<p>As a former banker, I was amused by Mike Welch's recent (May 8th) publisher's column about credit unions going on the offensive. It seems to me that both bankers and those in credit unions frequently act like the warring parties in the Middle East – each hell bent on the other's destruction regardless of the price. I always find myself wondering why both sides, be it on the bank/credit union level or Palestine/Israel level, can't adopt an attitude of "live and let live." Surely bankers and credit unions could accomplish a lot more politically with a united effort. Why is it so apparent to everyone, except banks and credit unions that our interests (and those of folks in the Middle East) are more alike than they are different? Surely all sides would be better served if we lived in harmony rather than being at each other's throats. After all, marketplace expansion and the pursuit of delivering only the highest levels of service to our members/customers is more easily accomplished in an environment of peace versus one of war. Isn't this the time for more behind the scenes agreements and reconciliation versus public displays and writings filled with inflammatory statements? Rick Stout VP Corporate Development Charter Oak Federal Credit Union Groton, Connecticut</p>