@phase @gshevlin True - if they were contractors for the US, should have been evac'd with the embassy staff (I would hope). If they were private contractors.... well, that's why they get those big hazard bonuses.

IMO, those hazard bonuses should be turned over to any troops that have to be put in harms way to get 'em out, but that'd never happen. Let alone the slippery slope argument of how that would make troops more akin to mercs.

@phase @gshevlin US Government has actually had a level 4 (Do Not Travel) security notice in place for Afghanistan since at LEAST April 27th. The "actions to take" section at the link below lays it all out, imo.

https://www.osac.gov/Content/Report/ef07a947-efbe-444d-9c8e-1b734bc0c53c

@MrGoat "Flu shot has entered the chat."

@MrGoat I would agree that getting folks out should be a priority - but needs to be balanced with the risk to our troops. If there are remaining US civilians there, their freedom to travel where they like also comes with the responsibility to enjoy the consequences of that choice. And if you're putting our troops lives at risk for your poor decision, I have little sympathy. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes, as the saying goes.

@vladamjensen Uh, you mean like this? And I think you've misinterpreted the concept leadership. Leaders are responsible for ALL of their troops.... including those that the special snowflakes that aren't vaxxed impact through their action (or in this case, inaction).

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/pentagon-to-require-troops-to-get-covid-vaccines-asap/ar-AANJElE

@0x56 I think it's because the Pfizer vaccine is now approved, and they ran out of anti-vax stuff to complain about. Cue the shift to international affairs and military strategist, with a sprinkling of anti-mask warrior!

@MrGoat Not sure what argument you're trying to make. The US State Dept has listed Afghanistan at a level 4 "Do Not Travel" status since before April 27 of this year. It's great to want to help others - but when you put others lives at risk when you need to be extracted, my sympathy meter isn't exactly overflowing.

https://www.osac.gov/Content/Report/ef07a947-efbe-444d-9c8e-1b734bc0c53c

Well done sir, well done indeed.

FML. School starts next week, and our county (in one of the "good" states) is now at the highest case level of the pandemic. Wife's pretty adamant about the kids going, even though remote is an option. Our youngest can't get the jab yet, and I'm terrified of them or one of their vaxxed siblings bringing it into the house. Maybe if I enlist one of our lawyer friends to come by and update our wills, that'll emphasize my level of concern. :(

@th3j35t3r https://youtu.be/JRpouK0KmWQ

@Qbae More people should wear dresses. The reduction of groin sweat and swamp ass syndrome alone make great selling points!

Biggest issue for me? None of our daughter's dresses would fit, and I'd have to get out of my PJ's. 😜

@SteppinRazor

North: Tossup between Shannon, IE; Hamburg, GE; and Warsaw, PL
East: Auckland, NZ
South: Auckland, NZ
West: Hickam AFB, HI

Current read: "Weapons of Math Destruction," by Cathy O'Neil. I first started it towards the end of 2019, but put it down as the COVID wildfire took off. Recently started it fresh and it's been well worth it. Not a terribly long read - review below.

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/roots-of-unity/review-weapons-of-math-destruction/

💯
https://twitter.com/eschapman/status/1428441168925298700

🤔 Mebbe they were on to something.... 🤔

https://twitter.com/TweetsofOld/status/1370803692182589442

@mcfate Uh, who said anything about an Android phone? No offense, but it seems like you've got your knickers in a twist about this and want to argue.

I don't - have a good weekend, friend.