[conservative in nyc]

As far as getting everyone together to do business...that's BS in my book. It's just an excuse to have a big expense account and tell the people at your country club that you wine and dine in exotic locations. Get a webcam, a good web conferencing setup, and a good set of pc speakers and save a bundle of money for your company, shareholders and customers.

There are many valid reasons to travel for business. If you're buying a company, would you just trust the seller that his property is in good condition, or would you want to physically inspect it? Do you really want to buy a company without meeting the people you will be working with in person? Would you trust a supplier without looking at the goods and his operations first? If you're a seller, would you want a potential buyer to have control over the company's most sensitive documents by sending them to him, or would you rather them come inspect the documents at your place? If the deal falls through, you'd want your sensitive documents back. If you're a consultant, how can you determine what is wrong with a company without travelling there? Being locked in a conference room for 16 hours a day for final negotiations is hardly an excuse to have a big expense account.

[NorthWoody]

Therein lies a problem with this whole "global economy" idea. It may not be sustainable until we get a handle on Islam and stamp out the menace.

Until then, buy a good car and a fuel card, or maintain status quo.