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Somewhere in the national mall, these words need to be chiseled in granite for the children of our children to read, showing that in this year there was a recognition of reality: "The message many Republicans took from Reagan's successes of the '80s and still preach today is that tax cuts pay for themselves. That's nonsense."
David C. Hoffmeister, EASTON, PA., U.S.
And Health Care for All
How sad that senator Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a brain tumor [June 2]. Fortunately, as a member of Congress, he will receive the best medical care without regard to cost. For millions of working Americans, this diagnosis would mean liquidation of life savings, bake sales and coin jars at the local convenience store. Why can't Congress create a comprehensive health-care plan that treats us taxpayers as generously as they treat themselves?
David Stockman, BILLINGS, MONT., U.S.
Helping Burma
Thank you for using the names Burma, Burmese and Rangoon [May 26]. Those names are precious to all democracy-loving people inside and outside the country. Myanmar, Myanmarese and Yangon are names that belong to the military junta and its followers who have turned Burma upside down in the same way Hitler did with Germany in the '30s and '40s.
Kathy May, ANAHEIM, CALIF., U.S.
Imagine if, when we bungled the relief efforts so badly after Hurricane Katrina, the Burmese army had stormed ashore in Louisiana to put things right. Whether it's conservatives spilling our young people's blood in Iraq and Afghanistan or liberals spilling their blood in Vietnam and Somalia, it's easy to determine that something must be done when you are not the one putting your life on the line.
Steve Thorpe, HUNTINGTON WOODS, MICH., U.S.
The deadly cyclone in Burma has exposed the cruel and inept leadership of the country's military rulers. Under their watch, nothing good has happened to Burma or its people. To call these men generals is an insult to the Burmese army. A group of privates could do a better job. Please do the world a favor and print photographs of these failed leaders.
W. Paul Lau, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
McCain's Health Report
What no one seems willing to mention when discussing John McCain's health [May 26] is that 11% of American males 71 or older have dementia of one kind or another, according to a comprehensive study published late last year. This is not a partisan statistic. If Hillary Clinton or Obama had a decent chance of having a heart attack or stroke in office, would this be something the electorate had a legitimate interest in? Signs and symptoms of dementia include memory loss and difficulty with language and learning new things. As a health professional with years of experience in this area, I call on McCain to undergo testing to verify his cognitive fitness for office.
Michael Gilman, YUMA, ARIZ., U.S.
The Shrinking Democrats
I am a Catholic American with an Arabic name and take great offense at the comment you made about Obama's name [May 5]. There isn't any such thing as an "Islamic-sounding name." The language is Arabic.
Julie Behlok, ROCHESTER, N.Y., U.S.
I must admit with much sadness that your column was brilliant. I have, for months now, watched Obama embroiled in what certainly looks like an attack by a yapping, rabid pug. Let 'em bite or kick at 'em — you're damned no matter what you do. The tragic thing is that all of this misery has almost nothing to do with being the leader of this country and a model for the free world.
Toni Sandler, RENO, NEV., U.S.
Finally, an article that explains not only why Obama lost Pennsylvania, but why he continues to have difficulty connecting with working-class Democrats. As an Obama supporter who was first drawn to him by his desire to transcend "gutter politics" and those who practice them, I don't want to see him join so many other politicians, including the Clintons, there. However, after reading your insights and analysis, I see that he must. When I saw Clinton sipping (not downing) that shot of Crown Royal, I likened it to Michael Dukakis in the tank and thought it would have a similar effect. Alas, I was wrong, and I hope Obama took notice. Obama, you're welcome to come bowling with me anytime, but next time, lose the tie!
Karen McCall, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, U.S.