Letters: May 9, 2005

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 Your recongnition of the talented individuals who make up TIME's list of the most influential people [April 18] enabled me to appreciate and comprehend the events that have shaken and stirred our world today. Thank you.

MASA KATO

Pomona, Calif.

I was pleased that your list included Indonesia's Dina Astita, the teacher and survivor of the Indian Ocean tsunami who is coordinating efforts to restart schooling in her remote Sumatra town. It was a great relief and pleasure to read about someone who isn't a millionaire or an internationally known religious figure. Ordinary people like Astita who can overcome tragedy and put a positive idea in motion are the ones who are truly influencing and changing our world.

MELISSA SHATTUCK

New York City

Andrew Sullivan's piece oversimplified the theological position of Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI. He did not change his stance with regard to the reforms set out by the Second Vatican Council. He just remained faithful to what the documents actually say and did not get caught up in the so-called spirit of Vatican II.

(THE REV.) JOHN A. CRAMER

South Bend, Ind.

Actor Richard Gere's article on the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, was inspiring, informative and motivating. We all should be concerned with the plight of Tibet. We must protest the oppression of Tibet and its people at the hands of the Chinese. Gere's description of the Dalai Lama warmed my heart and calmed my spirit.

MARY M. REVIS

Dayton, Ohio

I was upset by your choice of Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the Somali-born Dutch politician and director whose film Submission portrays a Muslim woman ritually abused by the men in her family. As a female practicing Muslim living in the West, I have found it frustrating that the Western media are obsessed with the "plight" of Muslim women. While there is progress to be made in women's rights in the Muslim world, change does not necessarily have to occur within the Western framework. Most Muslims find Hirsi Ali too extreme, though we don't agree with honor killings. Why not pick someone who genuinely represents the majority of Muslims in the West and has had a positive impact on the Muslim community and the world at large?

RIZWANA KHAN

Atlanta

I am delighted that you included Illinois Senator Barack Obama. I was extremely impressed when he spoke at the Democratic National Convention. Even though I am a lifelong Republican, my first thought was, Here is a young man for whom I could vote. As you noted, Obama's speech was lyrical. He didn't denigrate, attack or spew hatred. With time and experience, he will be presidential material.

MARJE LEGERTON

Los Osos, Calif.

Henry Kissinger's puff piece on secretary of State Condoleezza Rice neglected to remind readers of the dubious role she played in pumping up the rationale for invading Iraq. She misrepresented the Iraqi nuclear threat to the U.S. in a way that either was deliberately deceptive or showed ignorance of the truth. That failure ought to have been an instant disqualifier for someone in a position to shape U.S. policy.

DAVID DEFREESE

Hillsborough, N.J.