"SIR - I wonder whether you might have established some sort of record as the newspaper that most frequently tells its readers of its support for a smaller state whilst simultaneously endorsing candidates who espouse big government."

"SIR - Your endorsement of Mr Obama and his policies for a second term reminded me of Samuel Johnson's aphorism, that getting married a second time represents the triumph of hope over experience."

- Letters to The Economist from Richard Thoburn of London and Hal Carroll of Hell, Michigan, respectively.