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.

[Peach]

Just checking the ID's is probably a nightmare. And now that we're paying the full freight, what do you want to bet that people who aren't American will try and get a free ride to the US just to get out of there and then pay for a flight to their home country later.

[Peach]

You must have a better memory of names than I do because I never remember freeper names. There are about 10 names I remember and that's about it.

All sorts of freepers on various threads say things like "hi, long time no see" and I'm thinking "did I EVER see you?" LOL

[FJ290]

Please stop all of the personal attacks

Rebel_yell2 needs our support and prayers right now, not to read a series of attacks of him and other FReepers. Put yourself in his shoes - I know I'd be pretty frustrated too if I were stuck in a war zone for a week with little sleep and had to deal with any bureaucracy to get out. Heck, most of us hate going to the state motor vehicles office on a good day, and it's not a good day to be in Beirut.Please think before posting. Many are going to be regretting their posts in hindsight.

Amen, thanks for the voice of reason.

[Peach]

When you say that someone is damned, it doesn't mean they're damned. Got it?

Uh, not really. And I doubt 1 person in 100 does, but that's okay.

[petitfour]

Maybe they should put up an itinerary for everyone to see that would allow everyone to plan their next moves in advance. Maps would be helpful.

[BykrBayb]

Most people mean what they say. You're a rarity.

[Peach]

That would have been a great idea. It must have been frustrating, and maybe still is, not to know when (or if) one is going to be taken out of a war zone.

[MarMema]

The State Department IS a bunch of bumbling fools. Where the heck have you been that you don't know this? And it's simply a fact that France has rescued far more citizens than America has rescued. A LOT of people aren't pleased that Israel closed the port and made rescue efforts more difficult; but to characterize this freeper the way he's been characterized is disgusting and dishonest.

Thank you!!

[Peach]

I was just reading another thread and an American citizen (who was named in the interview) said many of the same things Rebel was saying.

The person was saying that once he got through to the State Department (which was no easy task) he'd get someone on the phone and ask questions and they didn't know the answers to his questions and would just say "I don't know".

Now, how about telling people that they'll call back. Or that they are getting a lot of similar questions and will post a message with answers on their web site. Come on State - this is the technology age for crying out loud.

It's unacceptable. You and I with one hand tied behind our back could have handled the computer/phone inquiries better.

[blu]

You've taken a thread about the ME Rescue, and turned it into your own personal rant. Hush now.

[petitfour]

I was NOT serious.

[BykrBayb]

Have I? Are you suggesting that I shouldn't respond posts addressed to me? I tried to stay on topic, but the people I was chatting with scattered. Hmmm...

[Peach]

Since the news media have been reporting which ships are where and where they'll be arriving and when, I don't think that maps would be out of the question.

Now, if the news media wasn't reporting what they were reporting, I'd understand your point a little better.

[Conservababe]

I will tell you right to your face. I am hitting the abuse button to complain that you are being disruptive to this thread with your personal comments.

[DvdMom]

I went back & checked the posts rebel_yell2 posted .

It's easy for all of us to do .

What upset me is alot of freepers where making WRONG assumpations that he was on vacation , & that HE DESERVES being STUCK there.

I was DISGUSTED by the meaness of some people .

If rebel_yell2 stated he hates Israel & the Usa he would have been banned ASAP !

if you read his Actual Comments he is frustated by the blockade understandbly so.

rebel_YELL2 actually POSTED & stated he hates hizoblah , & WANTS Iran & Syria to be CUT off at it's HEAD !

So why is he being blamed for hating Syria & the Usa ??????

[MarMema]

he'd get someone on the phone and ask questions and they didn't know the answers to his questions and would just say "I don't know".

I had a similar experience while overseas with another issue. Lots of frustrations and lost time and money because of their ineptitude.

[BykrBayb]

I'm not surprised. That's how the game is played. There is an unwritten rule that whenever certain freepers show up on a thread, everyone who disagrees with them must either change their opinion, leave, or be flamed. Everyone else scattered. I stayed, and took the flame. I know from experience that part of the game is for several flamers to hit the abuse button on their target. Go for it. If I get banned for standing up for America, our military, our allies, and God, then this isn't the place for me anyway.

[MarMema]

I don't know where that stuff comes from either. I have been reading his posts for days and days. I never saw anything that made me feel anything but sympathy and concern for him.

[Admin Moderator]

Knock it off!

[Conservababe]

I have been on FR for eight years and I have never been in a clique or inner circle.