It's very tempting to politicize this event, and of course both sides are chiming in on this note.

I simply won't go there, at least not right now. What's important is to get them money and assistance ASAP. If Bush won't do it, then talk to your Congressmen or Senators to see what they will do if you find this unsatisfactory politically. Let's get some help to them now. We'll have plenty of time to bicker about it later.

___________________
Whence September dusk grows crisper still,
with leaves all crimson conquered,
I yearn to shout,
and dance about,
and stick pickles in my honker...

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS...s.ap/index.html

lol 35 is a starting point not a ending pointbut 3 days is still insane

___________________
David & Carr

quote:

Originally posted by Mensa I'm so amazed...do you know how much $35 million will help all those millions affected by the tsunamis!!!! Why each one can get a slice of bread!!! In all seriousness…I expected Bush to be so nonchalant about this after all this is what Jesus would do right? The man finally speaks 3 days after the tragedy. Funny how most nations condemned 9-11 RIGHT AWAY... But forget that. We hear $35 mill is only the beginning, yet the people who have suffered from the tsunami tragedy need money and supplies now. The greatest risk of death to those who have survived is within the next few days when malaria, cholera, etc set in. What baffles me is...the American government proclaims it is the moral leader of the world. Bush boasts that he "liberated" and helped mitigate the suffering of the Iraqi people Iraq. The US government was adamant in putting up BILLIONS for war, yet when it is time to truly shine and back up their words we get measly 35 million and a few planes. Some bring up the fact that the US gave 2.4 billion in aid last year, but in comparison to the amount of wealth the US has this aid is nothing. We spend the lowest per capita of any industrialized nation when it comes to aid. Well its ok…forget this…as long as I know billions are going to Israel b/c they reaaaallly need it

bush's speeches are always boring and dull.

but, 35 million is just the beginning. 6 billion were given to florida after the hurricanes. but that was domestic. it is unwise to send a huge amount of money immediatly because first u have to find out what u need, who needs it, when they need, how they're going to get, etc. after that is deduced, then u can start sending the money needed.

billions are not coming from america for this tsunami because it is an international front. everybody will chip in and help out. the usa already has enough problems on its agenda. where's is europes help in all this? u say the usa is so wealthy. it is, but europe's currency currently has the highest value in the world. they should be paying the most.

___________________

quote:

Originally posted by Mensa I'm so amazed...do you know how much $35 million will help all those millions affected by the tsunamis!!!! Why each one can get a slice of bread!!!

I love how it is America's categorical and moral imperative to send endless aid and no matter how much we send or help, it will never be enough. Name me one country that is currently doing more. America will end up sending much more, but a lot of the damage has yet to be tallied and it's stupid to just throw gobs of money at a problem when you don't know precisely what is needed and where it is needed the most. 35M is a starting point, and nobody is even asking for a thank you, let alone a scolding rebuke for not being selfless enough.

quote:

In all seriousness…I expected Bush to be so nonchalant about this after all this is what Jesus would do right? The man finally speaks 3 days after the tragedy. Funny how most nations condemned 9-11 RIGHT AWAY...

Right. The appropriate thing to do would've been to get on national airwaves the nanosecond after the earthquake/tsunami and condemn the earth and her tektonic plates for their shiftiness. "I, George Dubya, hereby condemn mother earth and the waves which she has spewed forth..." Come on--what is your point? The alternative is nothing but publicity whoredom.

quote:

But forget that. We hear $35 mill is only the beginning, yet the people who have suffered from the tsunami tragedy need money and supplies now. The greatest risk of death to those who have survived is within the next few days when malaria, cholera, etc set in.

Certainly true, but again, what is your point? The U.S. and many other nations took no time in mobilizing an aid effort. The U.S. has also mobilized an aircraft carrier and several planes to go help with search and rescue.

quote:

What baffles me is...the American government proclaims it is the moral leader of the world. Bush boasts that he "liberated" and helped mitigate the suffering of the Iraqi people Iraq. The US government was adamant in putting up BILLIONS for war, yet when it is time to truly shine and back up their words we get measly 35 million and a few planes.

Surely you can't be serious. Who are you to say what is and is not appropriate, and who are you to even make such demands?

quote:

Some bring up the fact that the US gave 2.4 billion in aid last year, but in comparison to the amount of wealth the US has this aid is nothing. We spend the lowest per capita of any industrialized nation when it comes to aid.

Might I ask how much you personally have given? Here's a good place to start: https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp. I gave $100--how much did you give? Or did you just sit back and bitch about how little everybody else but you is doing?

I gaurentee more will be sent. Plus the U.S. has to make sure the $$ is getting in the right hands. Theres alot of corruption in alot of those countries plus rebel armys to deal with.

___________________
. . .. . .. . . . .. . .

quote:

Originally posted by Shakka

___________________

"I'd like to buy a techno song."

Shaka, very good post.

But I want a stab at this guy too:

quote:

Originally posted by Mensa I'm so amazed...do you know how much $35 million will help all those millions affected by the tsunamis!!!! Why each one can get a slice of bread!!!

I'm assuming $35 million will help a lot more than $0 million...

quote:

In all seriousness…I expected Bush to be so nonchalant about this after all this is what Jesus would do right? The man finally speaks 3 days after the tragedy. Funny how most nations condemned 9-11 RIGHT AWAY...

Bush does not have the power of the purse, Congress is in charge of the USA treasury, not Bush. I don't understand how a natrual disaster can be compared to a man made event like 9-11. Who do you want the USA to condemn? Is there a vast tsunami-making conspiracy?

quote:

But forget that. We hear $35 mill is only the beginning, yet the people who have suffered from the tsunami tragedy need money and supplies now. The greatest risk of death to those who have survived is within the next few days when malaria, cholera, etc set in.

Blame mother nature on her perfect timing. The Western world, and by that I mean Europe/USA and most the world with money is in the 'Holiday season'. That means congress is out of session and people are at home with their families, not in offices near their parliment buildings or congress.

Bush is in Crawford celebrating Christmas with his family when this event happened...

quote:

What baffles me is...the American government proclaims it is the moral leader of the world.

I think you claim that. I don't recall the American government ever making such claim.

quote:

Bush boasts that he "liberated" and helped mitigate the suffering of the Iraqi people Iraq. The US government was adamant in putting up BILLIONS for war, yet when it is time to truly shine and back up their words we get measly 35 million and a few planes.

Again, the USA had years of planning and years of time to decide to commit billions of dollars. Don't ever expect a quick reaction from government. Governments never act fast.

quote:

Some bring up the fact that the US gave 2.4 billion in aid last year, but in comparison to the amount of wealth the US has this aid is nothing. We spend the lowest per capita of any industrialized nation when it comes to aid.

The USA still gives out quantitatively more aid than any other nations in the world. Just because this is a small percent of GNP shouldn't have a bearing on the matter.

In addition the USA funds a military that allows it to become a superpower. The fact that the USA waste about 1-4% of its GNP on military expenditures to afford it with the ability of a superpower contributes immessurably to other nations and people across the world. USA superpower is a international public good that only Americans pay for.

___________________
SAVE ZIONIST MUSTARD: BUY ZIONIST KETCHUP!


Click here to support the free mustard alliance.

America is the third highest contributor of aid behind Australian and then Japan. $35 million is not enough but it is a heck of alot more than what other countries have contributed.

I can't believe people bitch and moan about the US giving aid. Take the US out of the world aid equation and you basically destroy the global aid system.

___________________

USA, Austrlaia, India, Japan have created a four-nation coalition to help coordinate tsunami relief efforts.

quote:

Originally posted by BadBadNeil I can't believe people bitch and moan about the US giving aid. Take the US out of the world aid equation and you basically destroy the global aid system.

lol thats a bit narcissistic..

quote:

Originally posted by tathi America is the third highest contributor of aid behind Australian and then Japan. $35 million is not enough but it is a heck of alot more than what other countries have contributed.

Are you factoring in the exchange rates? I thought it was $35 million ($27 million US)

Anyway to Mensa, the EU initially pledged $4 million. Everybody is going to be ramping up spending once needs are identified and this isn't a pissing contest. Calm the fuck down.

___________________
Retro ...