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In 2006 Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad fueled destabilizing forces in Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine while pursuing a nuclear weapon. His influence cost thousands of lives and threatens many more in the future as he sparks continued deterioration of the region that is the world's greatest source of oil and terrorists. By avoiding the choice of Ahmadinejad, TIME sacrificed its journalistic integrity. Henceforth the rightful name for your selection should be Popular Person of the Year.
GORDON LANDWIRTH
New York City
U.S. troops in Iraq were the people of the year, not a select group of computer users sitting on their backsides. We may be watching videos online, but they are putting their lives on the line.
CAMILLE E. CAZEDESSUS
Chimney Rock, Colo.
The Person of the Year should have been Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. His speech to the U.N. General Assembly aside, he has changed the political makeup of Latin America for the benefit of all citizens, not just the rich.
ROY DICKINSON
Fort Pierce, Fla.
Klein's Kudos
Columnist Joe Klein's admiration for outgoing U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan was misplaced and misguided [Dec. 25, 2006--Jan. 1, 2007]. Annan's 10 years at the U.N. saw the organization's effectiveness and reputation drop to new lows. The list of scandals, misappropriations and misdeeds was surpassed only by the opportunities missed. Ten years ago, I supported the U.N. mission. Now, owing largely to Annan's pathetic leadership, I no longer support the U.S.'s role in the U.N. The cost to U.S. taxpayers (remember, we pay 25% of the U.N.'s budget) is not worth it. At the very least, we should dramatically reduce the share we pay of the U.N.'s budget. I think 1% is about what it's worth. Thanks, Kofi. Now get out of town.
STEVE TEMPLE
Sandpoint, Idaho
Klein stated that Al Gore "Seems liberated, less awkward than he has ever before appeared in public and eager to propose more inconvenient truths ... I don't know if he's running for President. Probably not. But he should." Millions of Americans agree and are praying that Gore will decide to make himself available to his country one more time. This time though, Gore shouldn't worry about winning or losing; he shouldn't worry about raising money. He can remain liberated by making his campaign all about truth--not all about winning. Imagine Gore uncensored, speaking his heart and his mind loud and clear. How liberating for him; how exhilarating for the world.
CHARLES LINGENFELTER
Carlsbad, Calif.
Web 2.0 vs. Old Media