To take nothing away from the charitable contributions of Bono and Mr. & Mrs. Gates, I do believe Time has jumped the shark on this category. I think far more honorable and noteworthy recipients would have been the Iraqi people who voted three times in 2005 in the first free elections in their history. Just think of the courage it took. Other worthy recipients would be the Lebanese people who rose up in huge numbers against Syrian tyranny and the Ukranians who refused to settle for a crooked election. Rich people who give away their money are wonderful indeed. People rich in ideas and ideals who rise up to create change,share their optimism and risk their lives to do so are extraordinary. Time Magazine should learn the difference.
Joanne Hart
New York, NY

Mother Nature deserves this award!
Charlotte Rich
Huntersville, NC

Choosing obscenely rich people who give without any real sacrifice is a slap in the face to those who do. And to ignore those who risked their very lives to vote! You couldn't even muster the courage to take off your political blinders.
Linda
Boise, Idaho

Excellent choices. Well done.
Harry Hannigan
Sherman Oaks, CA

Not to discredit Bono and the Gates, but I thought Oprah Winfrey should have been on the Time cover. She has done a lot of good with her show and money. She's a powerful woman that should not be ignored. Maybe next year?
Leslie Williams
Columbus, Ohio

Excellent choice. Although, I voted for Bono to be the person of the year, the trio compliment each other with their contributions to third world poverty.
Darlene
Toronto , ON

You guys are so out of touch. This should have been a no brainer for the Iraqi people, period.
Jason Kasner
Milton, WA

Wow! Truly Amazing! Hey, I have a really cute puppy ... I'm sure he will a great companion and may even bring me my slippers throughout the year ... maybe you can put him on the cover on TIME next year. Come on ... although it's really nice these 3 people donated their time and money, but millions of people (even ordinary Americans!) do it every day. Next year please try and chose someone pithy ... pretty please!
John
Olympia, WA

Taking nothing away from the sterling achievements of Bono and the Gates', the continuing struggle for democracy in Iraq was and continues to be the most important story of the year. The mainstream media and the "Defeat-a-crats" continue to "look for failure" in President Bush and our nation's heroic efforts there.
Charles O'Shea
Merrick,New York

Excellent choices. It's nice to see people who have money and fame do something good for the world. God knows we need more of it. And thank you for not giving it to Bush, who is not making the world a better place.
Cindy McGowan
Brandon, FL

I have to congratulate you on such a wonderful choice for Person of the Year..or Persons..it's wonderful to read that these three individuals talk the talk and walk the walk..I just wish a lot more people with such influence and power would do the same. I am forever a fan not just of your magazine, but the individuals on your cover...congrats once again.
Rene Pedrosa
Miami,Fl

Yawn. I live in Washington State, home of Microsoft, and couldn't care less about Bill & Melinda Gates.
Susan Bartlett
Port Orchard, WA

I think your choice(s) were brilliant. I don't think you could have done better. I admire them for their work, their charm and just plain kindness.
Sandra Bellisario
Canada

What could you possible be thinking or have in your heart, that allows you to ignore the great and wonderfull new found freedoms blooming around the World. The person or persons of the year could have been G.W. Bush for pushing for these new freedoms or why not the people that braved the streets in several countries for their fist time to vote. Over Christmas I hope you sit down and reflect on your choices and realize how safe it is in your home and on your streets and i hope you thank G.W. Bush and the United States Military for your protection.
Joe
Chester, Virginia

You missed this by a mile. I vote for the men and women of the military and the great people of Iraq.
Eric Wilford
Great Falls, MT

Excellent choice in Bono. I have been amazed of Bono's real world participation in real world crises since the Jubilee 2000 campaign. For years he sang about human concepts and in the recent years, he has engaged himself as one who talks the talk and walks the walk.
Matt Tall
Draper, UT

There is nothing more offensive than striving so hard not to offend anyone. I think Gates and Bono are wonderful people, but this was an extraordinarily momentous year. Like it (me) or not (Time Magazine), democracy is taking root in the Middle East, including Iraq. Meanwhile, Iran is rattling a nuclear saber, Sharon forced the Palestinians to take statehood, Lebanon had a cedar revolution, hurricanes destroyed parts of 5 states and Americans poured in relief, and so on and so on. And you chose a philanthropic billionaire, his wife, and the rock star who has made it very hard for third world countries to borrow money in the future. Can I get some sprinkles on my blancmange?
Scott Wyler
Palm Beach, FL

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