A Good-Faith Effort?

As an ardent reader and fan of your publication, I am finding it hard, even 24 hours later, to close my jaw after reading your story on Tony Blair's faith [June 9]. How dare Michael Elliott refer to "the chattering classes of London'' who think of Blair as smug. I think you'll find this is a common view, echoed from Lands End to John O'Groats, and with very good reason. Blair's deeds — and those of his unelected inner circle of cronies — have left the British public with little faith in politics and politicians, let alone religion.
Colin Wright, COUNTY DOWN, NORTHERN IRELAND

By conveniently waiting until after he stepped down as Prime Minister to embrace Roman Catholicism, Blair demonstrated that his political career was more important to him than his faith.
Frédéric Renard, BRUSSELS

When I saw the front page this week proclaiming "The Faith of Tony Blair" I thought someone had finally found a WMD. In fact he has now moved on to religion. I would much prefer our leaders to rely on science and logic rather than faith, it is less dangerous.
Merv Thompson, SCARBOROUGH, ENGLAND

You've put into words what I have always felt was the truth about Blair. I don't think he's achieved what he has set out to do yet, but I know he will and history will judge him better than the U.K. media have.
Rosamund Hubley, LONDON

Re your statement about Blair being "curiously reticent in talking about his own faith ... characteristic of British politicians, not American ones": American politicians who loudly tout their faith are usually touting membership in one of the Christian sects, and rarely Judaism (and even more rarely Islam). The political climate in the U.S. makes it useful to boast about one's belief in Jesus and the Christian God, and political suicide to mention any faith that is focused in a different direction. Can you imagine a candidate for President glowingly referring to an uplifting feeling at a full-moon ritual or celebration of Tu B'shvat? Sadly, what really should be the valuable part of any faith — namely, the way one's integrity guides one to live it — is not something that needs advertising.
Deborah Greymoon, CASCADE, COLO., U.S.

Michelle, Ma Belle
The "Truths" Michelle Obama speaks are evolutionary and applicable to deep-rooted Americans [June 9]. My American family goes back to Captain John Steele in the Revolutionary War. Our immigrant ancestors have come from Ireland, Germany, England, Scotland, Eastern Europe, Russia, Mexico and the Philippines. I happen to be a 76-year-old white male, and "for the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country." When Michelle speaks, we hear her wakening the American Dream.
John S. Hellman, NEW YORK CITY

Michelle Obama infuriates and is targeted by conservatives because she is truthful and candid and does not mince words. I say, More power to her.
Richard McCurdy, BURBANK, CALIF., U.S.

I am a lifelong Republican who recently turned independent. Early in the primaries, I stood in the rain for two hours, waiting to hear Michelle Obama speak. She is Barack's match in every way: brilliant, articulate, patriotic, humorous and dedicated to helping make our country's future better. She received standing ovations again and again as she expressed her clear vision that our nation is in trouble and dramatic changes in policy are our best hope.
Iona Kargel, TUCSON, ARIZ., U.S.

The Art of the Export
Re Justin Fox's "a port that exports": you don't wipe away an $800 billion annual trade deficit by further weakening the dollar, exporting raw materials and wishing for good luck [June 9]. It takes real change in trade policy — labor and environmental standards that will raise living standards at home and abroad, better guarantees for safe food and toy imports, and no more NAFTAS and other corporate trade deals. We need more trade — but under a very different set of rules that work for our families and our communities.
Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senator, AVON, OHIO, U.S.