santonsoe

I think Lufthansa has stopped selling tickets beyond Feb. to Israel, for example. I feel measures in the US since 9/11 have forced terror plots to increase in European countries, and I myself am hesitant to travel there yet. Granted Israel may be more dangerous to travel to, but these days are a bit uncertain for US citizens, and I havent got a CLUE who our allies are now, not too mention what the guy on the street in ally countries thinks, in these times! I am staying put, or going for fun in the sun elsewhere.

santonsoe

...and furthermore, WHEN will somebody design more neutral-looking passports???!!!!

davidess

Well, unclesam. Just saw your posting in which you advise that there are four countries that have not given their "allegiance" to the US. Because I'm a gentle soul, I'll merely suggest that you really mean "support"; "allegiance" has another, nastier meaning in the context you have provided. A dictionary will tell you that it means "loyalty" or"duty of subject to sovereign or government". I'm Canadian, and while in my view, not universely shared here, I'm afraid, the US is owed my support and that of my government, it'll be a frosty Friday that we owe you our allegiance. Same for France, Germany, Russia and Spain, I think. Wishing you, and your government all the best in the forthcoming days.

DES

Danie

We went to Italy a month after 9/11. We were in the process of cancelling out trip when our son, who was just minutes away from walking into the WTC on that terrible day, asked us to continue with normal life. We can't wait around for the perfect moment, there will always be "something" going on. We are planning a trip to Spain this April, and right now have no intention of cancellling. Of course, we are very careful and don't wear the flag on our shirts, don't get into political debates. Just have fun and enjoy a new country and it's people.
Please continue with our travels, life must go on

celticdreams

Fair statement, Des..

I'm traveling in March to Germany for two weeks and to Italy in April. Both trips are for business and both into areas where US bases are located.

I have no intentions of changing my plans - life goes on. I'm going to go some day, but I'm going to go doing what I want.

There was a great article on traveler's fears in the month's issue of Conde Naste. It really brought home the point of percentages. What people feared and what the stats were for that paricular issue was.

bob_brown

Can someone give me a dictionary definition of a troll, other than to fish with a line or a Scandanavian creature that is variously defined as either a dwarf or a giant?
I cannot find one in my unabridged dictionary or the Amercan Heritage College Dictionary.
Cite publisher and year if you don't mind.

marktynernyc

I agree with bob_brown - unclesam is using a travel issue to speak his views about Iraq. I think this is a prime example of how troll posts are going to evolve. Most of us are familiar with unclesam and know he is not the sort to let anyone influence what he will do (or say for that matter)

obxgirl

For a definition of troll, look in your dictionary under bob_brown.

cnmiranda

I'm going to Italy in May come heck or high water! I don't care about Anti-American sentiment. I'm enjoying my trip and hopefully my fellow Italians will be very nice. Hubby was considering backing out & I said no way! Every day I say prayers for a peaceful resolution.
Now France, on the other hand, would be a different consideration...

jody

Bob..

fishing with bait and hoping a "fish" will bite and take the lure and work and pull it out to the limit of the line....that seems like a perfect definition of a troll!

Flyboy

I think DES makes a very solid point here and I had already done a copy of the line:

"France, Russia, Spain and Germany are the four countries that have not given their full allegiance to the US."

I don't think running on a platform of "full allegiance to the US" would win too many elections in western Europe; I would venture to say none.
These countries are entitled to their point of view and their sovereign rights to make policy for themselves -- just as it is correctly claimed by the U.S. Those leaders are OBLIGATED to represent the interests of their citizens.

In the case of Germany, that leader's election was based in no small part on his stand with respect to this very issue. Therefore, there were never any secrets about that and it would like take a VERY compelling case for Mr. Schoeder not to look like he broke faith with his supporters in this matter in order to change his position now.

In each of the four examples, it is not as if they stand in support of Iraq. They surely do not. All have made significant contributions in the global war against terrorism; they are clearly allies in that effort. They are simply supporting a different approach with respect to Iraq at this particular time than what is currently being offered by the U.S. administration. They are not allies of Saddam Hussein and over the longer term, they are likely hoping for essentially the same outcome as George W. Bush. That should be recognized.

All of us should be in favor an effective solution short of war. If that is not possible, then it is far better to have as many nations as possible in agreement about it before engaging in armed conflict.

If people like unclesam choose to stay home as result of what they perceive as risk or for any other reason, then that is an individual choice to make. I would think it is a bit early in the game to be considering backing out of a trip to France (of all places) myself, but that is my call to make for me.

leslie

I was watched Colin Powell's speech today on CBS, and during the recap the news commentators used the word "allegiance" when referring to the four countries.

I also have my concerns about being abroad, if and when President Bush calls a war against Iraq. But my concerns are more budgetary, as it will just cost more to be away, but if I'm already away the point is moot.

armand

Cancelling my trip to France because of France's refusal to join the coalition. My small part for the USA. See my post titled cancel trip to France

Sue4

I'm planning a trip to France in May, and so far haven't even considered cancelling. I'm looking forward to seeing the chateaux of the Loire, eating wonderful French food, and enjoying the ambiance of the little French villages. Somehow, I don't think they will hold a war against Iraq against little ole me!

However, I can see Uncle Sam's point, if he's leaving children at home, and is worried about getting stuck longer over there. That would definitely be a point to consider.

Myer

Someone brought up an interesting point today. Given the differences in culture and language, the phrase 'weapons of mass destruction' will likely be interpreted by Iraq to mean the capability to kill more than x number of people.

If x were assigned a value 500,000 (by Iraq) then do they have weapons of mass destruction? Amusing.

BillJ

This is great! If lots of people are afraid to travel to Europe this summer, the airlines will about give away tickets. There could be some real bargains later. I might get in two trips instead of just being able to afford one. Keep it up, gang. Don't go, especially to France.

Katherine

I am not going to Europe. Instead this year I am going to Brazil and Argentina. There is a lot to see and do there. The dollar goes much further.

crusty

Skip Vischy France. visit our friends in Italt, Czechia. ot Turkey..Long live Mustifa Kemel!

LJW17

I hear what everyone is saying about not being worried, but I have to admit I am a little concerned as I am traveling to England at the end of March. And, although, I agree that France and French Airlines are not a likely target, I am not as convinced about British airlines and London. Although, I will not let terrorist heathens rule my life (and will still be going)I admit it concerns me.

SiobhanP

I have to say I am amazed at the level of Paranoia that seems to have crept in after 9/11 and they possible war.

You are in no more danger in Europe than the U.S. British security is amazing ad have arrested many people involved in terrorist plots. They are overcautious and would rather close down Heathrow than take a chance if they felt there was a risk. Now thats a place I would go. It is no different from NYC or any other large city in America at the moment.

If you really want to make a statement get involved with an organisation or write letters stating your view to the French Consulate or Govt. Cancelling you holiday does absolutely nothing. It will not be felt financially and to be honest all it does is give me more choice of where to stay if I go to France this summer!

We cannot force countries to join the U.S. no matter what you view is. Would you not go to Ireland if I told you than we are a neutral country?? We has a huge referendum (citizens vote!) about the Nice treaty this year and it barely passed as many people felt we would be forced to go to war in the future if we agreed to a European army. We have been assured this is not the case and as a small country we want the right decide if we would go or say no to war. Would you refuse to come here then as well? At the moment there is an uproar in Ireland as U.S. planes are re-fueling at Shannon Airport and its belived they have arms on board. This is a direct violation of the Irish Constitution but it is imposed upon us.

Right or Wrong cancelling holidays only makes you miss the opportunity to talk to the people of the country and see how they feel. Remember how many people make assumptions about Americans and we say thay we are not all like that....well the same goes for people of other countries.