Germany, France fight terrorism too

Regarding “Choosing Destinations Thoughtfully” (Letters, May 4): Boycotting nations that refused to join our “coalition of the willing” against Iraq means boycotting the same nations that have done much of the heavy lifting against Al Qaeda in the West.

They have provided the United States with needed intelligence and financial tracking of terrorists, which have led to the breaking up of terrorist cells and the arrests of 9/11 conspirators.

France and Germany do not work against our safety; they continue to work hard on the front line against global terrorism, despite their differences with us on Iraq.

The world is a complex and dangerous place, and simplistic analyses do not make for a thoughtful choice of travel destinations.

Chris Plourde

Venice

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Letter writer Angie Thornbury should read a bit about the places she is boycotting. Bali is the only Indonesian destination that is mostly Hindu, and therein lies the tragedy.

The October bombing allowed tourists like Thornbury to lump Bali with the rest of Indonesia and miss out on one of the world’s most exotic, inviting and intriguing places. Westerners will find it an accommodating and friendly place to visit, and right now, because of misinformation and fear, a real travel bargain.

Katherine Johansen

Santa Ana

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In Thornbury’s desire to write off France as a travel destination, she overlooks the important role that country played in the American Revolution. And the Statue of Liberty, one of our most cherished national icons, was a gift from France.

Bonnie Sloane

Los Angeles

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My husband and I have always found German, French and British people friendly and most willing to accept or at least listen to our differences in opinion on world events.

Foreign countries should be excluded from travel destinations only when they present a real threat to one’s safety, not because of their political views.

Charlene Sodergren

Simi Valley