This is why so many people in this country hate President Bush and his administration. American citizens in Lebanon are going to be required to pay for their own evacuation.
"The Department of State reminds American citizens that the U.S. government does not provide no-cost transportation but does have the authority to provide repatriation loans to those in financial need. For the portion of your trip directly handled by the U.S. Government we will ask you to sign a promissory note and we will bill you at a later date." - The U.S. Embassy in Beirut
I wish for once someone in the administration would think about these things on a common sense level.
There was a story on dateline nbc or something where a girl's husband was killed on a cruise ship and the cruiseline billed her for expenses she incurred while they were trying to figure out how the husband died. Everyone is out to make a buck.
ReplyDeleteIt is not the government's job to get these people home at taxpayer's expense.
ReplyDeleteHowever,
It is the government's job to protect its citizens and assist them in attaining safety during an international conflict.
Brian, who determines what the government's job is? The government? If it isn't then I think it should be considered part of protecting U.S. citizens to ensure their safety during wartime. And to pay for it. A huge part of the government's job and the president's job is to instill confidence in the country. The Bush Administration refuses to consider "what will the public think" when they make decisions like this.
ReplyDeleteMike, I think that bitch was banging the ship's captain or something and that's why her husband jumped overboard. Or at least that's what Geraldo said.
Paul,
ReplyDeleteWe can agree to disagree. The government should help the citizens leave safely. But, getting from the military safety point to US soil is a financial responsibility of the individual.
It's not as if they will get charged for flying in Tomahawk helicopters with our military, but who will be charged for the flight home on El-Al Airlines?? I hope its the international traveler.