thank you canadianpilgrim, I'm sure your sentiments echo those of most FT'er. I think that sometimes the diehards take the whole thing (of forums, posts) just a little too seriously. Given some of the trite posts in all forums - most from those with 1000's of posts ... I would recommend a little more compassion for real issues.

As far as certain nationalities requiring visas (not just visa waver forms) even for transit in the US - well I agree with your concerns as well. The US should review it's list of participating countries - India is an excellent example - with a booming economy and a huge middle class - it makes no sense at all. (I could go on about India's own tourist and business visitor visa process -- but this is not the forum for that!!)