Stating their world opinions

Re “Speaking from experience,” Opinion, Dec. 7

What a privilege to read a compendium from such a stellar panel. George Shultz, James Baker, Warren Christopher, Madeleine Albright and Colin Powell have given much to their country and have provided sound and thoughtful advice for Hillary Rodham Clinton if she is confirmed as secretary of State. Thanks for the collection.

I was struck by some contrasts, and by a few other things, in the five essays. Albright alone emphasized the importance of listening: “... there has to be a lot of listening in diplomacy.”

I am sure all five know that, but it was interesting to read in Shultz’s essay: “You have to set an agenda, talk to people.” Talk to them; and listen.

Baker says we should “rebuild the consensus in this country for free trade.” Please define this term. I’m an engineer and an attorney, not an economist, but I don’t think there is such a thing as “free trade,” nor even a “free market,” in this world. But we can work to lower trade barriers.

Powell lists inherited “crises of the moment” as “Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East, India-Pakistan” but omits Africa, surely one of the deepest crises in the world today. Does he leave it out because it seems hopeless?

Finally, I thought it interesting that the two Democrats, Christopher and Albright, both used the phrase “restore America’s reputation.”

I agree, of course; but then, I’m a Democrat.

Paul Cooley

Culver City

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There is something twisted about Powell giving Hillary Clinton advice about being secretary of State.

Clinton voted for the war of aggression that Powell helped to cook up. As a libertarian, I don’t believe that either of these individuals have sound judgment. If Powell were half the “hardened and courageous jungle fighter” that he believes himself to be, he would have resigned as secretary of State before pushing for a war that he today describes as a crisis.

Paul Marsden

Garden Grove