[kharms]

"I could have called the US embassy, but from past experience I knew their help was often useless, and occasionally even harmful."

This was an interesting throw away. I wonder what his experience was.

[jrockway]

His other article is about how to never call 911 if you see someone injured because you'll get arrested.

Good reading material, but I'm probably going to call the embassy (and 911).

[nommm-nommm]

The author was being a total dick in that other story so his conclusion was incorrect.

At the very least its very impolite to hang around and gaggle at a police investigation or someone getting aid from the EMS. At that point you are only getting in the way.

I've never personally gotten assistance from a US Embassy but I know people who have and they were genuinely helpful.