"Security comes first, both for the public and our animals."

Iowa cornered

The gleaner: Pick what's viable, put it in the bag

Editor, The Times:

"Obama, Huckabee shake up race with big wins in Iowa" [Times page one, Jan. 4]: Consider that if the Iowa Democratic caucuses had been narrowed to a race between two candidates — Hillary Clinton versus Barack Obama, or Hillary Clinton versus John Edwards — Clinton's showing would have hardly improved. Most of the hypothetically freed-up votes would have gone to her rival.

Here are the real numbers serious Democrats should be adding up. With a long history in the spotlight, 100 percent of Iowa Democrats know Clinton. And yet, 70 percent of Iowa Democrats, when given the chance, chose someone else.

When it comes to passionate commitment — which is what a primary or caucus reflects — her third-place, 29-percent showing actually comes closer to representing a ceiling than it does a floor.

Besides the decisive Obama victory, the message from Iowa is that Democrats' clearly want to select a viable presidential candidate who represents a departure from the past 28 years. Obama and Edwards — the first- and second-place finishers in Iowa — are far more effective, realistic symbols of this than Clinton.

— Haley Land, Seattle

They sowed, they reap

Although it is still early in the presidential race, Sen. Barack Obama's trouncing of the supposed unbeatable Democratic front-runner, Hillary Rodham Clinton, in the Iowa caucus, may cause people to wonder whether she is electable or not. Iowan voters turned out in record numbers to make a resounding statement that they want to see a change of direction in the way things are done in this country.

Obama is a newcomer on the political scene, with fresh ideas, likability and a vitality that hasn't been seen in American politics for a long time.

Clinton represents part of the old establishment and, try as she may to escape the taint of past Clintonian misdeeds, it is virtually impossible.

Although hubby Bill Clinton is a very popular ex-president, author, public speaker and advocate for global humanitarian and environmental causes, his overtly prominent advocacy of his wife's candidacy brings back the specter of the "sleaze factor" involving Whitewater, Travelgate and, of course, "The Monica Lewinsky Scandal"; lying to a federal grand jury; and the presidential impeachment hearings.

One might wonder whether he is an asset or a lia-B-I-L-L-ity for Hillary's chances to secure the nation's highest elected office.

Also, no one believes for a second that, if Hillary were elected as president, her hubby would not have a hand in some high-level policy decisions and judicial as well as Cabinet appointments.

Only time will tell if this once seemingly invincible political steamroller flattens anyone in its path or will run out of steam before it crosses the finish line

— Robert Randle, Tacoma

Yield of dreams

Three weeks ago, when I was in Iowa volunteering on the Obama for President campaign, everyone — from pollsters and political scientists to reporters and campaign workers — was predicting a virtual tie.

But an 8-point victory over John Edwards and 9-point victory over Hillary Clinton is not a tremor; it's an earthquake.

In a state that is nearly 95 percent white, Obama's victory in Iowa is proof that Americans can see past the tone of skin color to the tone of optimism and hope.

— Laura Retzler, Seattle

Exhibiting care

Great lengths at Woodland Park Zoo

The tragic event at San Francisco Zoo has put zoos into the news across the country ["Escaped tiger kills visitor, mauls 2 at San Francisco Zoo," News, Dec. 25]. Our deepest sympathy goes to the Sousa family and friends as well as the two injured guests.

Our regional zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, has a mission to inspire people to save wildlife and habitat. To accomplish this, it is vital that our 1 million-plus annual guests know that our zoo is a safe place to visit with their families.

At Woodland Park Zoo, we are confident that our award-winning exhibits meet the needs of our animals and the security demanded by our guests. Exceptional design is more than just aesthetics. Security comes first, both for the public and our animals.

Information presented in "Tiger, tiger caged at night" [editorial, Jan. 1] was incomplete and might cause public misunderstanding. Our tiger exhibit features a 26-foot-wide dry moat abutted by an 18-foot vertical wall, not simply the 4.5-foot planter mentioned.

This exhibit has securely contained large feline species for 58 years and is regularly checked for any potential breaches to its security.

We appreciate the support of all the citizens of the region. We hope to see you at the zoo.

— Deborah B. Jensen, president and CEO, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle

The memorial wing

Although I agree with the essence of "Tiger, tiger caged at night," I do take some exception to one thing: You suggest it is not as necessary to be concerned about safety in the butterfly exhibit.

Certainly we don't need to worry about being mauled by a butterfly, but there is the very real risk of escape and subsequent survival in the wild of a nonnative species. This could be ecologically devastating if it happened.

There should not be a reduction of diligence about the security of any species in a zoo.

— Norman Marten, Bainbridge Island

Landmark criterion

Washington ate here

In response to "Preservation on the menu for Ballard's shuttered Denny's" [Times online, Jan. 4, and see "Not gaga over googie," editorial, Jan. 6]: I hope the Landmark Board votes no on granting the Ballard Denny's landmark status.

Yes, it might be a part of our Seattle history, but so is every other building that has ever been built here, in one way or another, to someone or another.

Seattle continually voices its opinions about growth management, but can't continue to play both sides. If the city wants to limit growth outside its boundaries, then it must be willing to live with the consequences: more development in urban areas such as Ballard.

And the most shocking thing about all of this: the fact that the city was already set to demolish this site for the monorail project.

I know it was a breakfast place but that doesn't mean the city needs to waffle.

— Mark Griswold, Redmond