U.S. Can Aid Itself and Tsunami Victims

Perhaps the U.S. government could see the disasters in Southeast Asia as a chance to fight terrorists by really opening up the checkbook and providing a level of support and compassion that sets new standards for generosity. Many of the countries affected have Muslim insurgencies inside their borders. When desperate people see tangible proof of U.S. support, perhaps they will soften their tacit support for terrorists.

The No. 1 complaint of those engaged in anti-terrorist efforts is the lack of credible human intelligence. Perhaps showing the world that the U.S. is capable of great acts of kindness might affect the thinking of enough people in countries that often harbor terrorists to be more open to reporting possible terrorist sightings and other related activities.

The U.S. needs to curry goodwill with all nations after the way it has handled the Iraq war. This terrible calamity might provide a way for the United States to regain some popular support. Maybe we would even impress the French, even if only for a while.

Doug Sheldon

Valencia

*

Why doesn’t President Bush declare he is calling off all inaugural celebrations? Instead, he will ask private donors who were intending to bankroll the festivities to donate that money to Asian tsunami relief efforts. Instead of making public statements about how generous America is, the president could step up to the plate and do some real good. Is that too much to ask?

Nancy Koprowski

Laguna Beach