‘America’s Long March’

Your editorial calls to our attention the critical need right now to begin thinking of how to assess the large group of candidates putting themselves forth for President of the United States. May I add two overriding questions to your lists for consideration?

1--Which candidate understands the obsolescence of war as a means of resolving conflict?

2--Which candidate recognizes that planet Earth is one interconnected, interdependent life support system, which means there is no way to safeguard U.S. interests without understanding the interests of people everywhere and how they are tied together?

It seems to me that the person who understands these issues central to the survival of the human race will also understand how the issues of satisfying the basic needs of all people, the requirement for providing better education, the use of medical and scientific advancements for the betterment of all, the need to safeguard a deteriorating world environment, and the opportunity for economic growth are where real leadership is needed today.

Lastly, we need to ask a question of ourselves. What is our obligation as citizens of the richest, freest, most influential country in the world? I think it is to care about the above . . . to be interested, to become informed . . . and most of all, to participate.

RITA WEIL

Woodland Hills