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.

[fatima]

Prayer for refugees and victims of war
Lord God,
no one is a stranger to you
and no one is ever far from your loving care.
In your kindness, watch over refugees and victims of war,
those separated from their loved ones,
young people who are lost,
and those who have left home or who have run away from home.
Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be
and help us always to show your kindness
to strangers and to all in need
Grant this through Christ our Lord.

[BykrBayb]

Were her false accusations out of character? Was her attempt to start another of her famous flame wars out of character? I've only been the subject of her vitriole for a couple years or so. I'm sure you know her better than I.

[blu]

So, you were saying about being told you were going to burn in hell? Did I miss that post?

[twigs]

Thank you. That is very well-written. I'm absolutely appalled that someone would publicly accuse someone of whom they know nothing that they are a fraud. We need to encourage RY2 home. If anyone has something to say to him, then they can do it then. And privately. What I have read on this thread is inexcusable and an embarassment to FR.

[BykrBayb]

I guess you did.

[twigs]

It is fear--well-placed fear--that I see in RY2. I'm seeing plenty of arrogance too, but not with him.

[twigs]

Was her attempt to start another of her famous flame wars out of character? I've only been the subject of her vitriole for a couple years or so.

What are you talking about? I've known Peach on FR for years and have never seen any evidence of what you're talking about. She's one of the most faithful and encouraging people here!

[cannonball]

Your husband and I think along the same lines.

[BykrBayb]

Why is it that whenever certain FReepers show up on a thread, everyone else disappears? Why is everyone so afraid to express an opinion contrary to that of the YaYa Sisterhood? Anyone courageous enough to answer?

[twigs]

Thank you. We need a lot more prayer and faith here!

[BykrBayb]

Right. And it's just a coincidence that everyone's afraid to post an opinion contrary to hers in her presence. Where did everybody go? Is that crickets I hear?

[girlscout]

Amen

[fatima]

twigs,We do have a prayer thread going on the Religious forum for many who are trying to get out.

[Recovering_Democrat]

Quagmire! Quagmire! < \John Murtha>

[twigs]

I have disagreed with Peach my fair share over the years. But if anything, she's bent over backgrounds to be accommodating and gracious is our disagreements. I find her incredibly respectful of dissent. But the tone of dissent is critically important, especially on the internet. Respect and tolerance--the kind that allows reasonable disagreement--is not always easy to come by. Peach does it well, IMHO.

[twigs]

I doubt that RY2 is shouting quagmire over our involvement in the Middle East. But I am reasonably sure that from his birds' eye view, it looks very much like one. His perspection will change when he changes locations.

[BykrBayb]

Is that why she accuses me of not being a Christian whenever she finds me on a thread that interests her? Is that why she tries to start flame wars with people who haven't provoked her? Is that why everybody disappears when she shows up? Look around this thread. They scattered to the winds. It happens frequently. Haven't you noticed?

[conservative in nyc]

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.

[Clara Lou]

And it's just a coincidence that everyone's afraid to post an opinion contrary to hers in her presence.
Did you ever consider the possibility that many, many people agree with her on numerous issues? Or that she is consistently able to support her positions with links? Or that perhaps she states her opinions in a way that people do not feel the need to respond confrontationally?

[BykrBayb]

I've considered that fact that this was a lively thread, until she showed up, and tried to start a flame war. Looks like she succeeded. I'm here getting flamed, and everybody else has disappeared. I've lost count of how many times that's happened. Sure, she has a close circle of friends that she can count out to fight her battles for her. But everyone else avoids her like the plague.