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Lebanon WTF

Posted 21 Jul 2006 in stupidity, terrorism, war

What the hell is going on with Americans taking their vacations in Lebanon? There are, I shit you not, about 25,000 Americans who have registered for evactuation from Beirut. Do these people not own a television nor read the newspaper? Yeah, yeah, I realize that some of them have family there. But seriously, why would you say “Honey, I’ve got it! Instead of Orlando, let’s pack up the kids and go to sunny Beirut this year!”

Um, hello, McFly?

IT’S. A. WAR. ZONE.

I don’t know how many of these Americans live there vs. were just visiting. But either way, being over there right now is definitely not grounds for admission to Mensa.

The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issues travel warnings for Americans who wish to travel abroad, this one was from back in May 2, 2006:

This Travel Warning updates information on threats to American citizens and interests in Lebanon. It supersedes the Travel Warning for Lebanon issued November 7, 2005.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to carefully weigh the necessity of their travel to Lebanon in light of the risks noted below. U.S. citizens in Lebanon are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Beirut where they may also obtain updated information on travel and security in Lebanon. See registration details below.

Recent events in Lebanon underscore the need for caution and sound personal security precautions. Former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri was assassinated on February 14, 2005 in a car bomb attack in which at least 22 other people were killed and many others seriously wounded; the potential for violence remains. Since March 2005, there have been 13 separate bombings in Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and injuries to more than 100 others.

Historically, Americans have been the targets of numerous terrorist attacks in Lebanon. The perpetrators of many of these attacks are still present and retain the ability to act. American citizens should thus keep a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel. Americans should also pay close attention to their personal security at locations where Westerners are generally known to congregate, and should avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.

U.S. citizens who travel to Lebanon despite this Travel Warning should exercise heightened caution when traveling in parts of the southern suburbs of Beirut, portions of the Bekaa Valley and South Lebanon, and the cities of Sidon and Tripoli. Hizballah has not been disarmed, it maintains a strong presence in many of these areas, and there is the potential for action by other extremist groups in Tripoli.

There were also previous warnings issued on July 13th and again on July 19th, so it’s not like the Americans over there had no clue about the danger they were walking into.

And now, they’re wanting the U.S. government to evacuate them from Lebanon. And they’re bitching about how long it’s taking. And they’re wanting American taxpayers to pay for it. And, sadly, our elected representatives are cowing to pressure and are pulling out the nation’s checkbook to cover the tab.

US forced to waive Beirut evacuation fees
BEIRUT — The US government has backed down from billing evacuees from the besieged city of Beirut for their helicopter flights to safety.

On Tuesday, US military helicopters began shuttling people in groups of 30 from the US embassy, and the State Department said the evacuees would be asked to pay “the going commercial rate for transport out,” or about $150, the New York Daily News reported on Wednesday.

While White House spokesman Tony Snow said a 2003 law requires the reimbursement for rescues and assistant secretary of state Maura Harty said no one would be denied boarding “because they left their checkbook or credit card behind,” the policy met with widespread criticism in the United States and elsewhere.

Sheesh.

Of course, I want my fellow countrymen to get back home safe. But I don’t think I should have to pay for their poor decision-making. Sure, put ‘em on a specially-chartered ship or plane or something and get them home safely. But send ‘em the bill for it after the fact. Or let generous Americans dig deep into their pockets and contribute to a special evacuation fund. But leave tax dollars outta this. If nothing else, make sure those who went to Lebanon since the start of the fighting get to pay their own way to get home. If people are gonna be stupid enough to knowingly enter a war zone, it should come at a price. To THEM. Think of it as a tax on stupidity.

Posted by FullMetalPatriot
12th gen. American, Constitutionalist, Harley-riding Texan, gun owner & NRA member, blogger, illustrator, Florida Gator alumnus. #TCOT

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