Who Will Be Person of the Year in 2007?

John Kerry Democratic Senator from Massachusetts who ran for President against George W. Bush in 2004

I nominate Marine Lance Corporal James Crosby, outreach coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services, who reminds us what it means to keep faith with our brothers and sisters in arms. Three years ago, a rocket attack in Iraq left James with a spinal-cord injury that put him in a wheelchair, but his spirit endures, and he carries on as an inspiration to a new generation of vets.

Aretha Franklin The "Queen of Soul" and the second most-honored female singer in Grammy history

There are a number of people who truly deserve this award. However, Bill Cosby is my selection because of his work and involvement in the crisis in the African-American community. Bill's objectives are to alleviate some of the problems and issues facing the community today. He truly represents a universality and global brotherhood, and in his heart and soul, he cares deeply about people.

Brian Williams Veteran journalist who became anchor of NBC Nightly News in 2004, replacing Tom Brokaw

My nominee for 2007 Person of the Year is a woman--a woman with a history of abuse, a woman who has never run for elective office, someone we all know, someone who makes her presence known on a daily basis in all our lives and, for my money, is better than any male alternative. That woman is Mother Earth. I think the environment is the compelling issue of our time.

Stephen King The author of more than 50 best-selling novels, some of which have become feature films

Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan symbolize the media's growing obsession with issues of personality over substance. People care more about the details of Spears' child-custody case than they do about where the billions the U.S. government has poured into Iraq have gone. It's time for a discussion about whether the news media have chucked their responsibilities and run off to Tabloid Disneyland.