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