Gen. Colin Powell

* It is a real shame that Gen. Colin Powell has decided not to run for the presidency (Nov. 9). What the Republicans and the nation need is a person who is more to the center, rather than someone from the right or the left. This was perhaps the greatest opportunity since President Lincoln for the Republicans to make a statement about race relations in the United States.

It is too bad that Sen. Bob Dole and the rest couldn’t have left their egos at home and supported someone who is respected as a man and not as a politician. Perhaps he would have stayed the course, instead of dropping from the race.

DAN BOWMAN

San Clemente

* I have decided to write in Powell’s name for President anyway. In my book, being smart enough not to want such a stinking, lousy job is the best possible qualifier for it.

RHODA BLECKER

Reseda

* I was caught up in the craze of liking Powell for President even when I, like most of his admirers, did not know much about his political beliefs. Then, just when I was about to learn something about him as a politician, he decided not to run.

COSME L. NORIEGA

Costa Mesa

* Powell has served his country with distinction and we all thank him for that. Unfortunately, it has also become obvious that religious extremists have made it clear that the Republican Party does not have a tent big enough to allow Powell to run for President under its banner. His repeated pledges to work to “broaden its appeal” point out how far to the extreme right Newt Gingrich and his “revolution” have pushed the Republican Party.

ROBERT VINSON

West Hills Caption: TAYLOR JONES, Augusta, Ga.