Inbox

A Historic Moment

After watching the swearing-in of our 44th President, I felt as though eight years of oppression had been lifted off my shoulders [Feb. 2]. Over the past seven years, I have lost my pension, have taken two pay cuts and every year pay more for health insurance. Please, let there be hope. Deborah Schlegel, WASHINGTON, IOWA

I enjoyed reading Joe Klein's article about the new style, tone and attitude of cooperation that the Obama Administration brings. I only wish that Klein had adopted this new attitude. Instead, the snarky remarks aimed at George W. Bush and conservatives make him come across as a sore winner, very unlike our new President. Brian Hendricks, SPRINGFIELD, ILL.

An Overseas Image Makeover

I applaud Peter Beinart's suggestion to inject some economic realism into our foreign policy [Feb. 2]. An America that demonstrates an understanding of its limitations and a fiscal pragmatism in its foreign policy will command far greater respect abroad than one that takes the dogmatic, open-checkbook approach of the Bush Administration. But why stop with Iraq and Afghanistan? Barack Obama should look at the rationale for maintaining forces in Germany, Japan and South Korea. Even among our allies, our presence on their soil makes little sense to many and is not appreciated. Our days as the world's policeman are over, and that's a good thing. Let's lead in other, better fights, such as global warming and disease eradication. This would be not only economically smart but also far more effective in creating the goodwill and moral capital that have always been our real sources of power and influence. Charles Johnson, ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.

Cashing In on Obamamania

In "Pop Goes Washington," James Poniewozik refers to companies that "showed off a new advertising campaign that audaciously hopes to benefit from [Obama's] buzz" [Feb. 2]. But let's be honest: TIME has used Obama's image as a moneymaker as well. During the past year, he appeared on one-fifth of your covers. Yes, he is a big seller during these times because he epitomizes change. But, hey, when it works, so be it! Cord Peters, NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLA.

Holding Back Middle East Peace

The sad tale of "Lonesome Doves" in Israel was particularly disturbing because, despite massive damage and crushing human misery, the violence will not solve a thing for either side [Feb. 2]. The Oslo accords outlined a mutually agreeable vision of a two-state solution. The difficulty is that each side has an intractable minority that will accept nothing short of everything it wants. Until each side makes an absolute commitment to controlling its own hard-liners--whatever it takes--I do not see the conflict ever ending. Richard Jepson, SEQUIM, WASH.

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