[John Valentine]

I've spent 90 percent of my adult life living and working in a number of dicy spots around the world. I got to each and every one of them entirely without the help of the State Department, and if anything had gone South in any of theose palces, and they very nearly did, any number of times, I would not have expected much help getting out.

I always had my own plan well in mind and prepared.

Contrary to your view, it is NOT the US government's job to get US citizens out of the jams they have gotten themselves into overseas, and that includes the present situation in Lebanon.

Now, in point of fact, the US government will take extraordinary measures to try to help get folk out. In the present situation the options are limited, but I'm very sure they are trying to figure some way to get folks out as quickly and as safely as possible under the circumstances.

You, on the other hand, are a pure ingrate, expecting perfection where you have no right to expect anyting at all.

[HiTech RedNeck]

if perfection = following through on an apparent promise, then and only then is ry2 being unreasonable

[burzum]

You, on the other hand, are a pure ingrate, expecting perfection where you have no right to expect anyting at all.

You are completely out of line!

Discuss this in 2 weeks. Not when a Freeper civilian is trapped in a war zone.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Mr. Valentine, you seem to be stuck up and boastful. Why exactly did you travel to high risk places? And while rebel_yell 2 could be slamming the State Department a bit too hard, he still is the one stuck there (and from his posts it does not seem that he traveled to Lebanon with the intent of going to a dangerous place).

[rebel_yell2]

Your post speaks volumes about your character.

[ReignOfError]

Contrary to your view, it is NOT the US government's job to get US citizens out of the jams they have gotten themselves into overseas, and that includes the present situation in Lebanon.

Au contraire. The people furthering US interests abroad aren't limited to those in the armed forces. Folks engaging in commerce and culture and even tourism are helping to spread the US message, especially in countries struggling to get to their feet (as Lebanon has been) that might slide back in to chaos (as Lebanon has recently done).

It is in the national interest of the US that people do that work. And it is in our national interest that more people will be willing to do so, knowing that their government will do everything feasible to protect their safety and remove them from harm. It is not merely an act of benevolence, but a matter of national interest to encourage and protect the efforts of private U.S. citizens abroad.

[Tammy8]

I totally agree with you. Great post.

[Dave S]

You, on the other hand, are a pure ingrate, expecting perfection where you have no right to expect anyting at all.

What do you expect from someone travelling under the protection of the UN. OXymoron that is!

[berdie]

Well said. And I can't add to it..except for one thought..We Americans expect "instant"..Instant everything..and watching movies or t.v...everything is solved in scripted two hours. This is not a movie..real life here. How many people in war torn countries have not been able to escape? My heart goes to those trapped in a war torn area. Some people cannot refugee..I realize that. But as in Katrina, some could have left. As in Lebanon, some could have not gone. Hope you will excuse my levity, but think I'll go to the Grand Canyon instead.