To all of you who so obnoxiously responded to my question,
I live in NYC where an act of terriorism killed people that I love -- isolated from the world, I think not. I don't have my head in the "hills" but my feet on the ground in the real world. Wake up. Given the way we have been forced to live, it stands to reason that I would ask about safety on a vacation on which I am bringing my family. I did not ask about bars on windows or the decency of the people, I inquired about safety and whether or not it was advisable to go ahead with my travel plans. That simple.
If I were an "Air Head" I would ignore everything that I read regarding DR in the last week. And "Papa" (and I am sure you don't have any children or you would understand my concerns or maybe you do have children and you are a terrible or ignorant parent), I have been to countries where there is political and social unrest but WOULD NOT take my children on those trips. As a seasoned traveler, yes I have left my world which is not certainly not insulated, I have been exposed to far more than I would ever want my children exposed to at this stage of their lives. As I said, I was inquiring because I am traveling with children and want to make certain that given what has been reported in the DR that the area is suitable and peaceful.
Open your eyes, the world isn't a nice place these days and it responsible to check out all the details before taking children anywhere.
Personally, if someone asks a question on this message board would it behove you to answer the question with some modicum of decency and respect? Was it so terrible to inquire as to the safety of the DR or any country in thie kind of world we live in? A small amount of manners would dictate a mature pleasant answer to an inocuous questions.
Say a prayer for the world and for yourself.