My opinion is that when you're visiting a foreign country, you must make sure you are aware of most, if not all the possible dangers. Prepare
yourself (mentally and financially) for this possibility.
The fact that Hezbollah operates within this country alone makes the situation unpredictable. Always expect the worst case scenario. If the sun did
not rise once 10 years ago, there's a possiblity it might not rise tomorrow, even though it has been rising for the past 10 years without a hitch.
Basically if the region was unstable once before (especially relatively recently), if the region is still home to a terrorist group, the chances of
unrest are pretty good. It's like living next to a Volcano. It can errupt tomorrow, or errupt 1000 years from now. One thing you can count on is that
you can't really predict it, and that it will happen. When it does, take responsibility for the fact that you chose to live under/visit a Volcano.
Maybe a horrible analogy, but it illustrates my point somehow.
This is why I sometimes find it difficult to pitty people who live in regions prone to yearly Tornadoes, Hurricanes, or flood zones. Every single year
you've got the same areas being destroyed by high winds, or flooded, yet people continue to build there!
Always try to be as self-reliant as possible. You're doing a disservice to yourself by counting on someone else (including the Government, no matter
how much you pay in taxes a year) to save you. You might pay $50,000 for a car to take you across the country, but despite the money you just paid,
you know there's that risk that it might break down in the middle of nowhere. It is a harsh reality, but I think we all should be aware of the fact
that crap happens, and that help doesn't always come through when you need it most. This is why being self-reliant can save you. Know what you're
getting yourself into. Bring that spare tire, the emergency sattelite phone,...and extra cash for repairs.
When I first heard that they would charge for evacuation (though now I hear it is voluntary, and even if you choose to pay, you can pay it at a
conveniant time to you), I admitt, I was a little outraged. Then I started thinking about it. The Government is paying for so many programs already,
maybe the budget simply couldn't handle financing the full fee of a Cruise Ship fare for 25,000 U.S. evacuees in such a short amount of time. Asking
for $150 and financing the rest of that fee themselves isn't such a bad deal. Now to even waive that fee completely for those who choose not to
pay,...well,.... that's pretty good! I read that American citizens can even bring someone close to them with them. I hope I didn't mis-read that.
We give priority to U.S. citizens but will consider departure assistance to Legal Permanent Residents accompanying a U.S. citizen immediate family
member. One guardian may accompany an American citizen minor, even if that guardian is not an American," a statement said. The statement also said
pets would not be evacuated.
MSNBC
So the lesson here is,.... Be responsible enough to realize the risks of the actions you are about to take. Don't count (though it is a nice thought)
on having the luxury of someone else (including the Govnernment) to save you if something bad happens after you took the action. Be thankful you were
fortunate enough to have someone come to your help, though it may be for a small fee. Not everyone is so lucky. Just my 'mean' opinion I guess.
