"Had 9/11 occurred under Carter we would be much worse off"

Silence, President Carter

Indecisiveness ruled

Editor, The Times:

The Bush administration certainly appears deserving of criticism for its handling of the war, but not from Jimmy Carter ["Carter flays U.S. foreign policy," news, May 20]. Had 9/11 occurred under Carter we would be much worse off.

Jimmy Carter defined indecisiveness and showed absolutely no leadership skills. America was adrift under Carter and we were perceived and treated as weaklings by our opponents.

The economy was a stagnant mess with high inflation low growth, and 17 percent home mortgage rates. The morale of the people was at an all-time low. Carter's response was to encourage Americans to lower their expectations.

He never would have been elected but for the Watergate scandal. Regarded by many presidential scholars as the worst president of the latter 20th century, Carter has spent the past 30 years trying to smooth over his political incompetence by writing smarmy, self-serving books and performing well-publicized acts of charity.

If Carter writes anything, it should be an apology to the American people for talking his way into a job that was far beyond his ability. Jimmy Carter should continue to build houses for the poor, but he is in way over his head commenting on national affairs.

— Hugh Brannon, Seattle

Failures surpass Bush

President Carter lambasted President Bush for his flawed foreign policy, calling it "the worst in history." Apparently, President Carter forgot about his own foreign-policy record.

By failing to deal forcefully with the Islamic uprising in Iran he allowed this entire Islamic revolution to begin.

Iranians' seizing our embassy was an act of war. Carter's response: a botched helicopter rescue plan. Remember how quickly the Iranian hostages were released once the terrorists watched President Reagan take the oath of office.

Contrast President Carter's policy of appeasement toward the Soviets with President Reagan's policy of confrontation. Reagan's policy led to the fall of communism.

President Carter's foreign-policy failures are more numerous and more devastating than anything President Bush has done. Bush's war on terrorism will go down as a great foreign-policy achievement.

President Carter: Please refrain from your ridiculous and deceitful statements. After three decades, you continue to be an embarrassment to the presidency.

— David Stiles, Shoreline

True world leader

Who in the world is Tony Fratto? This little-known, occasionally quoted White House spokesman has barked out small-dog criticism of a Nobel Peace Prize winner ["White House calls Carter irrelevant," news, May 21]. Fratto couldn't be more wrong.

From his status as a world leader who made huge efforts to broker Middle East peace, Carter has been a major player for 25 years. As a best-selling author, he has been asked to speak on world affairs around the globe. As a founder of Habitat for Humanity, he has shown that actions always speak louder than words.

Most significantly, as a voice broadcasting what an increasing proportion of Americans are realizing, Carter couldn't be more relevant. The now-disclosed fact that the worst administration has heard Carter, is an indication that information and criticism can get into the Bush bubble.

My standing on an overpass yelling, "Worst administration ever" is irrelevant.

Carter being quoted by the neocons is not.

— Thomas McClure, Seattle

See that reflection?

So Jimmy Carter is searching for the president with the worst foreign-policy record and he thinks that he has found his man in George W. Bush.

I have news for President Carter. All he has to do is look in the mirror and there, looking back at him, will be the most inept president of the past 50 years. Perhaps the most incompetent of all times. No, Jimmy, you are still No. 1.

— Lynn Schmeichel, Woodinville

Title of shame

If Jimmy Carter's proclamation of the Bush administration isn't the best example of "it takes one to know one," I don't know what is. Better yet, it's like the teacher blaming the student for a mistake on a test.

Bush's problems come from a world that despises America's success and status in the world and politicians in our own country who will do anything to regain political power.

J.C. was just inept in everything he did. He misread world markets, he thought our money was "his" money to do with as he wanted, and he was too cowardly to respond to aggression. Carter was the epitome of failure in American politics and, despite his pronouncements, he still holds that title.

— Art Francis, Issaquah

NewHolly success

Not just for the elite

As an urban planner and someone very familiar with the old Holly Park housing project, I was heartened to read of the transformation of the community into a mixed-use new urban development ["A new neighborhood built to tear down old barriers," page one, May 13]. It has been a long time coming.

I think I was heartened most of all because for years, New Urbanism has received the bad rap that it is only planning for the elite and that it cannot be used within the urban context. Well, NewHolly is a superb example of what can happen when New Urbanist planners are allowed to employ their creativity, innovation and social conscience.

The diversity in NewHolly is wonderful and not to be discounted in the least. However, much of the social interaction that has and will play out is due to the precepts of New Urbanism. Design elements such as front porches, sidewalks and walkable streets allow for greater interaction among residents.

Planning, particularly New Urbanism, holds great hope for the improvement of our communities.

— Chuck D'Aprix, Washington, D.C.

Points of light rail

Sound needs system

The two gentlemen make good points — if only time stood still ["The hidden costs of light rail across the I-90 bridge," guest commentary, May 16].

However, building a regional transportation system to handle future population growth — estimated by some to double over the next 25 years — cannot be based on past ridership statistics. Proportional investments in road versus alternative solutions will only perpetuate current gridlock. The issue of public interest and bus versus rail crossing the lake is only a red herring.

A massive effort is now necessary to make up for past lack of political vision and will. Offering commuters a rail-based system alternative — across both floating bridges, around Lake Washington and with extensions to surrounding communities like Redmond, Lynnwood, Issaquah, etc. — with seamless interfaces at stations with Park and Ride and local bus services — would be compelling.

Let us face the music — road congestion will not improve — particularly as long as we insist on channeling all traffic to roads, whether bus or car.

— Hans M. Gundersen, Redmond