LETTERS
War, Cont’d
Re your Feb.17 Comment, “War? No,” I simply could not disagree with you more.
For years if not decades Saddam has killed, mutilated and tortured not only his so-called neighbors but his very own people, using every weapon at his disposal. He has yet to comply with the resolution unanimously passed just a few months ago by the U.N. Security Council. He has failed to completely disarm and destroy his weapons of mass destruction and he has failed to provide one shred of evidence regarding the destruction or disposition of his former nuclear/biological stockpiles.
He is a master of delay and deception, and using the opinions of others for his own purpose. He has had 12 years to become compliant with the original edict of the United Nations, and yet there are those who seem to think allowing him more time is acceptable. What, more time to spread his weapons of terror?
What is to going to take,another 9/11?
Jim Meader
Realtor
Orange
I am against your use of the Journal to espouse your personal views on the war. This journal is a business forum, not an international political forum.
Part of the reason Southern California is in the doldrums is due to the terrorist activity against our country. Shall we allow this to continue our economy will clearly be worsened. Should New York City receive another terrorist attack, their economy will be severely affected.
Let’s stick to local business and let our elected politicians handle our international affairs.
R. Russell
Fullerton
For me, France is the truest polestar in world affairs. The more France schemes against a thing, the more convinced I am that it must be done.
Michael Capaldi
President
Lincoln Club of Orange County
How can I argue for war with Iraq? As a practicing Jew, I sometimes feel very conflicted about my own opinions. I think I’m not biased, but how can I not be?
On the other hand, first I am an American. Even if this country could not or would not aid Israel in a time of need, I understand she would have to protect herself. All I can do sometimes is go sit in my office and ask God for guidance.
Most Jews are Democrats. I’m a Republican. I’m married to an Italian Baptist and raising my adopted son as a Lutheran. I love my family. I go the synagogue and I ask God for guidance. It’s hard to be an American-Jew.
On occasion, I do business with Arabs and Palestinians. The ones I come in contact with, I like them, they seem to like me. We know what each other is and we just tell each other, “What a damn shame, why can’t they (over there) all get along just like us?”
We eat together and talk,and ask God for guidance.
Barry M. Gold
Irvine
In recent months the State Department has issued more frequent “Worldwide Cautions.” One from last November stated that “as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek softer targets where Americans congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, schools, hotels, resorts and beaches.”
Clearly, employees are very vulnerable overseas. Moreover, there are two sets of employees that may require assistance,the American assignees and local nationals who are working for the company and may be at risk, too.
So what should be done? Effective internal corporate communication and cooperation is vital during an emergency so make sure your company has a detailed contingency plan in place. While many Fortune 1000 companies rely upon their corporate security department to formulate a contingency plan, there are a number of companies that can help clients develop these plans to aid their international assignees.
The State Department encourages all American citizens residing abroad to register their presence and obtain up-to-date information on security conditions at the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. The State Department routinely provides advice on prudent steps to take in the event of an evacuation. This and other advice on crisis preparedness is available on the department’s Web site at https://travel.state.gov.
Noel J. Shumsky
Senior Vice President Global Business Development
Paragon Decision Resources Inc.
Rancho Santa Margarita
