Don’t penalize the average citizen

ANGIE Thornbury’s letter, “Choosing Destinations Thoughtfully” (May 5), epitomizes blind patriotism and American arrogance. When tourism is hard hit in any country, it is that country’s ordinary individuals who suffer the most, not complex terrorist networks funded by billionaires like Osama bin Laden.

I praise France and Germany for wanting to solve differences peacefully instead of through death and destruction. As for the U.S. efforts in keeping the world safe, everyone I’ve talked to feels less safe because of the war in Iraq and is hesitant to travel far from home.

Stephanie Gray Winnard

West Hills