Obama overseas

Re “Obama defends greeting Chavez,” April 20

I found the warmth obvious in President Obama’s handshake and embrace of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to be offensive. Chavez is a petty tyrant who defies democratic norms and has called the U.S. the devil. The U.S. government believes he even may have ties to Hezbollah. He has stolen billions in oil wealth from his people, who are no better off than before he was elected, despite his populist propaganda.

He deserves our contempt and opposition, not warm greetings and embraces.

David Schechter

Los Angeles

I’m amazed that some Americans are outraged at the handshake and smile between Obama and Chavez. Are people such small thinkers to not see America’s long-term interests?

There is significant anti-American sentiment throughout the world. Latin American leaders who respond favorably to U.S. interests risk facing popular opposition at home. However, the smartness and simplicity of a simple handshake, a smile and a commitment of mutual respect changes the psychological landscape. It provides governments far more latitude among their populations to reach out to each other. That serves American interests.

Keeping smiling, Mr. President.

Sid Pelston

Los Angeles

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Re “In Mexico, Obama’s words do -- for now,” April 18

The Times’ description of Obama as “fawning” when the president told Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez that he had read all of Marquez’s books is a perfect example of a reporter putting a negative spin on what most book readers would regard as a normal comment.

I have read all of Marquez’s books; if I met Marquez, would I be fawning if I told him so? I also have read both of Obama’s books. If I should be so fortunate as to one day meet the president, would I be fawning if I mentioned to him that I had read his books? Certainly not. Allison Marks

Escondido