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Hillary Clinton is a fighter. So is George Bush. She's tough. So is he. Some say its time for a Democratic fighter to take the helm. But won't the result be more of the same? Us versus them. Good versus bad. Division. Polarization. Inaction.

In Barack Obama you have a leader with the temperament to bring people together, and get things done for the common good. Isn't that the type of CEO this floundering corporation desperately needs?

Scott Mitchell
Durham

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I lived in Washington during the entire Clinton Administration. I eagerly campaigned for him and did some volunteer work for his campaigns in 1992 and 1996. I attended his first inauguration and went to one of the balls. I supported most of his programs while he was in office. I got to know several of his political appointees, and they all impressed me with their knowledge and dedication. I personally think President Clinton is a brilliant man. But, he cheated on his wife, lied to the American people, lied to a grand jury, and was disbarred by the state of Arkansas. So my question is why should I, or anyone else, believe anything he has to say now? For me, his credibility has vanished.

Leon Barber
Raleigh

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In this primary season where voters must make an important decision, we must know the facts and understand the candidates. Not only does Sen. Obama's sluggish handling of the Rev. Wright debacle warn of his weakness in fighting the Republican attack machine that will no doubt use this albatross against him, but his contention that he was not aware of Rev. Wright's inflammatory political positions after belonging to his ministry for 20 years is incredulous. Furthermore, if Obama was not aware of these kinds of remarks and he also failed to fully vet Rev. Wright, his judgment is questionable as a candidate. Sen. Clinton is clearly the stronger and more experienced candidate who can get elected and bring about the kind of change our country needs that Obama only mentions in his soaring rhetoric devoid of specifics about how he plans to get his agenda accomplished.

Emery Caywood
Rocky Mount

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Having heard Rev. Jeremiah Wright, I find that I share many things with him. I am over 60. I was educated in the segregated schools of the South. I witnessed historic and sometimes horrifying days of the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. I served my country in the military. I am embarrassed by the failure of the Republican administration regarding the war in Iraq, the enormous debt burden we pass on to our children, and the lack of leadership regarding social issues like immigration and education. And, I think it really is time for a change.

I also differ from Rev. Wright in many ways. I am white. The schools I went to were white. At the time, I felt that most of the events of the civil rights movement were meant for them instead of for me. But, I am still embarrassed by the failure of the Republican administration and, I still think it really is time for change.

What I heard Barack Obama say from Philadelphia was that he recognized that this country is composed of people like Rev. Wright, and people like me, and many other people. People with different backgrounds, different experiences, different relationships. As individuals we are the product of our own experiences and they will remain with us for our life. We will never be like or fully understand those of another color or coming from different experiences. In many instances, this leads to mistrust, intimidation, hatred, or even racism.

However, we can choose to define ourselves by our differences and our past, or by our hopes for the future. We can choose to leave our children the differences that we have suffered with, or to leave them the hope of a united nation. I believe we should never be a prisoner of our diverse past when seeking a greater goal of freedom and tranquility. We must forthrightly work to make a common future. That will take change. It will take a lot of change for those from my white school to consider a black man for president. It will take a lot of change for Rev. Wright and others to envision a strong black leader working for all Americans, not just the historic black causes. Isn't it time for a change?

Andrew Givens
Raleigh

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