Palau, a tiny island with a strong pull

Regarding “Palau,” July 11: I lived in the Pacific in Guam for four years. I had the opportunity to be in Palau many times. Although Rosemary McClure didn’t trek out to Peleliu to see the rusted Japanese and U.S. tanks from World War II, she covered some of the spirit of visiting Palau.

Like her, I ventured to the prison to buy a storyboard. The picture in the paper does not do the carved work justice because it is painted. The natural stained boards are priceless.

McClure’s article made me want to go back there. Of all the Pacific islands I traveled to, Palau was one of my favorites.

Kathleen G. Mierswa

Sunland

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It was ironic and disappointing that McClure would promote fear of travel when she writes in her July 11 story, “In a world of places where Yanks are not welcome, Palau is a gentle alternative.” As an avid traveler, I can think of only one or two countries where it may be unsafe to travel on an American passport. And although citizens in other nations may disagree with U.S. policies, in my experience, they are able to differentiate between the U.S. government and individual Americans.

We must refuse to live in fear of the world around us. Sadly, McClure has yet to learn that lesson.

Alejandro Garcia

Los Angeles