18 Jul Hope You’re Not Too Scared to Sign Your Name (Updated)
The Bush administration plans on asking Congress for another $110 billion to finance its Iraq fiasco, which would bring the total spent on Iraq to more than $400 billion.
But don’t expect it to help Americans get out of Lebanon. What, you think the U.S. is made of money?
Lebanon Situation Update – July 15, 2006
July 15, 2006This information is current as of today, Sat Jul 15 12:20:12 2006.
A message to the American citizens in Lebanon:
The Department of State continues to work with the Department of Defense on a plan to help American citizens depart Lebanon. As of the morning of July 15, we are looking at how we might transport Americans to Cyprus. Once in Cyprus, Americans can then board commercial aircraft for onward travel. Commercial airlines provide the safest and most efficient repatriation options to final destinations.
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. In a subsequent message, when we have specific details about the transporation arrangments, we will inform you about the costs you will incur. We will also work with commercial aircraft to ensure that they have adequate flights to help you depart Cyprus and connect to your final destination.
The Department of State continues to work around the clock and will continue to send updates as appropriate.
Hat-Tip: Bring It On!
UPDATE: In a story on the evacuation, which may involve up to 15,000 American citizens, the AP offers up this gem from a State Department spokesman: “McCormack said the cost of a massive evacuation was beyond U.S. resources.”
UPDATE 2: The U.S. will also charge you — or in this case, your family — for transportation out of Lebanon if you’re dead.
UPDATE 3: In stark contrast, “All costs related to the evacuation of Canadians citizens from Lebanon will be borne by the Government of Canada.”
“But don’t expect it to help Americans get out of Lebanon. What, you think the U.S. is made of money?”
You’re being disingenuous. The statement you quote didn’t say the govt won’t help, it simply notes the govt will look to the people aided for ultimate payment. So? I don’t get your sense of outrage. Since when is the U.S. govt in the business of providing free travel to its citizens?
When their lives are in danger and they need to be evacuated from a freakin war zone.
Una, you don’t get it do you? Read the freakin’ post again. They will be evacuated. By the U.S. govt. But they will then have to reimburse for the cost at some point.
It maybe a warzone, but the U.S. govt didn’t put them there. Why is everything the taxpayer’s responsibility?