Colin Powell

Chip Beck’s article (“Americans Don’t Have a Clue,” Commentary, Aug. 27) was a tremendous wake-up call. With his wealth of experience all over the world, when he says, “The world is more dangerous than Americans realize,” we must accept that as true. The terrorist organizations, with their money and ability to create mass destruction in America with biological, chemical and nuclear weapons, have declared war on us.

To deal with this ongoing threat, America needs strong leadership, fully qualified and capable of dealing with all aspects of it. One name comes immediately to mind: Colin Powell. We must draft him and elect him in 2000.

JAMES WATKINS

Van Nuys