Geoffrey Plurde writes:
Asking people with a vested interest is never a good idea.
In my view, this is nonsense. It's best to ask people with all sorts of points of view.
I would recommend hitting up a travel agent/academic expert/security consultant specializing in the Middle East for information that should be incorporated.
We have consulted a range of experts, and may consult more. We are keeping track of current reports as well.
Also, I wouldn't have blind faith in the police in a third world country.
I don't have blind faith in the police of any country.
Mark Williamson writes:
I have to agree with Dan as well, and do not think it is reasonable that Mike ask Dan to do the job for him.
I was quite careful not to ask Dan to *do* anything. I asked him a precise question based on his posted criticism that we were wrong to ask the local team for cultural advice and advice on other issues. If he comes up with a constructive suggestion, I may well follow it. If you think Dan is incapable of coming up with a useful suggestion then you think less of him than I do.
I certainly wouldn't ask Dan to do my job. I asked him to support his statement by providing a suggested alternative (or several, if he wishes). It is sometimes a useful heuristic do to this. And part of my job is paying attention to useful advice.
An independent security firm should be consulted, but it is the Foundation's responsibility to select that firm, not Dan Rosenthal's, or mine.
Which firm do you recommend, based on your own experience with such firms? The Foundation is open to useful suggestions from its critics, especially if they have experience in a relevant area.
--Mike
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