Trips to Israel

Regarding “Tours Provide Close Look, and Mixed Views, of Mideast Strife” (Metro, Sept. 5):

It is disturbing that local officials and “opinion makers” accepted “free” tours to Israel and the occupied territories paid for by the Jewish Federation Council. However, it is not difficult to understand why. What would be the consequences of refusing an opportunity to participate in the “highly structured excursions?”

Thank you for the rare glimpse into the methods of the most effective propaganda machine since World War II. We will marvel at the informed opinions of public officials and movers-and-shakers as the twin elections in the United States and Israel approach in November.

TOM TOMEONI

Santa Barbara