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Pico Iyer's Essay in which he says the U.S. needs to be "in tune" with the rest of the world was quite apt [Nov. 17]. A little over a month ago, while my family and I were having dinner in Coullier, France, and discussing the upcoming election, a British woman overheard us, and very seriously she told us, "The whole world is watching." I regarded the statement as a little overdramatic until I saw how the international community reacted when Obama was elected. I now look back on that night in France and on the night of Nov. 4 and realize that this country has demonstrated to itself and to the rest of the world that it has taken another step toward fulfilling its great potential on a global stage. Charles Dunn, BEACON, N.Y.

Iyer arrives at one incorrect conclusion. I have traveled to more than 90 nations. The global disapproval has not been aimed at Americans as individuals but, rightly, at the U.S. government. Roland Bunch, PALO ALTO, CALIF.

The Sole of the Man

TIME photographer Callie Shell defined the American ethos with her poignant photograph of the soles of Obama's shoes [Nov. 17]. Lots of us have many pairs that look just like his, whether because of pounding the pavement looking for a job or simply walking to one's place of employment because gas is unaffordable. The photograph also defined what Obama stands for: hard work, determination and never giving up. Melissa Clarke, BEAR, DEL.

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