Give 'Em Hell, Hillary
Joe Klein has made a strong case for why Hillary Clinton should be President [Nov. 16]. Unfortunately, as Secretary of State serving an inexperienced President, she is hampered by Barack Obama's fantasy foreign policy. During the campaign, Clinton spelled out over and over the harsh realities of the dangerous world she is now confronting. Sometimes blunt is better.
Margaret Ray
Pearisburg, Va., U.S.
It is difficult to take Klein seriously as a journalist when he sprinkles in observations about Clinton's appearing "freckly without her makeup" and wearing an "electric-blue shift" rather than a jacket and pants. Why don't we read more TIME stories about Defense Secretary Robert Gates' facial appearance and choice of pants? Is it because this is irrelevant to the story?
Mike Hamilton
El Paso, Texas, U.S.
Clinton deserves high praise for having publicly said what no U.S. diplomat heretofore has had the sand to say: If Osama bin Laden and his confederates are indeed in Pakistan, the government there is not doing enough to help find them and bring them to justice. And she said it while she was in Pakistan!
Tracy Leverton
Vienna, Va., U.S.
Obama has the charm, while Clinton has the finesse and finishing touch in implementing policy. While I have my reservations, I think they both will steer the ship of Washington well. Clinton's role on the global stage is to balance power. As internationalist Democrats, both Obama and Clinton ought to engage with the G-20 nations, building bridges abroad while promoting democracy for real. As far as domestic matters are concerned, the U.S. must spend less and save more if it is to remain a power beyond the Obama-Clinton era.
P.J. John
Singapore
The propaganda apparatus erected by TIME to support Clinton reveals itself once again in Joe Klein's "intimate portrait" — yet another example of how TIME serves as her permanent, adoring advocate. Come on, TIME: printing PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT on each page is the least you can do.
John Fitzpatrick
Livonia, Mich., U.S.
The Boxer's Next Fight
Your article on boxer Manny Pacquiao, the people's champ who has brought great honor to the Philippines, captures his impact [Nov. 16]. However, most Filipinos do not want him to enter politics there, as evidenced by his lost bid for a congressional seat in 2007. The good name he has painstakingly built for himself would be tainted, if not lost, as soon as he entered that lion's den. Instead, he could use his popularity to unify divided Filipinos, especially during election time. Such an act would boost his place in Philippine history more than any public office there could.
Ron Covar
Perth Amboy, N.J., U.S.
I find it stupid that Pacquiao plans to enter politics. It is reprehensible that he, a person who doesn't have any knowledge of public administration, could suddenly be pulled into a system that is so dirty and corrupt. Has he even bothered to think of what kind of ruin it may bring to his life and reputation? Think of it, Manny! You must give careful thought to what you have in mind or else what will follow will make you a perfect laughingstock.
Herminio S. Arcales Jr.
Manila
The Ritz Rocks
"Silver-Spoon Voluntourism" — high-end hotels facilitating eco-friendly projects for guests — is genius [Nov. 16]. I think it is great that a hotel as regal as the Ritz-Carlton, a hotel I would not ordinarily associate with community service, is taking action. President Obama should be happy he doesn't have to do it alone anymore.
Emily Larson
Mansfield, Mass., U.S.
The Threat to Tuna
Kudos for the article on tuna fisheries and the huge dangers of overfishing [Nov. 9]. A major problem is human overpopulation. Our numbers are becoming so great that we are simply outstripping our resources. It cannot continue at this rate indefinitely without catastrophic results.
Gary Tackman
Escanaba, Mich., U.S.
It is bad enough that we have the pollution and ghost nets that kill our marine life. I wasn't aware the loss of tuna would set the ocean's ecosystem out of balance. Thanks for the list "What You Can Do." Nature can rebound if given a chance.
Donna Snow
Olympia, Wash., U.S.