The State Department has been busy lately, and they have a big job on their hands. More than 36,000 Americans have already made their way back from the Middle East, thanks in part to a task force dedicated to bringing folks home safely. They’re working around the clock, which is commendable. However, just like anything with the government, there’s always a bit of a bureaucratic headache attached. It turns out more than half of those looking for State Department help didn’t accept it—instead opting to take their chances on their own or preferring a different option. Go figure.

Now, they’ve raised their travel advisory for Southeast Turkey. This feels like a game of international whack-a-mole where every time you think you’ve got everything covered, another problem pops up. Maybe if someone had been nominated to fill ambassador posts in more Middle Eastern countries, there would be less of a scramble. Right now, it seems we’re batting under 50% with only six out of the 14 warned-about countries sporting a confirmed ambassador. Is it any surprise people have raised their eyebrows about this?

Adding some fuel to the fire, a group of eight Democrat senators has criticized the State Department’s reaction speed, suggesting decisions have been made abruptly and without sufficient planning. They’re pointing fingers, suggesting the Department was caught off guard, like a startled groundhog emerging to see its shadow and proclaiming six more weeks of winter unpreparedness. The official response touts pre-existing contingency plans and the relentless work of a 24/7 task force. That’s a lot of hours logged, a lot of tired faces. But it’s still not enough to quiet the critics.

There’s also an amusing irony in the numbers. They’ve chartered about two dozen flights, but a significant minority of Americans have stubbornly turned down these government lifeboats. Maybe they like their chances or the idea of sticking it out until the storm clears on its own terms. Americans have always liked to carve their own path, even when it means staying put in a potentially chaotic situation. It’s fascinating how even in a crisis, the spirit of independence and self-reliance doesn’t waver.

Lastly, the State Department is offering safety advice for those heartily braving it out there—a reminder to register at various government websites. They’re practically rolling out the red carpet for those willing to come home. They have numbers to call, forms to fill, and websites to peruse. It’s quite a contrast, really. On one hand, they’re reminding Americans to register like it’s a political campaign push, while on the other, wincing through Democrat critiques like a boxer trying to stay standing after a one-two punch. But, in the end, bless them, they’re doing what they can to ensure Americans have the resources necessary to make informed decisions, whether those include returning home or enjoying yet another layer of Middle Eastern complexity.