Have you ever been in jail in a foreign country? Ever been fooked up so bad you've couldn't move without shitting yourself? Ever been Dead in a foreign country? Who takes care of you? Who even knows your dead? Or alive?

Sadly, in this regard the USA is like the UK. Under only rare circumstances will US State Dept. step up to help ... and would most likely bill you for getting you out. Nothing new there.

Nowadays with the Bush/Cheney invented Homeland Gestapo, you can end up on a
"No Fly" list just for visiting certain countries. And here's the kicker: You can't even find out if you're on said "list" or do anything to plead your case or get off the list. "No Fly" means essentially they bring in the FBI and hold you as long as they like anytime you attempt to board a plane or cross a border. Welcome to America. Land of the Free.

I'm hoping Obama can eventually reverse some of these despicable Bush/Cheney policies implemented to spread fear on a so-called "war on terror", while suspending basic constitutional rights.

The sad fact is, there are too many idiots getting into situations they have no business in. This is no doubt the reason the French are instituting this policy. Truly stupid and reckless, irresponsible people should pay their way out, IMHO.

But if someone is in jail on some BS charge (very common) or in hospital somewhere from an accident, or a political prisoner, then this, to me, is when your home Govt. should step up and do the right thing. Re-patriate free of charge. Of course all has to be on a case by case basis. Drug dealer? ah, sorry.

Having dealt with dead bodies in Bolivia and jailed folks in Colombia and Argentina, I can tell you that help from US State Dept. officials was welcomed.

But don't ever count on the US to help you out unless you have certain connections. Be careful out there folks.