State Department: Antarctica's Probably Okay
The State Department has issued a new, less helpful, round of warnings for Americans considering travelling outside CONUS:
The warning did not list countries, nor did department officials offer any additional specifics about threats. The statement said "current information" indicates that al Qaeda and affiliated terrorist groups are planning attacks against U.S. interests in "multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East."
The short version: everyplace with funny-talkin' furriners and no NASCAR is dangerous.
The targets could include places where Americans meet or visit, such as residential areas, hotels and restaurants, as well as places of worship, schools, clubs, business offices and public areas, the caution said. It also noted that "demonstrations and rioting" can occur with little or no warning.
The short version: Everything you do in the weird furrin' place makes you a target.
I know that the State Department has been getting shorted the last few years, but even with a shrunken budget isn't there anyone at State who can devise a more helpful warning than, "don't go anywhere, and don't do anything when you're there"?
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They should give some useful
They should give some useful advice, like "stay away from targets like the big Holiday Inn, the sports bar, and the consulate."
N,
N,
See? THAT's the kind of warning folks can use. Maybe other stuff like, don't wear your 'USA Love it or Leave it' t-shirt; lose 30 pounds; and leave your sweatpants at home would be helpful as well.
And you know, I noticed the absence of alot of regions from that list. Myself, I'd rather spend a night in the seediest dive in Kreuzberg than the seediest dive in, say, Bogata. Or Hartford, for that matter.
Nothin' wrong with Bogota, as
Nothin' wrong with Bogota, as long as you're cool (I got fambly there).
What about advice like, Do get into voluble discussions of politics and foreign policy in well-lighted student bars. Don't use your "outdoor voice" to criticize your host nation in a poorly-lit seraglio.
GL, the way I see it,
GL, the way I see it, soldiers don't walk around in bright colors when abroad, and neither should I.
Other advice might include:
Other advice might include: Don't call people "Jap" in Korea, don't make snide comments about French martial valour in Paris, or - anywhere - say, "We've got the bomb so why don't you all just STFU."
NDR, I agree completely. When I was in England, I made a conscious effort to blend in as much as was reasonable. I didn't wear athletic shoes, jeans and NBA jerseys. Playing "spot the American tourist" is an international sport, but several people I talked to told me they were surprised when they heard my accent.
On the other hand, once I was in a conversation, I didn't make any particular effort to apologize for the actions of my government or nation.