re: #383 Surabaya Stew

Well, having a high level of border security is certainly a laudable goal, but when it comes at the expense of making foreigners afraid to visit us, it rather defeats the whole idea of being an open country. The horror stories faced by visitors at our ports are numerous, chilling and embarrassing to read and think about. Frankly, I can’t blame the IOC for turning us down for that reason alone!

BTW-this problem has been going on since at least Clinton’s time, so it’s certainly a bi-partisan mess…

Sorry, but I can’t apologize for keeping our country safe. I just heard Jim Lampley of NBC on ESPNEWS blaming George Bush’s administration for Chicago’s failure to get the Games. I think plenty of people are not afraid to visit us. And if we pissed off pakistan, maybe they should ask themselves if they can do anything to help.