Regina McRae, 42, store owner, Manhattan "I don't think Oprah should be held liable. They just want her money.

" Paul Patricola, 46, sales manager, Bergenfield, N.


J. "Oprah spoke without thinking about the consequences.

" Sandra Clayton, 51, surveyor, Queens "I don't think she should be sued. She has a right to her opinion.

" Bill O'Brien, 40, construction worker, Queens "No, she has a right to her own opinion. This is America, right? If she doesn't want to eat beef, that's her choice.

" Jose Garcia, 38, cook, Manhattan "I don't think it's right that she said that. That's going to take a lot of their business.

" Kay Watson, 30, program associate, Brooklyn "Absolutely not. It was just a personal choice. I'm sure she didn't anticipate the prices plunging.

" Rose Marie Reece, 19, home health aide, Queens "No, because the fact is not all meats are properly inspected.

" Nikki Cuicou, 19, home health aide, Queens. "I'm a vegetarian myself. I feel not many of the meats are properly tested, so I don't blame Oprah.