactive in questioning the unjust practices and doing our little bit in making a positive change. Khan has come a long way from being just another Bollywood hero.
Nitika Sahdev,
Gwalior, India

Status Quo Rebels
It does not surprise me that the two U.S. government employees who were efficient in their jobs were the ones who were dismissed ["Too Good for Government," Sept. 10]. I would like to know: Who were their superiors who permitted this to happen? And are we still paying for the individual who was caught napping on the job?
Nancy A. Ippolito,
Verona, Wis., U.S.

I wish Australia had more department heads like Claire Broido Johnson and Bob Peck, whose caliber, courage and commitment are very admirable. This article should be compulsory reading at all levels of ministerial meetings to prevent billions of taxpayer dollars from being wasted.
M.T. Sam,
Brisbane, Australia

Stellar Tribute
It is hard to believe that Neil Armstrong, the man who took the first step on the moon some four decades ago, is no more [Appreciation, Sept. 10]. The entire world was proud of him, and the recognition he received was well beyond imagination. Even though his death is an irreparable loss, Armstrong will continue to be an inspiring icon for the generations ahead.
Ramachandran Nair,
Muscat, Oman

It is disappointing that you did not feature Armstrong on your cover. His passing was a unique opportunity to applaud the enduring achievements of a bygone era and its heroes.
Mungai Ngaruiya,
Nairobi