Where is the support for the US?

Because we have more to give than other countries.

We are fortunate to live in the richest country in history. Much of the assistance provided by non-governmental organizations is funded by private donations. Our media make our citizens aware of others in need, and our citizens have the economic resources to spare for donation to others in need. The people of most of the countries who receive disaster assistance from the U.S. simply don't have the personal resources to return the favor.

We are also fortunate to have fellow citizens who feel moved to assist people in need who are suffering in other countries. Those same citizens are contributing to Katrina relief efforts here at home. We normally are able to raise enough domestically to handle almost any natural disaster, but Katrina is beyond the norm. FEMA and the Red Cross have dreaded this exact storm path for a couple of decades. Help is on the way, but the magnitude of this storm is overwhelming our disaster relief systems. There aren't many ways foreign assistance will help relieve the strain on our infrastructure.

I lived in a part of South Carolina that was badly damaged during Hugo in 1989. Thanks again to everyone who provided assistance at that time. Newcompspec, I hope you are able to reach your family soon.

that $85,000,000,000.00 Bush is spending rebuilding Iraq would be real handy to rebuild part of America.

Give til it hurts...not til it makes you bleed to death.

Our country is richer than other countries, except Luxembourg.

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph-T/eco_gdp_ppp_cap&int=-1

I know it is easy for me to say "be patient" when you are worried about family... but the help *will* come, everyone *will* rally around, just like they did after 9/11 and the London bombings.

In the aftermath of the tsunami, it took up to a week for the major ("G8") countries to respond, and it took several more days before help and supplies started arriving.

The logistics of providing the help everyone needs must be staggering, and delays will be inevitable.

I hope you can take some comfort from the fact that my prayers are with you, and with anyone else who has been affected by the hurricane, and that I and many of my fellow UK citizens are donating to the Red Cross.

let us know.

We're all with you, jck. Hope you find him soon.

Love and prayers, babz

:x

GG

Its just your media wont say it as clearly as that.
Dont confuse a countries inability to deal with the logistics of disaster management with other countries ability to give aid man.

You donated. I think that's the type of response (albeit from overseas) that the original poster was looking for. I just don't think that what I see as your inherent decency came through in your first post.

Wishing you the best, bro
Mambo

Texas has really stepped up for all the people that have been stuck in the dome for the last few days.

They are moving them to their own dome, which as the air and heat, showers, cloths and food.

While a temporary solution at best, it does get the people out of the water. It is a start.

Don't remember the cell phone vendor, but they also have thousands of cell phones waiting in Texas so that the victoms can get a hold of relatives to let them know they are all right.

These people have stepped up.

Also, if you REALLY care about what is going on, listen and REMEMBER what businesses step up and make a difference. After this is all over, show your support to them for showing their support for other people in need. If I have a choice between two companies to purchase a product from and one was involved in this while the other wasn't, it isn't going to be a hard choice for me on who my business will be going to. I want someone that is looking out for us around.

[b]Remember those that remember you.

that the UK would step up. Not for a minute.

There are many other countries out there that we will just have to see about.

And when this is all said and done, like in my other post, remember those that remember you.

Wow, now I completely understood what you meant by people wishing to help. Perhaps people who would like to donate would have been clearer for people to understand.

Chevron Canada has made 5 million available to support relief efforts.

Canada's government hasn't been jumping on the bandwagon as Katrina was also destined to flood out parts of Ontarion, Canada, so relief was focused on Canada until the storm had passed(sellfish bastards).

In order to gain any form of respect, you must label your donations with giant Canadian flags, or else it goes unnoticed.

That's why I always shake my head when the US supports anything, the need for recognition is ridiculous. Other countries DO support these events all over the world, they just don't make a song and dance about it and wave their flags everywhere while boasting that they helped MORE than the other guy (as with the Tsunami releif efforts when US citizens were so adamant about how much THEY paid and how much OTHERS paid).

If there's no mass media attention, then nobody is doing anything I suppose.

I wonder how many Canadian soldiers that fight alongside American troops actually know how little their efforts are appreciated.

I wonder how many Canadians would happily donate to US relief efforts if they knew how little it was appreciated, though that is becomng a commonly known fact nowadays.

I wonder how much relief th eUS government could privide if they weren't into the mega billion investment in Iraq.

The way GWB was talking on TV last night about looters and gas gouging in New Orleans, he had the same comments as he would towards terrorists, he's put his foot down and won't allow these crimes to happen.

Perhaps he's planning on invading New orleans next? Maybe someone should give him a globe and explain that it's part of America, I wouldn't be surprised to see him quite shocked at that fact.

Oh there I go, now I am an Anti-American terrorist again. The Shrub may be watching.

when I drank a pint of British beer!!! :D

Damn Busch and Coors got nothing on you guys.

Cheers!

It seems obvious from most of the posts here, that if we are going to get help, it is going to be with strings attached. Regardless, I know that America will pull together and pull through this, united, as one great nation. We ask for support and get excuses or strings attached.
The United States responds as soon as possible to the devastations of other countries. We have loaned money to many, many countries to give them the hope, strength, and drive to repair and rebuild. We have had to borrow from other countries, admittedly, but to continue to send aid to those in the most sincere need.
Our country has only been around for nearly 230 years, but in those 230 years we have built upon this continent a great nation. This is a time when we truly need to unite.
We may receive aid from other countries and we may not. Either way we cannot rely on such offerings, but depend and support each other.
I know, as a nation, that whether or not we receive help, we will always be there to give it.
Above all, we need to have our fellow Americans in the gulf coast area in our hearts and thoughts.
As a nation, united, we will overcome this desolation brought upon us by the hands of mother nature.
I am proud to be an American.
Say what you will, but our nation will prevail.
To my fellow American brethren- God Bless America.

in my second post but it didn't seem to make a bit of difference!

From the Cambridge Dictionary:

Definition
wish (DESIRE)
noun [C]
a desire for something:
Did he express any wish to see me?
In accordance with his wishes (= what he wanted), he was buried next to his wife.
They've deliberately gone against my wishes and sold the apartment.
It was grandpa's greatest wish that one of his grandchildren would become a doctor.

wish
verb [I or T]
1 FORMAL to want to do something:
We could go to the cinema or we could go out for dinner - whatever you wish.
"Shall we ask Diana if she'd like to come to the theatre tonight?" "If/As you wish."
I wish to make a complaint.
Passengers wishing to take the Kings Cross train should go to platform 9.
I don't wish to worry you but he did say he'd be back by midnight.
Sometimes I was so depressed that I wished myself dead.

It was the 'we support the world and everyone is against us' mentality that has become so old and tired.

I wouldn't NOT want to see these people suffer from this anymore than they already have. I agree that aid should and WILL come from al over, as it always has and will.

The original comment was a poorly worded pot shot at people turning thier back on America when all America does is help the world.

Very political indeed, and just puled out of its transparent shell by myself. As I said, aid from teh Us is more noticable becase of th eway it is waved in people's faces, aid from other countries is often just expected and there is no need to make a point of who's heping who.

As far as helping the poor countries in the world, the US is not very high on that list, perhaps why there is little boasting from Americans of how they help the poorer nations of the world, Ireland sure puts it's money out there, but they are pretty humble and quiet about it.

Again just another example of WHAT WE DO vs WHAT HAVE YOU DONE. Because other natyions don't make a national spectacle ot of aiding the needy, Americans don't know what is done by other countries. Seeing inward and paying no attention to what others do as always.

I persponally think tyhe original post was quite offensive, the 'WHERE'S YOUR SUPPORT' card being played again, without any regard for the help, aid and support that IS received.

than I meant it. And any other way than supportive! Maybe we are just better at American semantics than you are at ours. We have, after all, had fifty years of American TV and seventy years of Hollywood.

If anyone misinterpreted it then sorry but I still consider ITGirli's reaction to be both over the top and typical.

:(

When was my question ?
As Neil said we paid big for your help in WWII, however we needed it and you did deliver.
Since then nada, in fact I can think of several occasions where you've actively not helped us.
Suez, Falklands, Northern Ireland, Rio, WTO ...
Saying that if someone comes round with a collection, I'll dip my hand in my pocket as usual, despite your p1ss poor attitude.

I would define it many ways based on how and where used.

I didn't realized i had used it here though, is there a definition on Nationmaster that you are referring to or something?

Sorry, but I am busier than a donkey with three d**ks and can't really follow the thread other than a few posts here and there.

Based on this I think you and a few others owe us non americans an apology. Don't blame us for not rushing in to assist when Bush says you don't need anyones help. Now that they have admitted they do need assistance, watch the aid roll in.

Foreign governments line up to help after Katrina
01 Sep 2005 20:53:25 GMT

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, Sept 1 (Reuters) - More than 20 countries, from allies Germany and Japan to prickly Venezuela and poor Honduras, have offered to help the United States cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Accustomed to being a rich donor rather than on the receiving end of charity, the United States initially seemed reticent about accepting foreign aid, but later said it would take up any offers. The hurricane devastated New Orleans and other parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast, killing hundreds and possibly thousands.

"Anything that can be of help to alleviate the tragic situation of the area affected by Hurricane Katrina will be accepted," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.

"America should be heartened by the fact that the world is reaching out to America at a time of need," he added.

Earlier, President George W. Bush said in a television interview that the United States could take care of itself.

"I'm not expecting much from foreign nations because we hadn't asked for it. I do expect a lot of sympathy and perhaps some will send cash dollars. But this country's going to rise up and take care of it," Bush told ABC's "Good Morning America."

McCormack said there had not been a change of position over accepting foreign aid and White House spokesman Scott McClellan also said the United States would take up offers of help.

The State Department said offers so far had come from Belgium, Canada, Russia, Japan, France, Germany, Britain, China, Australia, Jamaica, Honduras, Greece, Venezuela, the Organization of American States, NATO, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, South Korea, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Assistance ranged from medical teams, boats, aircraft, tents, blankets, generators and cash donations.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wrote to Bush offering medical teams that specialized in trauma and natural disasters and said they could be ready in 24 hours.

"During these difficult times, we, the people of Israel stand firmly by your side in a show of solidarity and friendship," said the letter, which was released by the Israeli Embassy in Washington.

Where the United States really needs help is getting cheap oil and the Bush administration will be approaching Arab nations and other oil producers over the coming days.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a vocal critic of the United States, offered to send cheap fuel, humanitarian aid and relief workers to the disaster area.

The State Department did not comment on Venezuela's offer but several officials smiled at the gesture from Chavez, who on Wednesday called Bush a "cowboy" who failed to manage the disaster.

Cuban President Fidel Castro, a close Chavez ally, led a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of Katrina in parliament on Thursday. The parliament then returned to normal business with a resolution attacking Bush over the Iraq war.

Wouldn't it cost the tax payer just as much to move them else where?

I mean think about it. Not only would the economic impact be huge, but who would live in coastal cities where we NEED people to unload cargo and help pipeline goods into the inland areas?

Since my original post I have heard from the family members I was worried about, they are all alive and as well as can be expected. I have also read, and I wish I could remember from where, Canada has offered money and services, the UK has offered the same, Venezuela has offered support, I?m sure there are others that I haven?t mentioned and I will research it and post again. I still feel the same about France and Germany; they offered sympathies (I have never been a fan of Chirac or Schroeder anyway, those self serving b@stards are trying to buddy up and run the EU, keep your sympathy you?ll need it.)

Right on the mark Absolutely, I am not a hatemonger or that other word you used, but that definitely was a political shot. I was just blowing off some steam. Now I?m better. I am now going to find other ways to help others effected by this tragedy, and by the way you have all helped me. Thank you. Now I have to look up xenophobe.

I thank you kindly. Have one for me too, cheers!

(Actually I don't drink Canadian beer. Stella, Guinness, Becks in no particular order, in fact the same glass will do just fine.) :)

This story is from Reuters.

More than 20 countries, from allies Australia and Japan to Venezuela and poor Honduras, have offered to help the United States cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Accustomed to being a rich donor rather than on the receiving end of charity, the United States initially seemed reticent about accepting foreign aid, but later said it would take up any offers.

The hurricane devastated New Orleans and other parts of the US Gulf Coast, killing hundreds and possibly thousands.

"Anything that can be of help to alleviate the tragic situation of the area affected by Hurricane Katrina will be accepted," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.

The United Nations offered to help coordinate international relief efforts for the United States.

"The sheer size of this emergency makes it possible that we can supplement the American response with supplies from other countries, or with experience we have gained in other relief operations," UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in a statement.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard said everyone's thoughts and sympathy should be with America.

"This idea that 'well they're the most powerful, wealthiest country in the world' - but when something like this strikes, the poor and the vulnerable are the same all around the world," Howard said.

Earlier, President George W Bush said in a television interview that the United States could take care of itself.

"I'm not expecting much from foreign nations because we hadn't asked for it. I do expect a lot of sympathy and perhaps some will send cash dollars. But this country's going to rise up and take care of it," Bush told Good Morning America on the US ABC network.

McCormack said there had not been a change of position over accepting foreign aid and White House spokesman Scott McClellan also said the United States would take up offers of help.

The State Department said offers so far had come from Belgium, Canada, Russia, Japan, France, Germany, Britain, China, Australia, Jamaica, Honduras, Greece, Venezuela, the Organisation of American States, NATO, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, South Korea, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Assistance ranged from medical teams, boats, aircraft, tents, blankets, generators and cash donations.

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wrote to Bush offering medical teams.

"During these difficult times, we, the people of Israel stand firmly by your side in a show of solidarity and friendship," said the letter, which was released by the Israeli Embassy in Washington.

Where the United States really needs help is getting cheap oil and the Bush administration will be approaching Arab nations and other oil producers over the coming days.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a vocal critic of the United States, offered to send cheap fuel, humanitarian aid and relief workers to the disaster area.

The State Department did not comment on Venezuela's offer but several officials smiled at the gesture from Chavez, who yesterday called Bush a "cowboy" who failed to manage the disaster.

Cuban President Fidel Castro, a close Chavez ally, led a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of Katrina in parliament today.

I just think that now is NOT the time for people to start up all the old political ranting and raving.

The poster was upset and DID make a slam at the other countries of the world. I saw it for what it was, someone upset and not seeing what they NEEDED to see at the time. Time moves much slower for people waiting to find out if their family is still alive or not and I fully understood his frustration.

At the same time, it wasn't even a question on if Canada and the UK would step up. It was just a matter of HEARING about them stepping up to reasure people that help is on the way.

Re France, that is a wholely different matter.

I say we should not. Hate, malice, or indifference toward the victim's humanity are implicit in any violent crime. Violence is criminal, not hate, otherwise I could be prosecuted for ~50% of what I post here!

I heard GWB say "zero tolerance" about looting, and it made me want to scream. How about zero tolerance for breaking campaign promises or falsifying CIA reports? None of the looters broadcast any promise to [b]not[/b] loot, which makes them that much better than George. Doesn't his eagerness to make it easier to punish us all more severely the slightest bit suspicious?

Even after newcompspec verified that the thread was political, and a slam, from the outset, jdclyde tries to construe the situation such that Oz is wrong for posting his views on the exact subject of the debate. If you truly "just think that now is NOT the time for people to start up all the old political ranting and raving", then why do you post this

https://www.techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=8&threadID=180553&messageID=1840712

???

The final paragraph particularly is definitely political, and only tangentially related to the original topic. So, why do you call it "ranting and raving" when Oz expresses an opinion, but feel free to follow me even further off-topic than the post of Oz's that you claim doesn't belong on this thread?

The thread began with "political rhetoric", so using that catch phrase is not going to do anything to dissuade me from adding my own.

What does it matter if something I say "takes the focus away from what needs to be done"? Is this forum being used to plan relief efforts? No. This is a discussion forum, not a Red Cross or UN logistics session. Nobody here, by posting an opinion, is doing anything to help any victim of Katrina, so kindly dismount the high horse on which you imagine yourself.

I actually thought ITgirli composed her atrocious post very eloquently. It was not her "way of communicating", but [b]what[/b] she communicated that offended me.

"It seems obvious from most of the posts here, that if we are going to get help, it is going to be with strings attached. Regardless, I know that America will pull together and pull through this, united, as one great nation. We ask for support and get excuses or strings attached.
The United States responds as soon as possible to the devastations of other countries. We have loaned money to many, many countries to give them the hope, strength, and drive to repair and rebuild. We have had to borrow from other countries, admittedly, but to continue to send aid to those in the most sincere need. (Like Colombia?) Our country has only been around for nearly 230 years, but in those 230 years we have built upon this continent a great nation. This is a time when we truly need to unite."

Why do "we truly need to unite"? My expression of opinion is not obstructing the Red Cross, so what's the harm in a little disunity?

When did we "ask for support and get excuses or strings attached"? She doesn't say.

"We have (supposedly) loaned money to many, many countries to give them the hope, strength, and drive to repair and rebuild." Which countries? Can any of us honestly believe that any of the money we give those countries is for any reason other than strategic diplomacy? As an American, I'm bothered by the untrue implication that our country is more generous than others. We are wealthier, that is all.

I express disagreement when others' "thoughts, opinions or emotions doesn't sit well with" me, but I do not find it necessary to "trash" people. In conclusion to this description of my disagreement with you, I do not believe that I "trashed" you. Do you agree?

I can't think of any immediate assistance other countries could provide. Especially as regards your situation.

Having been a Mississippi Gulf Coast resident when Camille hit in 1969, I thought I had seen the worst damage a hurricane could do. Katrina was much, much worse.

The entire southern end of Mississippi is without power. Phone lines are down. Cellular towers damaged or destroyed. In other words, public communications are non-existent.

Roads along and north of the Gulf Coast were impassible hindering relief efforts.

The prime question is: where was/are the US military, particularly naval vessels and SeaBee battalions? The Gulf of Mexico is still navigable. Relief supplies can be transported by sea as well as by land.

I won't even try to address the disgraceful mess in New Orleans. Don't think foreign assistance would help there either.

Dalton

How about we WISH you a Merry Christmas?

It doesn't mean you are making a wish, just that you hope the person has a good Christmas.

Best wishes, doesn't mean I am WISHING for the best but that I offer my condolences.

In the original comment it was clearly a term of endearment, not a WISH, a hope and a prayer or something.

It's a common phrase in Canada too, I suppose Americas really aren't the same as other nations, but for some reason they insist on calling their uncomparable language 'English'.

If there was an official language AMERICAN, then people would have a viable reason to misunderstand I suppose, it's a different laguage.

Just like French Canadian and Parisienne French are both FRENCH but very different languages.