"The one rule for America and one for the rest of the world seems to be well documented, Ron:-)"

Dave, I'm surprised at you for using Fox News tactics - mixing in an unrelated but highly emotional story to try to draw a connection between the two stories. Hey, wait a minute - that is what Bush did to get us into this mess in Iraq in the first place!

Sure, I do a agree with you about the US going where they do not belong. But it is still a separate issue. This orchestra has opportunites to get the visas and NOT spend the cash that they are mentioning.   It is a 5 hour drive to DC from here, and it can be done. Not a comfortable day for anyone, but if they truly want to make this work they could.

My guess is that this is just a ploy to draw sympathy. From the stories I've read, it does seem that the embassy wanted to work with them. They could not go to Manchester because moving the equipment required is prohibitive. This orchestra does not play 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year. With a year to go before this trip they could have made arrangements to get everyone down there if they truly wanted this to work.

The way it stands, the orchestra felt that they could not afford it. That is a business decision.   I would love to own a radio station - but the costs for licenses and equipment are prohibitive. Should I go whining to the press to complain I am being held back from doing radio because of this?

Look, this is a case of redtape pure and simple. The requirements may be too strict, I won't disagree.   Still, the facts from what I have read in several reports seem to indicate more of an unwillingness to compromise on the part of the orchestra. For everyone to use this as another opportunity to knock the entire country of the United States is just stupid. Don't cloud the issues!