Letters: Mar. 17, 2003

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Is it any wonder that people whose leader's agenda is driven by fear, greed and stupidity should be afraid and anxious? How would Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt or John F. Kennedy have handled the aftermath of 9/11? They would not have put us on the emotional defensive, as Bush has done. They would have done the necessary work with pride and faith in the future, not with a doomsday attitude. FRAN STRACENSKY Cleveland, Ohio

Here is how I cope with my anxiety: I turn off the TV and put down the newspaper. I go for a walk, talk with friends, read a book or take a nap. There are disadvantages to being plugged in all the time. You set yourself up for panic attacks and ulcers. So instead of being driven to taking antianxiety medicine, just unplug. You'll be amazed. KATE KEHOE Ann Arbor, Mich.

--Some readers were put off by our cover, saying it was inappropriate. "The image of a bloodshot eye peering through duct tape only serves to fuel the paranoia sweeping the land," wrote a woman from Los Angeles. But a Massachusetts man saw something else: "At first glance, I thought the cover showed an Afghan woman in a burka. How ironic that as the people of Afghanistan are beginning to uncloak themselves, we Americans are all wrapped up."

Assembling Against the War

I am greatly encouraged by the worldwide antiwar movement, which sent an extremely strong message to President Bush and Tony Blair [NATION, Feb. 24]. But the peace movement needs to send an equally strong message to Saddam Hussein that he must disarm, so he has no illusion that he can use the antiwar movement to get away with his brutal and cunning behavior. ROBERT T. HUANG Irvine, Calif.

Millions around the world protested the idea of U.S. military enforcement of the U.N. resolutions calling for Iraq to rid itself of prohibited weapons. In a different world, there would be millions protesting Iraq's failure to comply with U.N. resolutions. In a better world, there would be millions of Muslims protesting stateless terrorism, and Muslim countries would take responsibility for capturing Osama bin Laden and preventing him from bringing harm to others. RUSS GENTILE Park Ridge, Ill.

L'Etat, C'est Moi

Reading French president Jacques Chirac's remarks [INTERVIEW, Feb. 24] was like watching Miss Piggy flick back her hair and, having caused chaos all around her, ask defensively, "Moi?" TRISH BROADLEY East Grinstead, England

Faith Without Fear

In his commentary "The Blinding Glare of His Certainty," Joe Klein explains the religious underpinnings of Bush's self-confidence [IN THE ARENA, Feb. 24]. For me and a growing number of other Americans, this background reinforces a pre--9/11 perception that the President lacks the historical perspective, analytical thinking and intellectual depth to be the leader of the free world. Smirking smugness and evangelical righteousness are not qualities that inspire thinking people. WESLEY MARTINS Gainesville, Fla.

What we need in this time of national crisis is a President who is free of moral uncertainty. That Bush is a religious man does not mean he is required to vacillate on issues of national security. I am comforted by his strong beliefs and reliance on his faith as a foundation from which to make difficult decisions. MARK T. BROWN Austin, Texas