The New York Times Magazine, Sunday, August 22, 1999

Letters
Letters
There were no undecideds in the Rudy Giuliani mail. New
Yorkers were either all for the Mayor's possible Senate bid or
all against it, with the ayes edging out the nays. On the
sex-selection front, reactions remained strong. Writers were
less critical of the medical procedure than of what many
regarded as parents' selfish motives.
THE MAYOR'S MAKEOVER
James Traub (Aug. 1) mixes an odd
cocktail in trying to define Rudy Giuliani's
strengths as weaknesses. Perhaps more
remarkable, however, is the theme that the
Mayor may have too strong a personality
and set of beliefs for the Senate. It is
frightening to read that our nation may no
longer seek charismatic and virtuous
leaders.
Giuliani has already given much -- not just
to New York City but also to the country,
in the policies and strategies that have
become the accepted paradigms for urban Photograph by Jake Chessum
renewal and recovery. That he is willing to
accept the mantle of broader office is another sign of his strength, and one we
should rush to embrace.
MICHAEL OFFIT
New York
http://www.nytimes.com/library/magazine/home/19990822mag-letters.html (1 of 5) [8/22/1999 9:25:13 PM]
White Oleander
by Janet Fitch
The Testament
by John Grisham
Business @ the Speed of
Thought
by Bill Gates
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.