U.S. Rescue Bogs Down in Lebanon

LATimes ^ | July 18, 2006 | Megan K. Stack

[rebel_yell2]

BEIRUT — Thousands of Americans whose vacations and business trips to Lebanon have degenerated with sickening speed into stints in a battle zone remained stranded here under Israeli bombardment Monday, their frustration and anger mounting because the U.S. government hasn't gotten them out faster.

Waiting around Beirut with bags packed and fingers crossed, U.S. citizens derided the embassy for busy phone lines, a lack of information and gnawing uncertainty over when and whether they will get out. Hundreds were expected to be shipped to Cyprus today, but how long the full evacuation will take remains uncertain.

[Carilisa]

Irony: Iwo Jima posts "You leave the protection of the United States, YOU LEAVE THE PROTECTION OF THE UNITED STATES" while the Iwo Jima is enroute to Protect and Serve the Americans stranded in Lebanon.

[Iwo Jima]

Is an insult the only response you are capable of? You are aware that the vast majority of conservatives have no use for the IMF, aren't you? Or is that well-known fact something that has heretofore escaped your attention?

Perhaps if your mind weren't so sealed you would be better informed.

[LibertyRocks]

I'm not saying that makes him special in any way. I just don't see why people are being so rude to him.

BTW: the IMF offered passage to Syria IIRC. I think he was smart not to take that trip. I do agree with you that no-one outside the US should count on help from inside the US especially in a situation such as this. Heck, no-one should even count on help WITHIN the US -- the gov't itself warns us it will take days if anything happens here for them to help us, what do you want in a foreign country???

I've just seen so many be rude to Rebel_Yell2 when all he is doing is trying to relay his experiences, and feelings, I just don't think it's called for.

[rebel_yell2]

So much for Pax Americana, according to you.
The U.S. is so much better than your opinion.

[Iwo Jima]

I think that the Iwo Jima is en route to protect and serve our country. If they can pick up some stranded Americans without jeopardizing their mission, I guess that they will. But they shouldn't have to. Not one single serviceman should have to risk his/her life or be deterred from their true function by acting as a private security force for wayward individuals. It's not the function of the military, although they will do it when they can.

[publana]

I have tried to hold my tongue on this thread, but you have to be the most incredibly ignorant and immature person I've had the misfortune to see post on FR. I suspect you are a dim in disguise. If not, I hope your don't voice your opinions locally because you are giving a black eye to conservatives. :/

[PghBaldy]

I've seen them also. I've read several articles about Dearborn recently, and the quoted "Americans" don't seem to understand or care that Hizballah is an enemy of the US.

[CindyDawg]

Who do these people that are angry think they are? They are not guaranteed safety or evacuation. A little gratitude in order here IMO.

[publana]

You are making the false assumption that Jezebel is capable of reading forming a cogent thought. Attempting an explanation to such a person is most likely a waste of energy.

[WestCoastGal]

"My husband is right now in Vladisvostok, our son is in Shenyang, China. My son-in-law travels next week to Vilnius, Lithuania. These are not normal "vacation" destination. "

I hope they get home safe and sound.

I am somewhat disappointed that the French of all people got their citizens out before we even had a plan. I see all the other posts about tough luck, you're on your own..blah blah. But, it never used to be that way, we went to help our citizens in trouble no matter what and we were proud to be Americans.

The only thing I am concerned about is that some of those supposed Leb/Americans are the arabs that support hisbollah and their home state is Michigan according to a report on CNN. I would feel better if they stayed there and went down with the rest of their clan who think it's fun to lob rockets into Israel.

[Clara Lou]

You are the one going on and on about "leaving the protection of the United States." Is it your opinion that Americans shouldn't travel in the world? Your mind is closed. Also, it's very common for nations, including our own, to rescue their citizens when a conflagration like this arises. By the way, where do you get off telling people how "we" feel about anything? Who appointed you as spokesperson for FR (or whoever it is that your "we" represents)?

[Rushmore Rocks]

Believe it or not, we do understand that.

[Iwo Jima]

I agree with you that it is not the function of government to assist me IN THIS COUNTRY for things like Katrina, but it is the function of government at various levels to defend us from invasion and the like IN THIS COUNTRY. If you leave the country, you're on your own, unless you really luck out and the right people just happen to be in the right place at the right time and you can basically hitch a ride.

[Clara Lou]

I hate to bring this up, but you need to ping the person you posted about.

[freedumb2003]

Anyone who goes into an Arab country deserves what happens to them.

There is no compelling reason to help people who do foolish things.

You pays your money and you takes your chances.

[spanalot]

"...worthless bunch of commie B-Crats "

Worth repeating!

[Iwo Jima]

I don't want to get crossways with you while you are in a pickle. I hope that you get to safety soon, and I wish the same for any innocent person who whether through his own fault or not is in danger.

When you get to a safe place, you will have to explain to me what you think that "Pax Americana" means, and no, I don't think that I will agree with it.

But for now, stay safe and get home.

[PghBaldy]

Good post. I hope rebel is evac'ed ASAP. One thing to consider, which I've told relatives of mine when they've travelled abroad: keep some CASH handy. In many places, US Dollars are still considered better than local currency. I read of someone a few years back that a bit of cash helped his egress from some 3rd World country.

[Iwo Jima]

It is not for me to say if Americans should travel in the world or not. Travel if you want to, but don't expect me (which means the taxpayers) to pay for it, and that includes rescuing you from any harm that should befall you in a foreign land.

You are free to do lots of things that may or may not be wise or may unexpectedly turn sour, but then you should bear the responsibility for your actions.

This is traditional American thinking which you denigrate. That's what I mean by "we."

[Iwo Jima]

Good. I'm glad to hear that. Since you are willing to accept that, then I can wholeheartedly wish you all the luck "in the world" in your business ventures.