Reactions

In my last post I discussed an MSNBC article about a girl here in the dorms who is very upset. Well, more of the press has descended upon Beirut, and just about everyone I know has seen an interview or been contacted by the press. I took part in an interview with several other girls with NBC, and other have talked to FOX News and are trying to contact the BBC. While this seems a little funny to me in some small ways, in another I'm hoping it pressures the State Department and Defense Department to act quickly.

At dinner I talked to some other people in our program, and they did express frustration with the school for making predictions about how the conflict would blow over in a few days. I think they felt they should have been told to leave sooner and not wait for the evacuation. My feeling is that the people in charge made statements based on previous experience, and this situation is unprecedented. There was no way to predict this war, and I just wanted to restate that.

Also in the previous post I discussed being charged for my evacuation by the government. I read the notice again, and I think the wording is extremely vague, so I will just post it here and not make more brash comments about how awful the government is. Instead, I promise to carefully think through every reason why I am upset with the government.

"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 the trip directly handled by the U.S. Government, Americans will be asked to sign a promissory note and will be billed at a later date. The U.S. Embassy will release additional information as it becomes available to include specific details about the transportation arrangements and the costs travelers will incur. We will also work with commercial aircraft to ensure adequate flights are available to help Americans depart Cyprus and connect to their final destination. The Department of State continues to work around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens."