"Life is getting hard if you are a US citizen and like to travel."
"Indeed. Not many out there who like Americans. And that is really not fair. I mean American people are nice, easy to get on with, it's this administration..."
"But this administration was popularly elected."
"Yes, but by those Americans who never travel abroad. They think a vacation means taking a flight within the US and since the country is so huge you know it is doable." "What ever do you mean?"
"Well, if you are in Pakistan you can either go to the hills in summer or go to the south in winters. The choice is kinda limited. But if you are in America they have such diverse terrain and so many, many places to see that one could go on for decades without feeling the need to go to a different country to see something new."
"I guess but now those few Americans who do travel have been issued a travel advisory."
"Is it country specific?" "Nope. Just says current information indicates that al Qaeda and affiliated terrorist groups are planning attacks against US interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East."
"Does that include Australia?"
"Probably the State Department lumped that country with Asia."
"That means all over the world except the continent of America. So South America, Canada are safe for Americans."
"Well, there is Cuba, then there is banditry in several South American countries, then there are the rebels, the drug lords..."
"OK, OK so all over the world really."
"Yep. The statement says that US citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security."
"What does that mean?"
"That means if anything happens to Americans anywhere in the world their government can say they had issued the warning and that it is their fault that they went against the advice of their government."
"What about US soldiers in Iraq?"
"That's an occupational hazard. Acceptable to this administration I believe!"
"Ah yes. But what does Bush want Americans to do. Sit at home?"
"No, I guess to that he will say don't let the terrorists rule your lives."
"And yet this blanket terrorist threat..."
"Yes that he probably considers is sufficient unto itself to absolve the government just in case, though what governments mean by vigilant is anybody's guess."
"I know some very suspicious looking characters..."
"What is good for the goose many not be for the gander."
"Whatever do you mean?"
"Well, Maulana Fazlur Rehman is good for the goose, but the gander sent him packing."
"Ah yes."