Inbox

Lessons on Leadership

The cover story ably examined the many ways experience can be manifested [March 10]. Senator Hillary Clinton prides herself on her experience and claims that she would "be ready from Day One" to be our next President. However, her campaign's failure to adequately plan strategically and financially for post--Super Tuesday proves she is incapable of being ready on Day Two. On the other hand, Senator Barack Obama, despite his alleged inexperience, has surrounded himself with extraordinary talent and had a string of primary victories. The way these two candidates have managed their respective campaigns speaks volumes about required experience. Steve Charing CLARKSVILLE, MD.

Obama brings a refreshing air of exuberance to the campaign, but where are the details of his programs? Is he waiting to see which way the wind blows before he enlightens the public with clear, concise and executable programs? We cannot afford on-the-job training and haphazardly laid-out programs. We need a leader as direct and consistent as any politician can be in today's world of special-interest groups and demographically conflicting views and needs. Clinton brings to the table detailed programs and objectives. She might not be so exciting, but she is definitely what the doctor ordered. Barry Stevens ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Hoops and Homework

The Caltech basketball players are the real deal [March 10]. So what if they can't win? When they graduate, they will be able to say that they earned their degrees honestly. They not only will know what theoretical physics is but will also be able to spell it. Laurie Viscusi LOUDONVILLE, N.Y.

Misguided Makeovers?

I was appalled by the article "How Not to Look Old on the Job" [March 10]. I thought it might give me some useful tips on clothing, hairstyles or keeping up with the latest technology. Instead it offered men and women advice on neck tucks, butt lifts, hand makeovers and earlobe repairs. Aging is inevitable--why deny it? What happened to getting and keeping a job because you are good at it? It is our values that need a serious overhaul. Linda Bender, RIVERTON, WYO.

Bush's Secret Mission

I really loved Bob Geldof's article about President George W. Bush's policies on Africa [March 3]. Geldof made clear his opinion of Bush, but in the course of the article he also paid homage to some good the President has done. I am a fan of the President (barely), and even I didn't know about the success in Africa. Too bad Bush doesn't have enough p.r. savvy to put a spotlight on this proud legacy. Fred Ascher, LOS ANGELES

I had to laugh out loud when I read that "the continent's rebirth is the Bush Administration's greatest achievement." Is that the continent where there has been war after war within the past eight years, perhaps hundreds of thousands have been killed in Darfur, Kenya has been destabilized and the U.S. would not fund the distribution of condoms as the cheapest way to fight aids? Most of the poverty-fighting in Africa has been done by private citizens or organizations. Christine Halpin, ANSONIA, CONN.

Don't Knock Nader!

I have been an Obama supporter since spring 2007, but Joel Stein's essay made me want to vote for Ralph Nader in November [March 10]. Stein's disrespect for Nader was shameful. Nader has served the people of this country more courageously than any of the current Democratic or Republican candidates have. Eleanor Cox, IOWA CITY, IOWA

Please recycle this magazine and remove inserts or samples before recycling