Letters: Dec. 11, 2006

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Re Walter Issacson's "Return of the Realists" [Nov. 20]: I am sure the neoconservatives would like the American people to believe that they led us into Iraq because they are idealistic lovers of democracy, and not because they were trying to secure Iraq's considerable oil supplies. They appear to have persuaded Isaacson, however, because his column did not even mention the subject of Iraq's oil. Nevertheless, they will have a harder time convincing many other Americans.

CARY DICTOR San Leandro, Calif.

I disagree with Issacson's argument that idealism needs to be tempered with realism. Idealists do not lie. They are so convinced of the righteousness of their position that deception is not an option. They hold the moral high ground in policy debates and do not create false impressions, like the current President. Idealists promoting democracy would never trample on civil liberties or imprison people without recourse to due process of law.

JEFF T. BARRIE Philomath, Ore.

Karl Rove's Role

Despite Rove's statement that Republicans' loss of their congressional majorities was a "transient, passing thing" [Nov. 20] and not a judgment on the President, the American public roundly expressed its dissatisfaction with the Bush Administration, a dissatisfaction certain to resound throughout the pages of history. Bush is an honorable man, but he let himself be led astray by people like Rove and Vice President Dick Cheney into an unwinnable war. I'm not certain the Democrats can get us out, but the public clearly believes it's worth letting them try.

LEONARD GREENBERG Sterling, Va.

Amicably at Odds

After a bruising campaign season, how refreshing it was to read Alexandra Pelosi's "My Mother, My President" [Nov. 20]. Pelosi's commentary was a stirring reminder that there is much that binds us as individuals and as a nation, even as we may vehemently disagree about the proper approach to the serious questions facing our nation. Ultimately, Pelosi makes it undeniably clear that George W. Bush and Nancy Pelosi have faced similar challenges within the political process, and both have paid a price for reaching their respective mountaintops. Most important, one finishes the commentary believing that Bush and Speaker Pelosi know the road ahead and will diligently search for common ground. That prospect certainly bodes well for the body politic.

BRIAN SOBEL Petaluma, Calif.

What Her Dad Carries

Re "The Things They Carry" [NOV. 20], on the tokens from home that the Marines from Kilo Company take into battle in Iraq: Since my dad is in the Army National Guard, serving in Iraq, I thought he would appreciate my telling you what he carries. It's a small Celtic cross. He got one for himself, my mom, me, my two brothers and my sister. We all wear them on chains around our necks--except he wears his with his dog tags. We wear them so we can keep him in our hearts, and he can keep us in his.

CATHERINE MORSE Hope, R.I.

Cybersisterhood