California on the Cutting Edge
Your cover story on California highlighted the amazing power of free enterprise [Nov. 2]. If the government would get out of the way, the private sector would pull the state from the abyss and toward a real recovery. Tragically, however, state and federal officials, beginning with taxer in chief Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, will continue to tax companies out of business and delay recovery in the Golden State.
Dale Williams, WILLOW PARK, TEXAS
Thank you for stating the unpopular view that California has enduring strengths. One other point: we have learned from our earthquakes and fires and have become world leaders in life-safety procedures. Our willingness to prepare for and face disasters--and to kick partisan politics to the curb for the duration--is probably the best testimony to the California spirit.
Linda Mele, TORRANCE, CALIF.
Tunnel Vision
Re "Underworld" [Nov. 2]: On a visit to Gaza, I was struck by the sense of gruesome satisfaction Israeli soldiers seemed to derive from controlling their neighbors' quality of living. Allowing Palestinians to revive their economy would create an atmosphere conducive to peace. Yet Israel has turned this tiny stretch of land into the world's biggest open-air prison.
Annette Thomas, CLARKSTON, MICH.
TIME's report on the Gaza strip tunnels placed the onus solely on Israel's "suffocating blockade on Gaza's land and sea borders"--completely ignoring Egypt's blockade on its Gaza border, probably instated because of the same realistic security concerns Israel has. Without Egypt's blockade, there would be no need for the tunnels.
Harry Gartzman, PHILADELPHIA
Perhaps if the terrorist government of Hamas would invest its resources in building an infrastructure and an economy in Gaza instead of squandering energy on plans to bomb Israel, it could finally dismantle the tunnel economy.
Judy Morrel, BUFFALO GROVE, ILL.
Signed, Ticked Off in Michigan
TIME's choice of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as a 10 Questions interviewee was disturbing [Nov. 2]. As a 10-year Michigan resident, I've watched her slash millions from school budgets, promise to release thousands of prisoners to save money, stand idle while Detroit ex-mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's corruption became known and utter many empty promises. Somehow, she is still supported by a majority who fear a more conservative approach. If George W. Bush were in her shoes, he would have been blamed, even if wrongly, for all of this--plus the decline of the auto industry and the demise of Detroit.
Joel J. Heidelbaugh, ANN ARBOR, MICH.
In 2002 our Governor, a former prosecutor, won an election over a man who is now CEO of a multimillion-dollar business in Michigan. Are we better off in 2009? No! Michigan's economy and businesses have tanked. I think it is time for voters to elect people to public office who understand business instead of the lawyers who currently occupy public offices.
Gerald Dewandeler
ST. CLAIR SHORES, MICH.
A Penny Saved ... Aw, Forget It