Should the U.S. Have Gone Into Panama?

President George Bush’s decision to order a massive military attack on Panama this week was overwhelmingly applauded Thursday by Orange County Christmas shoppers who said Panamanian strongman Manuel A. Noriega had gone too far. Although there were regrets that the invasion resulted in the loss of American lives and that it came during the holiday season, only three out of the 27 people interviewed Thursday at Westminster Mall and Laguna Hills Mall disagreed with Bush.

GERARDO CANTU

22, Camp Pendleton

“I think Bush did what was right. Noriega was getting out of hand with his drug dealings. I’m in the Marines. Lives were lost, but that’s their job. Our company was hoping to go down there. We train all the time and want to do the real-life thing.”

PAT MANDY

47, Westminster

“I’m really glad we’re doing something because we need to stop the drug influencing of the country. That’s what’s mainly ruining our country. I think it will be worth whatever steps Noriega may take in retaliation because lives are being ruined in our country from drugs.”

LUIS SOTO

42, Mission Viejo

“I am sorry for the loss of lives in Panama. The U.S. should have done something during the coup in October. I am behind Bush, but why didn’t we help with the coup? The loss of lives will always be a black eye to Americans.”

CAROL MENDOZA

Westminster

“I support our government’s decision. We had to take action to show force. Things have been getting out of hand with threats against Americans. I realize it’s a time of peace, but (in) some situations you have to take action no matter what time it is.”

ROMAIR STRIELMAN

63, Chicago

“I’m from Chicago and see the drug problem, and Noriega contributes quite a bit of cocaine to the United States. We should have been in there sooner. I would turn in Noriega for less than $1 million.”

RAE LARSON

42, Huntington Beach

“Seeing as how the Panama Canal is important to us, it is a good move, but it is an unfortunate time of year to do it. It is supposed to be a time for ‘Peace on Earth, good will to men.’ ”

TOM REINER

22, San Diego

“The timing of the season is bad too. We shouldn’t let them push us around either. But it’s not right for our forces to be there.”

PHIL FRITZ

33, Ontario

“War is sad, but some things are necessary. I hope we catch Noriega. Panama has been a thorn in our side for a long time. They declared war on us first, and that’s wrong.”

DOREEN BARRON

28, Mission Viejo

“I don’t think they should have sent the troops in during Christmastime. I was sad for all the American families when I first heard about the invasion.”

ROBERT McCLURE

40, Huntington Beach

“We have to take a stand. We have negotiated enough already with Noriega.”