Inbox

Dynamic Duo?

Thanks for a balanced look at New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, warts and all [June 25]. Both are in their seventh decade, yet their approach to politics is progressive and refreshing. No conservative cliches and smoke-screen social issues; just good old-fashioned compromise and common sense. Isn't that what governing is all about?

Bob August, Republicans for Environmental Protection NASHVILLE

Bloomberg and Schwarzenegger are successful because they serve constituents rather than political interests. They don't govern with a my-way-or-the-highway approach but are willing to reach across the aisle, admit mistakes and change direction. Rather than issue a test on what it means to be conservative, they deliver what the people and environment need.

David Post, ANNANDALE, VA.

The U.S. is engaged in an undeclared civil war between those who value individual liberty and those who think it is too dangerous. The latter group espouses a dependency on government. This country did not achieve greatness with a mind-set of "safety first" but rather "live free or die."

Mike Glaser, CINCINNATI, OHIO

I found it creepy that Schwarzenegger appeared on the cover wearing a large skull belt buckle. I can't fathom why any professional would wear a grinning symbol of death to hold his pants up. Whatever his rationale, kudos to the photographer for making sure the buckle was readily apparent to the Governor's constituents.

Roya Fouladi, SANTA ANA, CALIF.

Leadership Litmus Test

Joe Klein's test for presidential candidates, "The Courage Primary," was inspiring, especially his call for national service [June 25]. It has been far too long since this country has asked anything of its citizens beyond opening their wallets. Why not offer the option of joining the Peace Corps or develop "draft" programs with agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? A true national-service tour of duty should be two years spent bettering the lives of others.

Christopher A.H. Doorley, ARLINGTON, VA.

We will need a policy to prevent a fiscal meltdown as the baby boomers retire. The hard truth is that we will need to raise taxes and substantially scale back entitlement benefits (while also restricting discretionary spending). The candidates offer lip service without acknowledging that major sacrifices will be necessary. That is the real courage deficit.

Cosette Yang, ORANGE, CONN.

I want to thank Klein for his insightful call to action. I worry that our country will revert to a wounded isolationism in the wake of the Iraq war; nothing could be worse for the world and indeed for us. We face many problems, and the path will not be easy, but what great causes have not been worth effort and sacrifice?

Alec Chiquoine, CHICAGO

Know Thine Enemy

Re Bobby Ghosh's "The Enemy's New Tools in Iraq" [June 25]: Once he completed his interview with terrorist Saif Abdallah, who makes improvised explosive devices, did Ghosh notify U.S. forces of Abdallah's location? If Ghosh sat in a room with him and his equipment, then he has knowledge that can lead to saving service members' lives. Abdallah's next "toy" might kill me or one of my soldiers, and that is unacceptable.

Frank Slavin, Captain, U.S. Army, BAGHDAD

Thank you for this extraordinary story, which gave chilling insight into the minds of those who hate Americans and kill our soldiers. If we want to defeat our enemies, we must understand them. Your correspondent obviously puts himself in great danger when he meets people like Abdallah, and I appreciate it. I hope our politicians and generals are reading such stories and learning valuable lessons.

Rupert Peters, SAN JOSE, CALIF.

'Colin Powell said he "would close Guantanamo not tomorrow but this afternoon." How about four or five years ago, Mr. Powell, when you should have stood against the prison and the Iraq war prevarication?'

Dorian de Wind, Major, usaf (ret.) AUSTIN, TEXAS

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