NationStates Jolt Archive

When the tsunamis hit South Asia, who helped them out?

EVERYONE!!!!

How many countries are helping out America after our hurricane?

Venezuela and Canada (God bless them) are the only ones I have heard of.

After all that money we gave to help people in the past, almost noone helps us! SHAME ON YOU!!!

:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

Oh, and Sweden (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=441877)

The Great Union Of Foxstenikopolis

:mp5: :mp5: :mp5: :sniper: :sniper:

Venezuela and Canada (God bless them) are the only ones I have heard of.
You are only duplicating a whole bunch of previous threads, essentially the news reports that a couple of dozen nations have offered assistance, but the US government has yet to respond to them about how they can help. The State Department is thinking about it, according to the BBC.

When the tsunamis hit South Asia, who helped them out?

EVERYONE!!!!

How many countries are helping out America after our hurricane?

Venezuela and Canada (God bless them) are the only ones I have heard of.

After all that money we gave to help people in the past, almost noone helps us! SHAME ON YOU!!!

:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:



And the sad thing is, when these country's not helping need help, who they going to call.


America!

You are only duplicating a whole bunch of previous threads

Oh really, you think? After a hurricane kills thousands, and makes a city uninhapitable you don't think we will have so many threads? And now your mad at me for making another thread?

:headbang:

And the sad thing is, when these country's not helping need help, who they going to call.


America!

Exactly! It's happend before!

coughWorld War IIcough

We keep unscrewing people, but when we get struck by storms, not many people lift a finger to help!

At least not as many as helped the Asians.

When the tsunamis hit South Asia, who helped them out?

EVERYONE!!!!

How many countries are helping out America after our hurricane?

Venezuela and Canada (God bless them) are the only ones I have heard of.

After all that money we gave to help people in the past, almost noone helps us! SHAME ON YOU!!!

:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:
Lots of countries have, and their offers have been turned down.

Exactly! It's happend before!

coughWorld War IIcough

We keep unscrewing people, but when we get struck by storms, not many people lift a finger to help!

At least not as many as helped the Asians.

Not just that war, but the one before that, too. (WWI)
...And those were the days that we actually minded our own buisiness!
We were appreciated then, but not quite so much any more (the whole world hates us)

Oh really, you think? After a hurricane kills thousands, and makes a city uninhapitable you don't think we will have so many threads? And now your mad at me for making another thread?
Nothing so involved as angry.

Merely an observation which I had hoped may be of benefit to you. The moderators have been merging and locking threads for the last two days, if you have not noticed.

Anyway, what I have been hearing on the news from the administration is that they are aware there have been offers of assistance, but that the situation is under control, and that outside intervention is not required at this time.

Make of it what you will. Personally, I'm pretty sure that had Bush phoned Tony on Tuesday and requested a couple of helicopter carriers, he would have had them.

Jesus stop pissing and moaning. You are the richest nation in the world with squillions of $. If you're government had made the necessary preperations then things wouldn't be nearly as bad, ditto if half the army wasn't illegally occupying another country. But no, the poor people of New Orleans had to pay for their mistakes and now you expect us to pay for the cleanup.

America is not a 3rd World country ! If this happened in Britain I would be asking why the govt didn't do more, but I would expect them to be able to look after their own affairs, being a wealthy nation.

Russia, Japan, France (YES FRANCE WANTS TO HELP SO SHUT UP ABOUT THEM) Germany, and Austraila are sending money also.

Even some other nations are giving their thoughts.

China said that they believe that America will Rise from this a better nation.

Even Cuba (yeah the US hating Cuba) in the middle of one of Castro's daily US bashing session he, and everyone else in the room... Paused for a moment of silence in rememberance of those who have lost their lives in the Hurricance and the Floodwaters.
Of course afterwards he went back to his anti US speeches.

When the tsunamis hit South Asia, who helped them out?

EVERYONE!!!!

How many countries are helping out America after our hurricane?

Venezuela and Canada (God bless them) are the only ones I have heard of.

After all that money we gave to help people in the past, almost noone helps us! SHAME ON YOU!!!

:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:I can't believe this. Sri Lanka, among other countries, is offering aid and you claim that no one is helping out America?
SHAME ON YOU!
Don't blame the international community for the Administration not accepting their aid yet!

I hate to say this, but still, this hurricane is not nearly on the scale of the tsunami, however great and terrible it is. Further, the tsunami was an ABSOLUTE SHOCK. People were all "woaH! holy crap! where did THAT come from?" With Katrina, it was, "EVACUATEz0r!" to a city who knew it was coming, a city 190 feet below sea level. The levee broke. That was a shock. The damage it did was a shock. But don't compare this to the christmas tsunami, because it doesn't compare. If it was truly like that, then we (gov't) would be BEGGING for help. And getting it.


Jesus stop pissing and moaning. You are the richest nation in the world with squillions of $. If you're government had made the necessary preperations then things wouldn't be nearly as bad, ditto if half the army wasn't illegally occupying another country. But no, the poor people of New Orleans had to pay for their mistakes and now you expect us to pay for the cleanup.

America is not a 3rd World country ! If this happened in Britain I would be asking why the govt didn't do more, but I would expect them to be able to look after their own affairs, being a wealthy nation.


Being the richest country in the world does nothing to trivialize this matter. You realize that, right? Preparations? What preparations could you have made? The hurricane was what, category 3 in Miami? Citizens were going "pft, you can't pwn andrew, no way" and although people died and damage was done, it was nothing even close to what happened in LA and MS.

The poor people of New Orleans were told to leave. On short notice. It's not their fault they didn't leave, but it's not our fault that we didn't tell them to leave three weeks earlier.

The premise that no one helps the US is blatantly false. Many nations have offered help at the government level, and NGO's are running fund raising campaigns all over the world. Some very poor nations have offered to send cash, despite the fact that the US does not need it. The reason we (non-Americans) will give our money to clean up a mess in the richest nation on the face of the earth, is because we do care.

It may be a surprise to some people, but the devastation, pain and suffering caused by Katrina, is not something non-Americans are indifferent towards. My life for instance has been 'on hold' the last few days just trying to get to terms with this awful catastrophy. I can barely hold a coherent thought, and the plight of those directly effected (especially the people still stranded in New Orleans) has not left my mind for a moment. It is my first thought when I wake up, it is what has kept me awake at night the last few days, and when I am asleep, it permeates my dreams.

Of course the world wants to help the US. The problem is the US government. It has not accepted offers of 'rescue aid', claiming not to need it...days after the event people are still stranded, have not recieved sufficient supplies. We could have had trained urban search and rescue teams there days ago (as just one example of just one nation's offer of help), but for some reason the US government has handled this situation very badly.

As for money, there is no urgency in that. Although many offers of cash have already come in, more will come.


Aside from practical help and money, how else is it that we could help? :confused:

I think the last thing an already demoralised US needs right now is to feel alone and isolated, unhelped and uncared about. Causing anger and disheartenment by making false and untrue statements is certainly not helping. What is the point of it. It is not true, and pretending that it is true is simply pathological. It shows great disrespect and insensitivity towards those who need not only material aid, but the moral support that comes from knowing the world is on your side. Please stop making things worse by spreading these false and absurd lies. Just what is the point of it all anyway?

If anything, instead of asking why people who have offered help didnt offer help, why not ask why your President didnt accept the offers of trained personal that could have saved lives and helped improve the situation for the worst effected days ago. :confused:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168203,00.html#cool (<- Look, even Fox "News" knows it!)

You're getting tonnes of aid. STFU with the "nobody's helping us" crap already! :mad:

Offers have been received from Russia, Japan, Canada, France, Honduras, Germany, Venezuela, Jamaica, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Hungary, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, China, South Korea, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, NATO and the Organization of American States, the spokesman said.

Also, the Singapore embassy said the Southeast Asian country was sending three Chinook helicopters with 38 air force personnel from military exercises in Texas, to Louisiana to support relief efforts by the Texas National Guard.

President Chandrika Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka, in China on a state visit, sent messages of sympathy to Washington while her government contributed $25,000 through the American Red Cross.


No one helping indeed. Dispite however others want to believe, Other nations do want to help. dispite the insanity of our leaders. Thank all of them.

No one helping indeed. Dispite however others want to believe, Other nations do want to help. dispite the insanity of our leaders. Thank all of them.

The swedish all redy helping we only need permission to land are hercules airplan so can we start we have everything redy and our government have giving the arme permission.

And olso privet company want to help in many ways!

When the tsunamis hit South Asia, who helped them out?

EVERYONE!!!!

How many countries are helping out America after our hurricane?

Venezuela and Canada (God bless them) are the only ones I have heard of.

After all that money we gave to help people in the past, almost noone helps us! SHAME ON YOU!!!

:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

*sighs* Another reason why so many people hate you guys.

First, how dare you compare a hurricane that affects one state to a tsunami that affects multiple countries and leaves a lot more damaged.

Second, America saw that hurricane coming. No one saw the tsunami coming. It was all the stubborn people who refused to leave which got them inot the state which they are in now.

Third, Every country who can afford to help the U.S is helping the U.S.

Fourth, America is currently the richest country in the world. Instead of using all that damn money in Iraq, why dont they use it to help the victims of Katrina.

Lastly,SHAME ON YOU!!!!

First, how dare you compare a hurricane that affects one state to a tsunami that affects multiple countries and leaves a lot more damaged.

One state? D00d, you must be like, misinformed. :headbang: :mp5:

Not only did it screw up NO, but it also screwed up Mississipi, Alabama, and maybe even Florida. It affect more than just New Orleans. Other people besides the people of New Orleans died, and you want to ignore there suffering?

I'm sorry about this stupid thread, btw. I was just misinformed.

:headbang:

Oh, and don't blaem BUSH for not evacuating people fast enough. He declared it a national disastor or something BEFORE it happened, but not everyone listened. Also, the stupid dumbass buss people had to check them for , and drinking. So stupid. It's ok to check people for cigars, and . I guess it's preferable to drown, then to have slightly drunk PASSENGERS! :headbang: Yeah, there were stupid people that didn't get out and surfed the damn waves instead!

:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

Oh really, you think? After a hurricane kills thousands, and makes a city uninhapitable you don't think we will have so many threads? And now your mad at me for making another thread?

:headbang:

It's not that we're mad at you for it - more that duplicate threads achieve nothing.

'Tis all. :)

If you feel that aggrieved, write to a certain messyr Geldof, I'm sure you could organise a concert, re-release an 80's hit for charity, cancel thrid world debt, and get home in time for tea..... :D

time for an metaphor!

the tiny run-down trailer home of the 85 year old widow living on social security burns to the ground.

the whole town pitches in to get the poor woman a new home and furnishings. the richest family in town contributes the most. its not that much money to them and they are generous

the next year the mansion of the richest family in town burns to the ground. does the whole town pitch in to buy them a new one? well, NO. when the little old widow knocks on the door (must be the servants house out back eh?) and offers them whatever help she can be, do they ask for her last $5? NO. they can take care of themselves. they thank the widow profusely, wipe their eyes and drive her back home.

we dont really need the help of the nations of the world. its good of them to offer but we can take care of ourselves and it might be better if they saved those funds for disasters in countries that cant take care of themselves

but if y'all want to contribute to the american red cross on an individual basis, it would be very welcome.

Why shouldn't we accept help Ashmoria. Is your statement that we shouldn't accept help because of Pride? That's stupid.

Of course other countries are aiding us, just as we have sent aid to countless other nations in time of disaster. As of yesterday, per Reuters, 40 nations were sending aid, including some of the countries still trying to recover from the tsunami.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N02552447.htm

WASHINGTON, Sept 2 (Reuters) - The United States has not actively sought foreign aid following Hurricane Katrina but dozens of countries lined up on Friday to help with rescue efforts, from hefty cash donations to tents and helicopters.

The State Department said more than 40 governments and international organizations had made generous offers and the list was growing by the hour after Katrina devastated New Orleans and other parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast, killing hundreds and possibly thousands of people.

"We are not formally requesting assistance but anything that can materially benefit folks in need is something that we will accept," said a State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Countries were very generous after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States but officials said they could not remember this kind of outpouring of sympathy and aid for any other natural disaster on U.S. soil.

Singapore sent helicopters, Israel offered medical teams within 24 hours and European oil producers responded to a formal U.S. request to release gasoline stocks.

Help was not limited to allies and opponents of U.S. policy such as Cuba and Venezuela put aside their political differences to join the chorus of nations offering help.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez offered to send cheap fuel but the State Department said a decision had not been made on whether to accept this offer.

Poor nations that usually turn to the United States for assistance, such as Honduras, offered to become donors as did Sri Lanka and Indonesia, countries that benefited from U.S. assistance after last year's Indian Ocean tsunami.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice canceled her vacation and returned to work, where she spoke via telephone to her counterparts in more than a handful of foreign capitals.

Washington-based foreign embassies swamped the State Department with offers of help and several embassies planned charity fund-raisers to help those afflicted by the disaster.

The State Department, whose own passport office in New Orleans was closed by the hurricane, has activated a task force to handle offers of help and coordinate foreign assistance.

The department listed donors so far as: Australia, Austria, the Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, China, Columbia, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, the European Union, France, Germany, Guatemala, Britain, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, NATO, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Organization of American States, Paraguay, South Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Sweden, Venezuela and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

"SO FAR" and no doubt there will be many many more nations pitching in to help. Understandably, foreign aid was initially refused as we didn't have a firm grip on the entire situation much less what would be needed. We are a wealthy nation and as such it would be unseemly to request aid. But, as is the case in a disaster any where in the world, disagreements, differences in ideology and culture, and political squabbles are set aside as we all join together as one world body of people and help each other. Have you forgotten the outpouring of help following 9/11? Other nations are there for us just as we are there for them. So, say thank you, and quit your bitching.

Here is an incomplete listing (dated 9/2/05) of aid offered by nation that I pulled from a blog. Since then Dr Rice has announced that aid will be gladly accepted.

The United Nations has offered to help coordinate international relief. Following is a detailed list of aid offered by governments.

EUROPE:

EUROPEAN UNION: Offered to send experts but there has been no request for assistance, the European Commission said. EU countries are ready to give the United States oil if it requests help, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said on Friday. But British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said this was not what the EU had in mind when it discussed how to help.

FRANCE: Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said France was ready to offer support, telling TF1 television: "We have rescue teams based in the Caribbean and we are naturally ready to provide aid to the Americans, and that is what we have told them."

GERMANY: Has offered mobile units to provide clean water, military hospital facilities and medical aid.

IRELAND: A Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman said: "We have been contacted by the families of about 40 people in the affected area but that wouldn't be a comprehensive figure because there may be others who have not yet been in touch". New Orleans is home to many Irish Americans and nationals who have a big business presence in the city.

ITALY: Has offered to "immediately" send aid and evacuation specialists, Italy's civil protection unit said. Authorities have prepared two military transport planes to fly amphibious vessels, pumps, generators, tents and personnel to New Orleans and other areas. They were awaiting word from U.S. officials, the unit said.

LUXEMBOURG: Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, in a veiled criticism of the handling by U.S. authorities of the hurricane, said the disaster showed the need for a strong state that could help poor people. "You see in this example that even in the 21st century you need the state, a good functioning state, and I hope that for all these people, these poor people, that the Americans will do their best," he told reporters at an EU foreign ministers meeting in Newport, Wales.

RUSSIA: Has offered to help with rescue efforts, but is still awaiting a reply from Washington. "From the first day of the tragedy we offered our help to the U.S. government. Above all with heavy transport planes, which can be loaded with helicopters and generators -- as there is no electricity in the area of the catastrophe," Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov told reporters on Friday.

SPAIN: Expects to receive a formal request on Friday to release gasoline stocks to the United States and is prepared to grant it, an Industry Ministry spokesman said.

SWEDEN: The Rescue Authority said on Friday it was on stand-by to supply water purifying equipment, healthcare supplies and emergency shelters if needed, but had not yet received a request. "We must know if they need such things, but it doesn't seem to be clear what is needed," said Rescue Authority spokesman Mats Oscarsson. Four Swedes were missing in the New Orleans area, the Foreign Ministry said.

ASIA

AUSTRALIA: "We're going to provide A$10 million and the bulk of that money, if not all of it, will go to the American Red Cross," said Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer. "I know you can make the argument that America is a well off country, the world's biggest economy, but remember their non-government organisations depend on donations from private citizens in America to provide the relief efforts." The Australian government said there may be up to 24 Australians trapped in Louisiana in the aftermath of Katrina.

JAPAN: Will provide $200,000 to the American Red Cross to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Friday. Japan will also identify needs in affected regions via the U.S. government and will provide up to $300,000 in emergency supplies such as tents, blankets and power generators if it receives requests for such assistance, the ministry said.

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces, responding to requests by the United States Texas Army National Guard, has sent three Chinook helicopters to Fort Polk, Louisiana, to help in relief efforts. The government said the Chinooks will help to ferry supplies and undertake airlift missions.

SOUTH KOREA: Has pledged aid and is waiting for a U.S. response, a government official said. "We have sent our intention to offer recovery aid," a Foreign Ministry official said on Friday.

SRI LANKA: Donating $25,000 to the American Red Cross.

AMERICAS

CANADA: offered to help in any way it can and the navy is preparing a ship full of emergency disaster relief supplies to be sent when a request comes.

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

So, too busy to say "I'm sorry, I was wrong. Thank you for your help and kind support."? Well, I'm not!!


Thank you world!!

And I feel safe in saying that most every victim of this hurricane who will have their suffering lessened with your acts of generosity would say the same thing if they could right now.

i thought that the usa were the worlds only superpower are they not?
America doesnt need any help from other nations or at least it shouldnt.

i thought that the usa were the worlds only superpower are they not?
America doesnt need any help from other nations or at least it shouldnt.

Super power or not, when disaster of this magnitude hits any country it takes a world effort to handle the aftermath. No, the US doesn't need billions of dollars donated like the countries hit by the tsunami, but no nation could be prepared for the vast need for medical care, evacuation transportation, special equipment for disaster clean up...the list goes on and on and on. Not just New Orleans has been devastated. The gulf area wiped out is larger than Great Britain. Does that put it in perspective for you?

When the tsunamis hit South Asia, who helped them out?

EVERYONE!!!!

How many countries are helping out America after our hurricane?

Venezuela and Canada (God bless them) are the only ones I have heard of.

After all that money we gave to help people in the past, almost noone helps us! SHAME ON YOU!!!


I dunno what you are talking about.

Lots of countries have offered help and aid. India has offered 5 million dollars. Even tsunami ravaged Sri Lanka has offered 25,000 dollars.

here's a list

http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/09/03/katrina.world.aid.reut/
The State Department said offers of help had been received from:

Australia, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, China, Columbia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Germany, Guatemala, Greece, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Philippines, Portugal, South Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.

International organizations also offered help ranging from medical teams to tents to cash donations. They include NATO, the Organization of American States, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, and the World Health Organization.

One state? D00d, you must be like, misinformed. :headbang: :mp5:

Not only did it screw up NO, but it also screwed up Mississipi, Alabama, and maybe even Florida. It affect more than just New Orleans. Other people besides the people of New Orleans died, and you want to ignore there suffering?

I'm sorry about this stupid thread, btw. I was just misinformed.

:headbang:

Oops, I was misinformed. But nevertheless you cant compare 4 states to multiple countries.

And, dont ever say D00d again.

Why shouldn't we accept help Ashmoria. Is your statement that we shouldn't accept help because of Pride? That's stupid.
People like this make it so much easier to believe that the world is insensitive when it isn't....

time for an metaphor!

the tiny run-down trailer home of the 85 year old widow living on social security burns to the ground.

the whole town pitches in to get the poor woman a new home and furnishings. the richest family in town contributes the most. its not that much money to them and they are generous

the next year the mansion of the richest family in town burns to the ground. does the whole town pitch in to buy them a new one? well, NO. when the little old widow knocks on the door (must be the servants house out back eh?) and offers them whatever help she can be, do they ask for her last $5? NO. they can take care of themselves. they thank the widow profusely, wipe their eyes and drive her back home.

we dont really need the help of the nations of the world. its good of them to offer but we can take care of ourselves and it might be better if they saved those funds for disasters in countries that cant take care of themselves

but if y'all want to contribute to the american red cross on an individual basis, it would be very welcome.
Even if you think that having more money than a widow makes you proud, your statement still shows you didn't read his post at all.

Oops, I was misinformed.

That's ok. That's the reason this thread exists in the first place.

And, dont ever say D00d again.

Why not?

I posted something on this subject in a different thread, and I figure it'd be relevant here. Incidentally has anyone noticed that the New Orleans disaster hasn't attained even a tiny fraction of the international support that the Asian Tsunami has? Sure you can put it down to America being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, so people think it can look after itself, and granted the scale isn't nearly as drastic, but I think a lot of it is because people simply don't care that much any more. Nearly everyone I know - myself included - is seriously pissed off with America, not only for the things I mentioned above - particularly the U.N. Charter thing - but because it's so bloody arrogant!

Allow me to explain. I don't know where to start properly, so I'll start around the middle. First off, someone decided that it'd be an absolutely brilliant idea to build a huge city between three huge water masses - Lake pontcharian, the Mississippi, and the ocean. And had it escaped their notice that the Mississippi is prone to massive and catastrophic flood every so often? That in itself is asking for trouble, and it's hugely increased by building the whole bloody place below sea level. Now the Miss. flooded back in 1927, and in 1993, and both times the artificial levees were breached, with terrible result, purely because the U.S. Government tried to stop one of the most powerul rivers in the world with earthwork levees. On each occasion the earthworks crumbled. Some bright spark eventually came up with the idea of reinforcing them with concrete 'mattresses' but that idea didn't seem to reach New Orleans. Can you imagine the idiocy? Protecting a massive population centre with crappy earthworks that have been proven to break? Seems like someone could've learned a lesson from the Nehterlands - the whole country is below sea level practically, and do you ever hear of huge floods there? No? Didn't think so - that's because the Dutch reinforce their dykes with steel and concrete and stuff, so they don't break.

As if this weren't enough to turn the world away from helping America, they're also the most politically arrogant nation on Earth - they're like the only country that still hasn't agreed to the Kyoto protocol (another agreement trying to lessen climate damage) and now this U.N. charter thing - just seems to keep springing up doesn't it! Since America has basically given the world the finger when it's trying to stop the immense damage we're about to cause, it's hardly a surprise that the world is doing the same to them when the shit hits the fan. Basically it seems to me that the whole world's so pissed off with America that no-one's in a hurry to help them out, and yet no-one ever tries to do anything about them! And why? Probably because the average politician is about as spineless as a worm, and would sell any number of elderly relatives to get money/power/anything good for them.

Personally I think you should be grateful that other countries are helping at all rather than bitching that you're not getting enough. And if you're going to justify yourself with WW2 then again a little something I wrote elsewhere. To that guy with WW2 saving the world thing - basically all of what The Clarkster said, with the addition that the Fall of Germany would've happened without the U.S. - all they did was hasten the end. The war in Europe had pretty much ground to a halt, and was even beginning to turn against the Nazis - occupied France was giving them hell, and cast amounts of troops were having to be wasted policing it, they were getting nowhere against Britain - the RAF was dominating the Luftwaffe, despite being hugely outnumbered, Spain was having none of it, largely because they were fighting themselves, and in Africa Rommel was getting his arse kicked on a regular basis. The Axis were running low on supplies, it's citizens were on substitute substitute-foods, and it's military endeavours - in Russia, Africa and against Britain, were going nowhere and were indeed starting to turn against them. So America dealt with Japan - so what? They weren't really a threat. They were on the other side of the world, and the support they gave the actual German army was nonexistent. They were having enough trouble trying to subdue China and South-East Asia to bother with Europe. All the Americans did of use was speed up the D-Day landings, and give us a few supplies. You say they armed and fed and paid etc all the Allied countries - if you check, I think you'll see that America's contributions to the rest of the world were minimal at best, and the task of rebuilding was left to us. No one ever earns the right to be spoiled, and even if you could, America's actions in WW2, and since - Vietnam, Iraq, the Cold War (wasn't there some action in Korea too?) - anyone else think that they're the most idiotic wars ever embarked upon? The only reason America bothered with Vietnam was to stop the 'spread of Communism and the evil Soviet Communist Empire'. I don't know if you ever realised this, but if Communism actually worked it'd be the most perfect system of government there is - those actions certainly wouldn't 'earn them the right to be spoiled'. It's exactly that kind of arrogance I'm talking about! They think everything they do is such a huge thing! It people like The Clarkster that are one of America's few redeeming features! That and Chris Tucker, who is frankly hilarious, and Family Guy, for the same reason

And if you wanna see what The Clarkster said: Wait, WHAT? America SAVED the world in World War II? I suppose we
re just ignoring the efforts by the Soviet Union or the United Kingdom, not to mention the 30+ other Allied countries during World War II.

When did America join World War II? That
s right, December 7th, 1941, after Pearl Harbor. When did World War II start? You guessed it, September 1, 1939, with the German attack on Poland. That
s over TWO YEARS of fighting that America missed, almost HALF of the entire war! Sure you could argue that, yes, we were sending aid, but were we actually sacrificing LIVES to help win the war?

Then even after we did enter the war, we did almost nothing in the European front! London was enduring the constant firebombings from Germany and the Soviet Union was getting pounded on. And when did we join the war in Europe? Not until June 6, 1944. There was no real point to us joining at that time the Soviet Union had turned the war around far before that with the Battle of Stalingrad. Yes, by conducting D-Day we probably did prevent all of Europe from becoming communist, but that has nothing to do with what we're discussing purely wining World War II.

We did fight Japan pretty much single-handedly, but Japan was an extremely minor threat compared to Nazi Germany. When America sacrifices 20 million people to win a war, half of them being civilians for a war effort, then maybe we can claim that we saved the world in a war.

I think that's pretty much it. If you'd like to examine the quoted arguments in more detail look no further than here: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=9576847#post9576847

How could you have posted that? You only have 1 post in you post count! Are you trying to take credit for someone else's post?

Oh, an btw, I am aware that the Soviet Union did ahelluva lot more fighting than the US. Sometimes they were the only one even doing a dang thing about the 3rd Reich!

We did fight Japan pretty much single-handedly

WHAT? We weren't alone there! The Chinese were already fighting them since 1937 (Which is the real start of the war, not 1939) and that was after they lost Manchuria, (which was full of precious resources and industries) for the past 6 years. The Chinese were a backwards country, locked in civil war, and in the end, their soldiers, without many tanks, took all their land back. One Japanese division could defeat 3 Chinese. They lost like 15 million people, and there was almost 100 million refugees! :eek:

We definitely weren't alone on that front either. :headbang:

Oh, and Sweden (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=441877)

The Great Union Of Foxstenikopolis

:mp5: :mp5: :mp5: :sniper: :sniper:
Yeah, us swedes love to donate money, though mostly when it happens to swedes (fairly common throughout the world, I guess).

If you, personally, feel that political, ideological, and historical differences should determine whether innocent victims of natural disaster are entitled, or even worthy of assistance, then, perhaps, you should thoroughly analyze your own motives and how they are influenced by bias and/or stereotyping. If you can look at video of a poor, bedraggled family, trying to make sense of something so senseless, look at the scared little faces of the children, and decide you are not willing to help because you don't agree with the policies of their country's government in the past and the present, then, I suggest, you are a part of the problem and have little or nothing to offer in the way of solution.

Are we Americans arrogant? Probably in the view of other cultures. Are there disagreements on world policies? Of course. But, what the hell does this have to do with aid for innocent people?

I wasn't trying to imply that I didn't care at all, or that I refused to care because of past mistakes by the American government - far from it. This disaster is far worse than the London bombings, and people seem to have made a lot more fuss about that. I suppose because it was a deliberate act. But if I came across as uncaring I sincerely apologise. I didn't mean to sound callouse at all. I wasn't saying anything like that, but I was criticising the American government for being badly prepared for a disaster they could've and did see coming. The whole Kyoto/U.N. protocols part was me trying to make the point that because of America's disdain - or apparent disdain - for the rest of the world, it would hardly come as a surprise if the rest of the world wasn't overly eager to help them out. And as has been pointed out, despite this, loads of countries have helped out.

Oh and Foxstenikopolis, I assure you I'm not trying to steal anyone else's credit, I did post all that (apart from The Clarkster's bit, which I pointed out was his) it was all in one long-ass post - I just broke it up there for the sake of conveneice and relevancy. edit: Whoops - I just noticed I posted that as my other nation :rolleyes: Just like me to do something stupid. Yeah if you see anything by Money-mad Maniacs thats Mooseica - I wanted to try being an all-consuming commercialist country, so I created a new one. I'll have to be more careful in future.

http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/sep/04katrina.htm

Afghanistan to give $100,000 for Katrina victims

edit: Whoops - I just noticed I posted that as my other nation :rolleyes: Just like me to do something stupid.

Ha-ha! Yeah, I've done that before! Lol!

Exactly! It's happend before!

coughWorld War IIcough

We keep unscrewing people, but when we get struck by storms, not many people lift a finger to help!

At least not as many as helped the Asians.

Yeah, you sat on your asses till Britain got the upper hand, then jumped right in and saved them. And why the hell does the worlds richest country need help dealing with the hurricane fallout? because the president is too stupid to do his job so every other country has to do it for him.

America is our ally, but surely the limited aid budget should be spent on countries that cant help themselves?

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200509070301.htm?headline=Aid~offers~received~from~more~than~90~countries:~US
Aid offers received from more than 90 countries: US

Washington, Sept. 7. (AP): More than 90 countries have offered assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina, with Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates contributing $100 million (euro80 million) each in cash donations, the State Department said Tuesday.

Cuba has offered 1,100 doctors for hurricane relief despite the hostile political relations between the two countries

Venezuela has offered planeloads of soldiers and aid workers

Other countries that have offered cash assistance, he said, are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, the Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, and South Korea.

Contributions made through the Red Cross have been received from Australia, China, India, Ireland, Japan, Maldives, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Helicopters from Canada and Singapore are already in the affected area carrying out relief work, McCormack said. Air Canada planes have been evacuating victims since Saturday, he added.

Meals-ready-to-eat, or MRE's, have been received from Germany, Italy, Mexico and Britain.

london................

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/05/katrina.world.aid/index.html

Allies such as Britain and Germany as well as adversaries such as Cuba and Iran say they are willing to provide resources and manpower to help with the recovery.

War-wracked Afghanistan and countries slammed by the December tsunami such as India, Thailand and Sri Lanka also offered help.

In addition, the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization of American States and the International Energy Agency are contributing to the relief effort.

A U.N. offer of help has been accepted by the United States

The International Energy Agency on Friday announced that all of its 26 member countries agreed to make available 60 million barrels of oil and gas products over the next month

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said "more than 80 disaster experts from the Red Cross societies of more than 10 countries are already in place or making plans to travel to the United States


The Organization of American States, comprised of Latin American countries, has ordered special measures to back rescue and relief efforts and to restore order, and is establishing a fund for Katrina victims


Nigeria: Africa's most populous nation has pledged $1 million for disaster relief.

Mexico has offered $1 million and is sending 15 truckloads of water, food and medical supplies via Texas. The Mexican navy has offered to send two ships, two helicopters and 15 amphibious vehicles

Bangladesh: Prime Minister Khaleda Zia announced a donation of $1 million

India: The government is offering $5 million to the American Red Cross and donations of essential medicines, water purification systems for household and community level operations, and a medical team.

Iran: Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza-Asefi said Sunday his country is willing to help, if "there is a need for such relief assistance." The aid would be given through the Red Crescent Society, he told reporters


more details in the link..

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=11829
INDIAN AIR FORCE TO CARRY RELIEF SUPPLIES FOR HURRICANE AFFECTED PARTS OF USA

An IL-76 aircraft of Indian Air Force would be carrying relief supplies to New Orleans, USA which has been badly affected by the Hurricane Katriana.

The IAF IL-76 is expected to depart from Palam IAF base on 07 Sep 05 in the morning hours. The aircraft would be carrying 25 tonnes relief material to New Orleans, USA. The planned arrival of the relief material in USA is on 09 Sep 05.

The IAF IL-76 would be routing via Doha, Cairo, Lisbon & Boston, for New Orleans. This would be the first supply mission from India for the Katrina affected parts of US.

HQ IDS is the co-coordinating agency for the mission under the auspices of MoD and MEA.

The 25 tonnes relief supplies comprises 50,000 first aid kits, small tarps, blankets, 25,000 cots and pillows, 5,00,000 packed rations etc. Gp Capt R Sharma, CO of 44 Sqn IAF would be the Captain of the Mission.

Ok, after all the links you have given me, I'm convinced now that I am an idiot! :headbang:

coughWorld War IIcoughTook you long enough to come into it, though, didn't it?

Whether or not governments are donating (and the links provided here seem to indicate that they are not doing nothing, as you claimed), private individuals and businesses certainly are. My money alone won't help the people of New Orleans, but when it is done collectively like this it should do.

Ireland gave or offered money too
Why must Americans be so "everyones against us"

Edit: Apologies, that was harsh and generalisation

Ok, after all the links you have given me, I'm convinced now that I am an idiot! :headbang:

Thanks. It is glad to know that you took it in the right spirit. ;)

It is amazing to see war-ravaged Afghanistan, tsunami battered Sri-Lanka, poverty ridden India and dirt poor Bangladesh are pitching in with what little they can spare.

Here's to humanity ! :)

This is sad... :(

http://www.chinapost.com.tw/international/detail.asp?ID=68325&GRP=D

U.S.'s slow response frustrates aid givers

2005/9/9
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, AP


For four days, a C-130 transport plane ready to lift supplies to Katrina victims has stood idle at a Swedish Air Force base. The aid includes a water purification system that may be urgently needed amid signs deadly diseases could be spreading through fetid pools in New Orleans.

The one thing that stands in the way of takeoff? Approval by U.S. federal emergency officials.

Adding to criticism of bungled disaster management is frustration among international donors that shipments are being hindered by bureaucratic entanglements.

"We have to get some kind of signal (from the U.S.) in the next few days," said Karin Viklund of the Swedish Rescue Services Agency. "We really hope we will get it." Aside from water purification units, the Scandinavian country has offered blankets and mobile network equipment.

Swiss officials had expected an answer to their aid offer by Tuesday night. As of Wednesday afternoon, supplies were still sitting in a warehouse outside Bern as authorities awaited a response, said Andreas Stauffer, spokesman for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

In Washington, a senior State Department official said the United States has accepted offers of nearly US$1 billion (euro800,000 billion) in assistance from some 95 countries. "Every country has heard from us, all have been told their offers are being evaluated and that 'we may take your offers later,"' said Harry K. Thomas Jr., the department's executive secretary.

But Poland, Austria and Norway said they had not heard back on their aid offers, and countries outside Europe said they were also waiting for replies:

-- India, which regularly is hit by flooding unleashed by monsoon rains, has a planeload of supplies waiting but nowhere to send it.

-- Taiwan is waiting to hear from the United States for guidance on how it wants to spend the US$2 million (euro1.6 million) the island has pledged before it transfers the money, according to Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Michel Lu.

-- South Korea has promised US$30 million (euro23.9 million) and initially said it would send about 40 rescue workers and 100 tons of goods such as blankets, diapers, crutches, bunk beds and wheelchairs, to the United States by this weekend. But Foreign Ministry spokesman Lee Kyu-hyung said Wednesday the delivery will likely be delayed until next week as "preparations are not going well." He declined to elaborate.

Even Honduras -- the second-poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean -- has offered aid. It was told by the U.S. Embassy that "at this moment, the U.S. government is not asking for international assistance" -- while, in fact, the U.S. had already been preparing to ask European countries for aid.

However, some countries said they had received detailed requests for help from U.S. authorities and started shipping supplies.

European Commission spokeswoman Barbara Helfferich said "the coordination effort is going much, much better because aid is now leaving and aid is arriving."

She said glitches are to be expected at the start of a major aid effort. "The Europeans and the Americans had to learn to work together," she said. "Coordination is the most difficult thing in any relief effort."