Let's take a poll. How many Freepers have EVER registered with the U.S. State Dept when traveling abroad?
Aren't these two statements contradictory? How is the US government supposed to know you're there if you don't register? You're blaming the State Dept. for not registering or communicating with you, but how can they do that if they don't know *who* or *where* you are?
I'm way behind in the latest news about your plight, but I'm also just a little confused about your words.
r_y2 obviously feels that all Embassy personnel should be equipped with a crystal ball so that they are aware of each and every American citizen visiting their country so that they can contact that citizen if anything happens which might necessitate contact.
Either that or he is advocating for a global surveillance system which would immediately index your passport number the minute you clear customs in your chosen destination and forward it and all your personal information, including local contact information, to the Embassy.
Frankly, I don't normally visit the Embassy or Consulate when I am in Europe or Asia but when I go to Africa or Jordan or Lebanon or Cyprus or Dubai (particularly since 9/11), I do usually register. As a former military dependent, I appreciate having the United States know where I am under those circumstances.
One, people don't register.
Two, when they try, State screws it up.
Please read the whole thread. It has been a long week.
It's a fraud.