posted on January 26, 2003 09:56:13 PM new
Benjamin Franklin
This edition of the United States passport honors both Dr. Benjamin Franklin, perhaps our most distinguished early diplomat, and the bicentennial anniversary of the U.S. Consular Service. Dr. Franklin's outstanding accomplishments are closely interwoven into the early history of the Consular Service.
One of history's great renaissance persons, Benjamin Franklin had distinguished parallel careers as an author, journalist, scientist, inventor, political philosopher and statesman. Few persons throughout the past two thousand years have made more lasting contributions to western civilization. As United States Minister to France during the Revolutionary War, Dr. Franklin was instrumental in securing vital continental European support for the fledgling American republic.
Dr. Franklin also performed the duties of a U.S. Consular Officer, issuing passports and providing services to the citizens of the new American republic who were travelling abroad. In an effort to gain assistance with this critical work, and in recognition of the need for knowledgable U.S. businessmen to oversee our commercial interests abroad, Dr. Franklin continuosly lobbied the Congress for the appointment to France of Consuls and Vice Consuls. To that end, Dr. Franklin and Charles Graves, the French foreign minister, signed a consular convention on July 29, 1784.
Continuing in the tradition of Dr. Franklin, United States consular officers have a distinguished 200 year history of providing aid to Americans located in the farthest reaches of the world. Please be assured that you will find a welcoming beacon wherever the U.S. flag flies abroad.
posted on January 26, 2003 10:03:59 PM new
Oh come on TheJerk! That's all interesting and stuff, but why don't you tell us what your diary says or something funner?
posted on January 26, 2003 10:07:39 PM new
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
TREASURY As of mid-1992, the purchase or importation of Cuban, North Korean, Vietnamese, Libyan, Iraqi, or Yugoslav (Serbian and Montenegrin) goods or services, are generally prohibited, except for informational materials and limited goods imported directly as accompanied baggage. Transactions related to travel in or to Cuba, Libya, or Iraq are generally prohibited. For current restrictions and licensing information, write the Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Department of the Treasury, Washington, D.C. 20220, or call (202) 622-2490
AGRICULTURE
Your reentry into the United States will be speeded if you bring with you NO foreign meant, or other animal products, birds, animals fruits, vegetables, plants, soil, or other agricultural items. It is unlawful to import foreign agricultural items without permission since they may carry destructive plant or animal pests and diseases. For specific information, write "Quarantines" PPQ, APHIS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782.
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE All U.S. citizens working and residing overseas are required to file and report on their worldwide income. See IRS Publication 54 for an explanation of filing requirements and benefits.
THIS PASSPORT IS PROPERTY OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT. IT MUST BE SURRENDERED UPON DEMAND MADE BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT.
LOSS, THEFT OR DESTRUCTION OF PASSPORT should be reported immediately to local police authorities and to the Passport Services, Washington, D.C. 20520, or, if overseas, to the nearest American embassy or consulate. Your passport is a valuable citizenship and identity document. It should be carefully safeguarded. Its loss could cause you unnecessary travel complications as well as significant expense.
posted on January 26, 2003 10:15:27 PM new
TIPS FOR TRAVELERS
1. Make sure you have a valid passport and visas, if required. In case of an emergency, a relative in the U.S. should have a passport also.
2. Call the State Department's Citizens Emergency Center at (202) 647-5225 for information on the areas to be visited. Stay aware of events in the country you are visiting.
3. Make 2 photocopies of your passport identification page. Leave one copy at home. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen.
4. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so you can be contacted in case of emergency.
5. When traveling in disturbed or remote areas, or residing abroad, you should register and keep in touch with the nearest American embassy or consulate.
6. Do not leave luggage unattended in public areas or accept packages from strangers.
7. Avoid conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unneccessary credit cards.
8. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when exchanging money or purchasing souvenirs.
9. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
10. Contact the nearest U.S. consul if you get into trouble.
posted on January 26, 2003 10:15:49 PM new
Well there goes my plans for next week. I was just going to ask you if you would import some foreign meat from Libya.
