Colin Powell

What reason would Colin Powell have to run for President (Capitol Journal, Sept. 28)? The nation is entering a time of major change, shrinking the welfare state, cutting regulations, chopping the size and intrusiveness of government. President Clinton stands opposed to these changes, like a boulder amid a fast-running stream. But Powell would work with a Republican Congress to make the change happen.

But wouldn’t this also be true of any other GOP President? The difference is that the others--even Sen. Bob Dole--would amount to narrow partisans. Powell, by contrast, would be President of all the people. He could reconcile the inevitability of change to those who would most strongly oppose it.

Powell in ‘96!

T. A. HEPPENHEIMER

Fountain Valley

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* How sad that Gen. Powell has fallen prey to the age-old ploy of politicians, i.e., stereotyping people. Powell says, “I don’t want to be the poster child for the brothers or for guilty white liberals.” I am white and liberal but sure as hell not guilty--whatever Powell means by that!

SHIRLEY PORTER

Sunland

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* Why is everyone--well, at least the media--excited about the prospect of a Powell candidacy? There are at least two reasons for the press: 1) to fracture the Republican Party, and help Bill Clinton win and 2) to get Powell to be the Democratic candidate, knowing deep down that Clinton is a very weak President.

Powell cannot run as a Republican. His stances on abortion, affirmative action and social ideas, in general, go against the grain of Republicans. Were he not black, he would be receiving no attention. Powell is an accomplished man, but not our next President.

ROBERT MILLER

Huntington Beach