MAILBAG:

Once again, James Gray, with his clear, logical thinking, brings a significant issue to our attention, one that is essentially ignored by the vast majority of the press (“Let’s welcome tourists here again,” It’s a Gray Area, Dec. 23). I have one observation to add. I would like to include one more possible explanation to Gray’s list of reasons regarding the decline of tourism — the Iraq War.

When we add up the cost of the war, the downturn of tourism is not factored into the equation. Yet one only needs to talk to anyone outside of this country, and they will explain why the U.S. doesn’t top the list of countries to visit, even though the decline of the dollar would be a reason to favor an actual upturn in tourism.

Since the unjustified invasion, America’s global image has dropped precipitously, as never before in our history. The well-respected Pew Global Attitudes report points out the war in Iraq is a continuing drag on opinions of the United States, not only in predominantly Muslim countries, but in Europe and Asia as well. The U.S. presence in Iraq is cited as the greatest danger to world peace in the studies.

The “ugly” American is now the “scary” American. As an example, according to the report, only about one-quarter of the Spanish public (23%) expresses positive views of the U.S., down from 50% just a few short years ago; America’s image also has declined significantly in India in just one year — from 71% to 56%. And in Indonesia it dropped from 75% to 30%.

Gray’s suggestions are important and must be implemented, but we need rationality to revisit the White House.

Gary Conway

Los Angeles

Company owner perfect candidate for politics

To Nazih Daniel Sadek, owner of Platinum Coast Escrow, Sadek Inc., Quick Loan Funding, and Loyalty Funding, “What goes up, comes down” (“Companies evicted amid housing slump,” Dec. 21).

You being a high-riding egomaniac, follows the rule.

Ever think of running for a political office? You certainly fit the mold.

Well, so long, I’ll be one watching for your return.

Jack Valley

Costa Mesa

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