The World's Response to Katrina

[DragonsChest]

I haven't gone through all the news sites on the web, so I'm hoping I've missed the links and the response from the world community. I know there are a few links in a post from Yasmine, and of course the Red Cross is already responding.

But the US was critisized harshly for not responding as fast as the world wanted it to with aid to the tsunami victims. Has the world begun responding with aid to our catastrophe yet?

I'm not pointing fingers at anyone - I'm truly interested in knowing if the US will also be able to receive aid from the world community, as we give out.

[Darakash]

I haven't gone through all the news sites on the web, so I'm hoping I've missed the links and the response from the world community. I know there are a few links in a post from Yasmine, and of course the Red Cross is already responding.

But the US was critisized harshly for not responding as fast as the world wanted it to with aid to the tsunami victims. Has the world begun responding with aid to our catastrophe yet?

I'm not pointing fingers at anyone - I'm truly interested in knowing if the US will also be able to receive aid from the world community, as we give out.
I actually saw the Gov of AL on FoxNews this a.m. asking the same question, in fact he said something (about world response) like, "The silence is deafening." He asserted that the world generally looks to us for help and assumes we are very self-sufficient, but that he really does hope for international help....

It is interesting, I mean, we are not facing the same numbers in terms of loss of life, but certainly the distruction is tremendous and there is substantial loss of life....so, it would be nice if we at least received offers of help from the world community.

[Zibblsnrt]

The Canadian government offered access to the national emergency medical stockpiles and a few other things; I've heard a few other places make offers, but don't know any specifics.

One of the problems is the (correct) assumption that a major power is going to be reluctant to accept foreign aid out of pride alone. That goes double if the country is one like the US, which can bring more resources both private and governmental to bear on internal disasters than any other nation in human history. It'd take the Yellowstone supercaldera going or something similar before resources were taxed enough that foreign aid would be necessary.

[DragonsChest]

Thank you Canada, for offering! :huddle: Time for a little bitterness: so we are expected to give and give, but we have very little chance of receiving.

I know we received some aid after 9/11 -- is that the level of disaster required to get help?

And even if we didn't accept the aid because of "pride", and I'm not so sure we wouldn't, wouldn't it be nice to at least have it offered?

[pawnman]

The Canadian government offered access to the national emergency medical stockpiles and a few other things; I've heard a few other places make offers, but don't know any specifics.

One of the problems is the (correct) assumption that a major power is going to be reluctant to accept foreign aid out of pride alone. That goes double if the country is one like the US, which can bring more resources both private and governmental to bear on internal disasters than any other nation in human history. It'd take the Yellowstone supercaldera going or something similar before resources were taxed enough that foreign aid would be necessary.

It would still be nice to have some offers, especially when the rest of the world is so quick to clamor for US aid when problems strike elsewhere.

[DragonsChest]

"The silence is deafening." .

Wow, kinda like the sound in this thread. I think it's very telling.

[Alaiyo]

It's still early yet. (If such a term could be used) Organizations in the US are still trying to assess how to best help people in the disaster, which was one of the stumbling blocks of the tsunami disaster-people wanting to help and offering all kinds of help but not necessarily what was needed. It looks like there is more organization happening and more help being sent by the hour. Now is the time to donate money and blood to the Red Cross.

The countries that were affected by the tsunami also begged for help as did the overseas NGOs that were already there. The NGOs were the first to sound the alarm and mobilized their donors immediately (UNICEF, Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders, etc). The US has not begged for help from the international community as far as I could tell. The governor of Alabama asking where the help is seems to be the closest.

I think that more help will come as countries understand the magnitude of the disaster and how they can help.

[narleymarley03]

I just heard on MSNBC that Germany has offered help.

[Jenne]

I think the aid will come out of the woodwork. Unfortunately, our own emergency response people were a little confuzzled yesterday. I heard interviews from MEMA (Mississippi's response teams) yesterday on NPR saying that they had no real way of communicating with their citizens down there b/c of lack of electricity and cell phone towers that were working. Their generators were almost all burned up, and they were calling on the US media to try to help out since they have the helicopters and manpower to do more than just throw the dead bodies aside and find the people who needed rescuing.

From what I saw today, the trucks are rolling in, and there's more aid coming from out of state but within country today. San Diego's Red Cross people were gearing up yesterday and leaving by this a.m. I think a lot of lack of response is a combination of what Zibbldude said, and the fact that there wasn't much information beyond mass destruction of homes available til this morning. With the improvement in the quality and quantity of info out there, more response will be made, I believe.

And go Canada and Germany! *mwah*

[DragonsChest]

Thank you to Canada and Germany! Again, I wasn't trying to point the finger, really, although I guess is appears that I was. It's nice to know that in our times of need, we could actually be the ones getting help.

:hugz: to N.O. and all those in need.

[Alaiyo]

If you go to the AP (Associated Press) website or to Yahoo News, you will see that there are other countries responding. Even Venezuela has offered aid and food in light of the Pat Robertson incident.

[DragonsChest]

Thank you for the info! Thank you, world. It is good to know we aren't alone.

Edit: I did find the article in Yahoo News, and support in the form of well wishes is pouring in from the world. Except for these people: Islamic extremists rejoiced in America's misfortune, giving the storm a military rank and declaring in Internet chatter that "Private" Katrina had joined the global jihad, or holy war. With "God's help," they declared, oil prices would hit $100 a barrel this year. link (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/hurricane_katrina_world_hk4;_ylt=AuafJnXdKj9F2wzsDtN_16as0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA2Z2szazkxBHNlYwN0bQ--)

But I am not going to give them the time of day - I am going to concentrate on the good energy that we are being sent. And give thanks.

[Darkdale]

Thank you to Canada and Germany! Again, I wasn't trying to point the finger, really, although I guess is appears that I was. It's nice to know that in our times of need, we could actually be the ones getting help.

:hugz: to N.O. and all those in need.

I think you'll see little offers of support here and there, but as you search world media, you'll find that while they recognize that America has had a disaster, foreign media isn't calling for aid or even support. Kind of a, "hey look what happen in America. Hohum."

However, I think we can learn from this. America can take care of itself. We'll recover and rebuild and when something like this happens to someone else, we'll be all the more ready to help them. But, that is what it means to be America and I couldn't be more proud.

[Zibblsnrt]

The Swiss and Austrian governments are apparently being inundated (..er, sorry) by people wondering where to send aid; much of that seems in response to the European floods recently, where Americans returned the favor in advance.

Most of Southeast Asia's saying "uhh, we'd help, but we're still kind of a wave-blasted wasteland ourselves..." IMO that's fair enough.

Saudi's new king also offered official aid just now.

[Alaiyo]

You know what?

Little offers are better than no offers. I am quite sure that the people in places like New Orleans, Mobile, and Biloxi appreciate whatever they get, especially since this is the beginning of a long row to hoe.

[Trithemius]

At least some are offering. I have my doubts that the government will officially accept any aid, much like 9/11. Like Asa said, we tend to have a "we can take care of ourselves" outlook.

[Shanti]

Why do we have to have a 'take care of ourselves' thing.
Why cant we share the burdens as other have.
Do we always have to save the world and ourselves?

Pride goeth before the fall.

[Darkdale]

Why do we have to have a 'take care of ourselves' thing.
Why cant we share the burdens as other have.
Do we always have to save the world and ourselves?

Pride goeth before the fall.

We have to take care of ourselves because the rest of the world hates us. :) Also, because we can. Which is why they hate us. I don't think we should save the world. Maybe Laisern has won me over a little, back to the old libertarian fold... screw the world. Bring the troops home, let's take care of ourselves and let everyone deal with their own problems. I'm sure our troops in Iraq training the next generation of Islamic Terrorists would rather be back in the States helping their own countrymen anyway.

[BlueMoon13]

You know what?

Little offers are better than no offers. I am quite sure that the people in places like New Orleans, Mobile, and Biloxi appreciate whatever they get, especially since this is the beginning of a long row to hoe.
I'm not even so sure it's the material aid (which of course would be nice) but just the fact that other people on the planet do give a rat's ass about Americans, on a human level...does that make sense? :whatgives

[Ravens_Tears]

Aid beginning to flow to victims (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050831.waid0831/BNStory/Front) By ALLISON DUNFIELD (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050831.waid0831/BNStory/Front)


Thought I would post this here.

[Cassie]

The initial response was a bit slow because few people realised how great the devastation was, and also because ,frankly, I guess many people 'assumed' the USA had everything in place to cope by itself.

Now hawever Katrina is headline news just about everywhere and offers of aid and expertise are coming in from every corner of the globe.

While people may not always like American politics, most are not so small minded as to let that stop them helping out in a human crisis. Concern for those affected by Katrina is very real.

[SSanf]

My feeling is that every single nation that we have ever given one red cent to should offer help. OK, they may not have the resources to return in kind. But, if all they can offer is a single boat load of able bodied men to help clean up the mess, they should offer those men.

If they do not, I would certainly reconsider how much we should donate in the future because we need to save our resources to cover our own needs if we cannot count on reciprocity.

[Darkdale]

Typhoon Talim (http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/08/31/taiwan.typhoon.reut/index.html)

TAIPEI, Taiwan (Reuters) -- A powerful typhoon is lashing Taiwan, sparking worries of flash floods and landslides and forcing offices and schools to close.

Typhoon Talim, with gusts near the center up to 227 kilometers per hour (141 mph), made landfall just to the east of the capital Taipei in the early hours of Thursday and was bringing strong winds and rains to the island's northeast.

[DragonsChest]

I'm not even so sure it's the material aid (which of course would be nice) but just the fact that other people on the planet do give a rat's ass about Americans, on a human level...does that make sense? :whatgives


I understand perfectly. I feel that way, too, and it's nice to know that the world actually does care for us, even a little.

Aid beginning to flow to victims By ALLISON DUNFIELD


Thought I would post this here.

This is wonderful news - thank you for posting!


While people may not always like American politics, most are not so small minded as to let that stop them helping out in a human crisis. Concern for those affected by Katrina is very real.

It's a good feeling to know - thanks!

My feeling is that every single nation that we have ever given one red cent to should offer help. OK, they may not have the resources to return in kind. But, if all they can offer is a single boat load of able bodied men to help clean up the mess, they should offer those men.

If they do not, I would certainly reconsider how much we should donate in the future because we need to save our resources to cover our own needs if we cannot count on reciprocity.

I agree with you on this. And since we are starting to receive some gestures of support and aid, I hope that all those we've helped unstintingly in the past will come forward now.

[Zibblsnrt]

Russia's offering (http://www.mosnews.com/news/2005/08/31/katrinahelp.shtml) search and rescue aircraft and personnel, as well.

There's problems going on with Canadian aid right now. The Department of Health requested Canadian assistance, but they were overruled at the border by Homeland Security and refused entry into the country.

[DragonsChest]

:jawdrop: They were turned back at the border? By our own people? After we asked for help? How STUPID can they be?

:aburst:

[Darkdale]

:jawdrop: They were turned back at the border? By our own people? After we asked for help? How STUPID can they be?

:aburst:

Not a matter of smarts. It's a matter of process before common sense. All kinds of correct processes have to be followed and this is government, common sense has been banished from the domain.

[Alaiyo]

Our government at work...

People sneaking across the border-refuse them

People from an international organization that wants to provide assistance in our hour of need-I think it's okay to let them in...

Apparently PM Martin is trying to speak to Bush to make him aware of the situation so that they can get through. It seems that no one told Homeland Security that DART had permission to go into New Orleans.


On another grim note: Fats Domino and other legendary New Orleans musicians are still missing
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168122,00.html (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168122,00.html)

[Alaiyo]

What New Orleans is doing for itself:
http://www.2theadvocate.com/stories/083005/new_volun001.shtml (http://www.2theadvocate.com/stories/083005/new_volun001.shtml)

[Sequoia]

Guys... maybe it's not so much a "Waah, they all hate Americans, they're jealous of our freedom!" as it is a "Well, America is the richest country in the world, and they're always talking about their strength and independance, so maybe they don't actually need our help. Besides, how much can we give, when they have so much more? If they ask, though, we'll definately help."

Jesus. Even in times like these, we have the ego-centric "Everybody's jealous because we're so awesome" attitude. And you wonder why we have foriegn politics issues?

It's been hardly a handful of days, and aid is pouring in. Not everything is instant, you know. Not only that, but how many hurricaines does the US get every year? Nobody realized how horrible it would be until the clouds cleared and we saw the disaster. And now that we know, everybody's clamouring to help in any way they can, even if just in little bits.

Why do we always give aid immediately? We're rich, as a nation. We're generally concerned, as a nation. When something big happens, it headlines our news. And yet in every disaster here, we insist that we're strong, we can do it ourselves. So don't get pissed that it took a few days for other countries to assess our needs and offer help.

They're helping, we have a disaster to cope with, can we all just play nice please?

[atropa]

Bring the troops home, let's take care of ourselves and let everyone deal with their own problems. I'm sure our troops in Iraq training the next generation of Islamic Terrorists would rather be back in the States helping their own countrymen anyway.

Amen to that! And thanks Cassie. :)

[DragonsChest]

They're helping, we have a disaster to cope with, can we all just play nice please?

Think I have played nice - but thanks for noticing. As soon as the support started showing up, I started saying thank you. It's just nice to feel like we are a part of the world community, and be able to receive the same responses from others that we give out so willingly.

[Darkdale]

Think I have played nice - but thanks for noticing. As soon as the support started showing up, I started saying thank you. It's just nice to feel like we are a part of the world community, and be able to receive the same responses from others that we give out so willingly.

I don't feel like I'm a part of the world community. I pretty much resent the world community, but I am delighted at how supportive everyone is being. It's really quite a shock. I'd never would have expected anyone to offer us a cent or so much as a blanket. It makes me feel a little better to see that people actually have hearts.

[DragonsChest]

:hugz: Asa! It is a good feeling, isn't it?

[Darkdale]

:hugz: Asa! It is a good feeling, isn't it?

A good feeling I indulge with a hint of skepticism... but I believe what my eyes and ears are seeing and hearing... so it must be true. :)

[Morr]

Maybe now that the world offers its support, Americans will start realizing that the whole world DOESNT hate them, and is obsessing over America's every move...

THIS coming from a foreigner.

*rolls eyes*

I have said it once and I'll say it again, the World community has other issues to work on and be concerned with OTHER than what is the USA doing at any given moment of every day. Especially the average joe. And every single country does NOT hate the USA. I'm Israeli, but I'm practically American myself (lived in the US for many years, my best friends live there, hope to move there after I graduate and get a nice job... YES legally, to any of you whom had doubts...). I have pulled off the "American" thing (since I speak fluent "American" English with an American accent) out here in Israel, and in parts of Europe. NEVER have I gotten mistreated badly.

So sure, the various governments out there may not mesh well with the current American government. But much as the Bush administration and its policies DOESNT represent the whole of the American people, such are the rest of the governments out there. So if there is some hostility between one government and the US government, it DOESNT always mean that the average citizen in that country supports his/her government and is full blown anti-USA.

Wanna know what DOES piss off some people, and possibly some governments out there?

This very "Pride" I have seen in this thread. This patronizing, self rightous, "we are better than you because you are not part of America" type attitude. There is nothing wrong with being a Patriot. Not at all. But when all you say and show is that YOU are better than OTHERS only BECAUSE you were born in the US, and they have been born elsewhere -- That can really tick off some people out there. I know it has angered me, even though I adore the US and most of the people I met there are wonderful. As I said, some of my best friends are American.

*shrugs*

But then again, I'm a "foreigner", so what do *I* really know, right?
Maybe in my next lifetime I will be born in the US, and will be more worthy.

*snort*

[Sequoia]

Wanna know what DOES piss off some people, and possibly some governments out there?

This very "Pride" I have seen in this thread. This patronizing, self rightous, "we are better than you because you are not part of America" type attitude.
Yeah, that's what was bothering me, too. There's having Pride in your country's accomplishments... and then there's having pride simply to be prideful.

Come on, folks. The world is reacting about as quickly as our own government is to this. There's no reason to foriegn-bash, or even hint at it.

[Shanti]

We NEED help.
People are dying from lack of water for 4 days.
We obviously cant do this by ourselves.
Any help we can get, we obviuosly need.

Pride does goeth before the fall.

I am grateful to all nations who have held out their hand.
And to all people everywhere who have held out their hand.
I regret to say though our Gov will probably screw it all up,
they are experenced in that area, obviously.

This is my opinion only.

[Darkdale]

lol Morr, seriously, Americans don't expect anything out of anyone. I'm shocked and astonished that we are getting any aid at all. Most Americans* operate under the idea that foreigners don't give a rats droppings what America wants or goes through.

*most Americans I know, anyway.

I rarely ever hear anyone complain that the world doesn't pay enough attention to us, because frankly, most of don't care. We have our problems, Russians have theirs, the French have theirs. Now, when we all share the same problems it's nice to have people willing to work with us, rather than against us, but sadly, the French and the Germans (for example) tend to need their butts kissed for simple cooperation.

I love reading foreign media, listening to how Americans are viewed and frankly, it's the REST of the world that is pissed off that WE don't pay enough attention to THEM. Of course, no one has been more willing to cooperate with others than America has. We give up our money, we spill our own blood and we fight for those who are oppressed and never get any thanks in return.

We are used to that. We've become rather apathetic as a result. I mean, seriously, most Americans couldn't find Germany on a map lol. (not that that is a good thing, shows how apathetic and uneducated we tend to be) But trust me, no one in America, that I know, is losing any sleep over the world's opinion of us. Personally, until I feel like we have friends abroad, I'm not going to expect anything out of other nations, except to take our money and blood for no thanks in return. :cutesanta

Wonder how many feathers that ruffles.

[Morr]

*shrugs*

If so many of you have SUCH an issue with America "spilling its blood" and "wasting its money" on other nations -- Why vote for a government that presses those issues? Why not go back to Isolationism?

And if no one in the US loses sleep over what the rest of the world thinks, why have i heard nothing but complaints over THAT in this thread, and many others?

[DragonsChest]

None of my feathers.

[Morr]

None of my feathers.


This EXACT response is what I mean.

[DragonsChest]

*shrugs*

If so many of you have SUCH an issue with America "spilling its blood" and "wasting its money" on other nations -- Why vote for a government that presses those issues? Why not go back to Isolationism? That could be an option.

And if no one in the US loses sleep over what the rest of the world thinks, why have i heard nothing but complaints over THAT in this thread, and many others? Because it's nice to know we're not alone in the world, even tho it feels like it most of the time. But never mind, I'm just happy that we are getting some response.

[DragonsChest]

This EXACT response is what I mean.


Hmmm, since I am a person who was born overseas, has lived overseas, visited many different countries, and has relatives in other countries, I think I am entitled to a bit of expertise on how the world views us, too. You're not the only one who has that perspective.

I'm not really losing any sleep over what the world thinks of us, but I really am happy that at least some of the countries of the world recognizes that we give and give and give, and that maybe, just perhaps, we might sometimes want to be on the receiving end of help.

[WokeUpDead]

Didn't it take at least a week before people got together throwing aid in for the tsunami anyways? Whether Europe gives us a few billion now or a few billion in 3 weeks won't make much of a difference in the recovery effort, it will just be spent later rebuilding instead of now cleaning up.

[DragonsChest]

Didn't it take at least a week before people got together throwing aid in for the tsunami anyways? Whether Europe gives us a few billion now or a few billion in 3 weeks won't make much of a difference in the recovery effort, it will just be spent later rebuilding instead of now cleaning up.

I don't know if it took that long for a response. But I know I donated as soon as the link came up on Amazon. I don't remember what the time frame was.

This time I went straight to Red Cross's site - I think that was faster.

[Darkdale]

Didn't it take at least a week before people got together throwing aid in for the tsunami anyways? Whether Europe gives us a few billion now or a few billion in 3 weeks won't make much of a difference in the recovery effort, it will just be spent later rebuilding instead of now cleaning up.

Well, the EU is going to give us refined Gasoline, which is actually meant to help stabilize our economy. This will be an immediate help once we actually get it. The oil we've tapped from the reserve still has to be refined. I think Europe will be surprisingly generous, if the last few days are any indication, of course, a lot of the help we get is going to be meant to stabilize the world economy. But, the most important things can be done right here in the states.

For example, we need to all start conserving energy. I've turned off my lights, turned off my air conditioning, I'm not driving. I'm trying to use as little energy as possible. If the whole country would just slow down consumption and conserve, I think that would really help alot. It alright looks like the Private Sector is going to donate an unprecedented amount of money and other forms of aid as well (in fact, President Bush and President Clinton are in charge of getting as much aid from the Private sector as possible).

[Darkdale]

*shrugs*

If so many of you have SUCH an issue with America "spilling its blood" and "wasting its money" on other nations -- Why vote for a government that presses those issues? Why not go back to Isolationism?

I'm back on the isolationist boat at this point. My faith in the rest of the world has been sucked dry. I think it is time we bring all of our troops home.


And if no one in the US loses sleep over what the rest of the world thinks, why have i heard nothing but complaints over THAT in this thread, and many others?

Well, actually, I think this thread is more about the shock at the generosity of the rest of the world. I honestly didn't imagine that anyone would send us aid. If the last few days are any indication, it appears the world will be very generous indeed.

[Zibblsnrt]

Well, the EU is going to give us refined Gasoline, which is actually meant to help stabilize our economy. This will be an immediate help once we actually get it. The oil we've tapped from the reserve still has to be refined. I think Europe will be surprisingly generous, if the last few days are any indication, of course, a lot of the help we get is going to be meant to stabilize the world economy. But, the most important things can be done right here in the states.

I expect you'd probably see quite a few offers from several European countries. They got hit with major flooding a week or two before Katrina razed the Gulf Coast, and remember the aid they'd gotten. And of course, some places like Southeast Asia haven't forgotten anything, though they're understandably still not in a position to do much.

CNN had a list of nations offering aid on their scrolling marquee earlier. It went on for a minute or two, from the looks of it.

Now they just have to be allowed to. :P

[Darkdale]

I expect you'd probably see quite a few offers from several European countries. They got hit with major flooding a week or two before Katrina razed the Gulf Coast, and remember the aid they'd gotten. And of course, some places like Southeast Asia haven't forgotten anything, though they're understandably still not in a position to do much.

CNN had a list of nations offering aid on their scrolling marquee earlier. It went on for a minute or two, from the looks of it.

Now they just have to be allowed to. :P

Well, I'm still looking for information about the Typhon that just tore through Taiwan. Americans may not be the only ones who need help at this point, from natural disasters. What is embaressing, is how the looters have slowed down the help and the aid. It's so damn frustrating. We've got people in Europe willing to help, while some people in the area, that were affected, are making things more difficult.

[semi]

What I've heard about the typhoon so far is: 1 dead, 12 injured.

[Zibblsnrt]

Well, now (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9161198/):

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.

Right now Washington's left hand doesn't know what its right hand is doing. Rice has announced hat anything offered will be accepted, but Bush has officially rejected everything that those two dozen-someodd countries have offered so far. Someone needs to get hit with the priority bat.

At least people now get to waive their right to whine about the rest of the world's supposed unwillingness to offer anything in this kind of situation...

[Ben Gruagach]

Here's an article from Reuters (http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N01481437.htm) that lists which countries have offered help so far.

And if you check websites for news media in other countries (like the UK's BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/) or Canada's CBC (http://www.cbc.ca/) and CTV (http://www.ctv.ca/)) the situation in New Orleans is pretty dominant news, along with very clear requests for help.

The rest of the world is not ignoring the US, nor are they standing by idly.

[Alaiyo]

Fats Domino has been found:
http://edition.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/01/katrina.fats.domino/ (http://edition.cnn.com/2005/SHOWBIZ/Music/09/01/katrina.fats.domino/)

[DragonsChest]

The rest of the world is not ignoring the US, nor are they standing by idly.

Today's news of the rest of the world helping has been gratefully received, it's a blessing!

[Cassie]

If only the federal government had responded as quickly, generously and genuinely as the rest of the world has....
Four days after the hurrican, about 10 days after the potential disaster was predicted, the situation in N.O. seems to be deteriorating hour by hour. No food, no medicine, very little shelter, bodies lying where they died; fear, desperation and anarchy spreading...
And this in the richest most powerful nation the world has ever known?
My heart goes out to the victims of this tradgedy but the American government's reaction has been a total disgrace, and it is going to take more than a few of pretty speeches to put it right.

[pawnman]

If only the federal government had responded as quickly, generously and genuinely as the rest of the world has....
Four days after the hurrican, about 10 days after the potential disaster was predicted, the situation in N.O. seems to be deteriorating hour by hour. No food, no medicine, very little shelter, bodies lying where they died; fear, desperation and anarchy spreading...
And this in the richest most powerful nation the world has ever known?
My heart goes out to the victims of this tradgedy but the American government's reaction has been a total disgrace, and it is going to take more than a few of pretty speeches to put it right.

Well, the Guard tried to drop supplies at the Superdome, but they couldn't land because people kept shooting at the helicopter.

[Trithemius]

Well, the Guard tried to drop supplies at the Superdome, but they couldn't land because people kept shooting at the helicopter.


:collapse:

These are people who are desperate for aid, and when it comes they drive it away with gunfire???

That is without question the most monumentally stupid thing I've ever heard of in my life.

[pawnman]

:collapse:

These are people who are desperate for aid, and when it comes they drive it away with gunfire???

That is without question the most monumentally stupid thing I've ever heard of in my life.

There was a hospital administator who was desparate for law enforcement aid. He's trying to evac patients, but there's a mob of people waiting to try to take over the ambulance once they leave the gates of the hospital. It's a bad situation, and it seems there are some people hell-bent on making it worse.

[DragonsChest]

It's turning into that old movie, the one Kurt Russell starred in as "Snake". Where NYC was walled off and turned into a penal colony - anarchy ruled there. Seems like N.O. is hell bent on being the same.

[Darkdale]

If only the federal government had responded as quickly, generously and genuinely as the rest of the world has....


What the ... What are you talking about? Our government has responded with unprecedented speed. I don't think you have an appropriate appreciation for the extent of this disaster.

[Ben Gruagach]

What the ... What are you talking about? Our government has responded with unprecedented speed. I don't think you have an appropriate appreciation for the extent of this disaster.

The mayor of New Orleans appears to disagree with your opinion.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/02/katrina.nagin/ (http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/02/katrina.nagin/)

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9172420/ (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9172420/)

[Valnorran]

The mayor of New Orleans appears to disagree with your opinion.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/02/katrina.nagin/ (http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/02/katrina.nagin/)

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9172420/ (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9172420/)
Maybe if his constituents would stop shooting at relief workers and rescuers they could get in there and do something.

[Darkdale]

The mayor of New Orleans appears to disagree with your opinion.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/02/katrina.nagin/ (http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/02/katrina.nagin/)

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9172420/ (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9172420/)

The Mayor is behaving in a wretched and embarrassing manner, unfit even for a politician. Everything that can be done is being done. People need to have a more appropriate appreciation for the true devastation of this disaster.

[Zibblsnrt]

Everything that can be done is being done. People need to have a more appropriate appreciation for the true devastation of this disaster.

Considering that I've known about some of the larger problems going on in New Orleans before the FEMA director has (as he admitted in interviews yesterday afternoon), I think it's a little silly to say things are going anywhere close to smoothly. Myself, I'm on the mayor's side for this one.

[Darkdale]

Considering that I've known about some of the larger problems going on in New Orleans before the FEMA director has (as he admitted in interviews yesterday afternoon), I think it's a little silly to say things are going anywhere close to smoothly. Myself, I'm on the mayor's side for this one.

I'm sorry, but these things don't run smoothly, because it's a disaster. Whole towns are destroyed, roads destroyed, bridges destroyed, everything under water... as I'm sure you know, that makes things unsmooth (pretend that's a word). All we can ask is for the best they can do, and we are getting that. The Mayor is emotional, he is frustrated, he isn't thinking and he is directing his anger at the federal officials. He's acting like a child. I am not judging him as a person, God knows what I would be like if I was in their situation, but as people form judgments, they need to listen to rational, objective people, not emotional ones.

[BlueMoon13]

Considering that I've known about some of the larger problems going on in New Orleans before the FEMA director has (as he admitted in interviews yesterday afternoon), I think it's a little silly to say things are going anywhere close to smoothly. Myself, I'm on the mayor's side for this one.
As if they ran smooth as silk after the Halifax explosion.....**.off topic, but we down here are touched by you in Nova Scotia sending that big Christmas tree to Boston every year to thank Boston again for the help it gave to Halifax then. Heck it's been almost 100 years, but it's aure a nice sign of appreciation**
OK,back to the acrimony *winks**

[Darkdale]

The other thing that is important to remember is the police have been under sniper fire for the last four nights, there are hundreds of reports of theft, assult, rape... These criminals are making it very difficult to rescue anyone.

[BlueMoon13]

The other thing that is important to remember is the police have been under sniper fire for the last four nights, there are hundreds of reports of theft, assult, rape... These criminals are making it very difficult to rescue anyone.
:goodgrief As usual, the "innocent" have to suffer becasue of the "guilty". I wonder who'd get the blame if the helicopter got shot down and landed on someone.....sorry....I'm getting carried away......taking a break............ :ahhhhhhh:

[Zibblsnrt]

I'm sorry, but these things don't run smoothly, because it's a disaster.

You find me a good excuse for the director of FEMA to be ignorant of what's going on in that city when a civilian in another country can know better, and I'll consider accepting "these things don't run smoothly and Nagin's just being a child" as an excuse. I'm sorry, but wanting a good explanation for a communications breakdown of that magnitude is entirely fair, no matter what tone it was delivered in.

As if they ran smooth as silk after the Halifax explosion.....**.off topic, but we down here are touched by you in Nova Scotia sending that big Christmas tree to Boston every year to thank Boston again for the help it gave to Halifax then. Heck it's been almost 100 years, but it's aure a nice sign of appreciation**

Honestly, compared to this they did. I've worked with a lot of the period materials from that time in the past year or so. Neat things were done, like allowing foreign aid into the country without having to fight a turf war in the government over it first, which is why Boston still gets those trees. ;)

The lawlessness was also slapped down right off, but part of that is the fact that the entire country was nominally under martial law at the time anyway, and the city was the primary military base for this part of the country. I also think the fact that the blast was heard two hundred miles away probably gave people a nice dose of This Is Serious, Yo.

(Around this time of year is when people start squabbling for the privelege of sending their tree to Boston, by the way. The decision's made around October or November most years.)

OK,back to the acrimony *winks**

Gotcha. Fiend! Infidel! Monster! ;)

[Darkdale]

You find me a good excuse for the director of FEMA to be ignorant of what's going on in that city when a civilian in another country can know better, and I'll consider accepting "these things don't run smoothly and Nagin's just being a child" as an excuse. I'm sorry, but wanting a good explanation for a communications breakdown of that magnitude is entirely fair, no matter what tone it was delivered in.

First of all, I don't know that you know anything that he doesn't know and I would honestly be surprised if you did. Secondly, an example isn't evidence. It's an anecdote. The process, thus far, has pretty much gone according to plan, what we continue to struggle with is violence, lawlessness, flooding, fires and a lack of communications... none of which are our governments fault. Just because there are struggles, doesn't mean that anything is going wrong. Maybe in your world, roads and bridges and electricity can just pop out of thin air, but I doubt it.

Also, how to you "know" so much living in another country? And what is it you think you know?

I think people are just so used to whining and complaining about everything that that is just their natural reaction, at least here in the States... we ain't happy unless we have a problem to cry about and someone to blame for it. It's annoying.

[flyntfaery]

I read that Australia is sending like tons of aid....
We love you Australia!

[pawnman]

I'm sorry, but these things don't run smoothly, because it's a disaster. Whole towns are destroyed, roads destroyed, bridges destroyed, everything under water... as I'm sure you know, that makes things unsmooth (pretend that's a word). All we can ask is for the best they can do, and we are getting that. The Mayor is emotional, he is frustrated, he isn't thinking and he is directing his anger at the federal officials. He's acting like a child. I am not judging him as a person, God knows what I would be like if I was in their situation, but as people form judgments, they need to listen to rational, objective people, not emotional ones.

The sad thing is, they ran a drill involving a category 3 hurricane and they knew, KNEW, that this is exactly what would happen. They ran this exercise last year, and figured on something like 600,000 buildings being damaged or destroyed and the levies breaking. And still, it looks like they were caught completely unawares by this particular storm. No excuse for it.

[Orionsmama]

Actually, the drill was supposed to be ran, but was not because some brilliant army engineers thought that could never happen. When the scientists in Louisiana tried to convince them to set up this test and some ideas with how to deal with victims on this scale and the response from our oh so wise government upon the idea that we set up tent cities to house the refugees was that 'americans don't sleep in tents'. Wow, I wonder what all that camping I did was then?

The vast majority of Americans are NOT happy unless they are bitching. Even the people in New Orleans are not happy to see the convoys. They can only complain that it wasn't soon enough. I would like to hear people saying 'better late than never' Why don't we stop bitching and get off OUR asses and go there instead of complaining? I am currently in Austin, TX and will be going to the shelters myself with diapers, formula, and my bear hands to help and hug whomever I can.

What are YOU doing? (This applies to everyone, american or not)

[Zibblsnrt]

First of all, I don't know that you know anything that he doesn't know and I would honestly be surprised if you did.

FEMA's director admitted only finding out about the humanitarian situation at the Convention Centre yesterday afternoon. If you're claiming he knew beforehand, you are purely, one hundred percent wrong, as the man himself said otherwise.

I knew about it via the media, eyewitness reports, National Guard and NOPD radio chatter, and various other things the afternoon beforehand. Therefore, I was aware of it before he was. Period. It's not complex.

Go ahead and dismiss that as "anecdotal" or claim I'm lying all you want. If that makes you comfortable, that's your right, but I kind of figured you as something better than the type who likes to cloak himself in a shield of pleasant denial.

Or you can honestly be surprised. After all, I am right.

Also, how to you "know" so much living in another country?

I read. I otherwise pay attention to things.

Even foreigners know how to do that. Isn't that neat?

And what is it you think you know?

You can look down your nose at me some more, and claim that I'm intrinsically ignorant of what's going on there simply because I'm in that benighted "rest of the world," all you want if that makes you comfortable.

If you're going to attempt to attack my knowledge, you'll have to find a better way to do it than dismissing me as a mere foreigner.

[healeri2]

What makes me sick is the attitude of some people who keep saying that it's not the federal governments responsibility, it's the district or states responsibility. It's just a reflection of the attitude of some of these people in America, that Each for Himself attitude. The united states is supposed to be UNITED and ONE country. In cases of National emergencies a responsible country would expect the Federal government and states to work together not for the city, state and people to just Fend for themselves.

There doesn't seem to be compassion from the conservatives from what I see. Maybe what it really is - Conservatives are conservative on compassion?

[Cassie]

The criticism of the federal government in this thread (and others) is not about left or right wing politics, it is about a lack of competence and leadership in response to a humanitarian crisis. I would be equally critical if it had been a left wing administration in charge.
Back on topic... More and more countries have pledged aid and assistence. Yesterday, for example, Cuba offered to send hundreds of doctors and medical supplies to the region.
My question is; does anyone know if the American government has actually accepted these offers and organised a way to distribute the foreign aid that has been promised?

[Darkdale]

There doesn't seem to be compassion from the conservatives from what I see. Maybe what it really is - Conservatives are conservative on compassion?

Conservatives seem to be the only ones with compassion. While liberals spit their hate and madness, conservatives are busy doing everything they can to support the people of New Orleans. The liberals write articles and scream at the president. That's all they can do.

[Orionsmama]

Conservatives seem to be the only ones with compassion. While liberals spit their hate and madness, conservatives are busy doing everything they can to support the people of New Orleans. The liberals write articles and scream at the president. That's all they can do.


Hmmm...I am a liberal and am going to the shelters in texas tomorrow. I am not hateful in any way at all. I think you should be careful with sweeping generalizations. ;)

I think the situation is beyone blaming any one party or person or group of people. I have heard of incompetence and idiocy on both sides of the problem. From idiots shooting at the very people who are trying to help them to Bush waiting four days to visit a major disaster.

[Darkdale]

Hmmm...I am a liberal and am going to the shelters in texas tomorrow. I am not hateful in any way at all. I think you should be careful with sweeping generalizations. ;)

Yes. I should be. I'm just so angry right now. I'm sure there are many liberals helping out and who actually feel compassion... it's just, that all this race baiting and poverty baiting just gets under my skin like nothing else. It's shallow and it's wrong and the left seems to use it every chance they get. I'm beyond being reasonable about it, because I'm just so damn angry right now. In fact, I can't remember ever being this angry, because I've never seen anything more contemptible, at least not in my own country.

This is a time when we should all be coming together and the democrats are ripping us apart.

[pawnman]

Hmmm...I am a liberal and am going to the shelters in texas tomorrow. I am not hateful in any way at all. I think you should be careful with sweeping generalizations. ;)

I think the situation is beyone blaming any one party or person or group of people. I have heard of incompetence and idiocy on both sides of the problem. From idiots shooting at the very people who are trying to help them to Bush waiting four days to visit a major disaster.

I'd wait too. I wouldn't want to be shot at. Besides, what good does his visit actually do? It's not like a visit from the president is going to create food, water, and housing.

[pawnman]

Actually, the drill was supposed to be ran, but was not because some brilliant army engineers thought that could never happen. When the scientists in Louisiana tried to convince them to set up this test and some ideas with how to deal with victims on this scale and the response from our oh so wise government upon the idea that we set up tent cities to house the refugees was that 'americans don't sleep in tents'. Wow, I wonder what all that camping I did was then?

The vast majority of Americans are NOT happy unless they are bitching. Even the people in New Orleans are not happy to see the convoys. They can only complain that it wasn't soon enough. I would like to hear people saying 'better late than never' Why don't we stop bitching and get off OUR asses and go there instead of complaining? I am currently in Austin, TX and will be going to the shelters myself with diapers, formula, and my bear hands to help and hug whomever I can.

What are YOU doing? (This applies to everyone, american or not)

Don't forget complaining about food quality. MRE's are "hot meals" and "we haven't had any REAL food".

Tent cities would have been a good idea. Can't believe they shot that one down. I'd rather be in a tent with a dozen other people than in the Superdome with 30,000.

[Old Witch]

Well, the EU is going to give us refined Gasoline, which is actually meant to help stabilize our economy. This will be an immediate help once we actually get it. The oil we've tapped from the reserve still has to be refined. I think Europe will be surprisingly generous, if the last few days are any indication, of course, a lot of the help we get is going to be meant to stabilize the world economy. But, the most important things can be done right here in the states.

For example, we need to all start conserving energy. I've turned off my lights, turned off my air conditioning, I'm not driving. I'm trying to use as little energy as possible. If the whole country would just slow down consumption and conserve, I think that would really help alot. It alright looks like the Private Sector is going to donate an unprecedented amount of money and other forms of aid as well (in fact, President Bush and President Clinton are in charge of getting as much aid from the Private sector as possible).


I'm glad you turned off your lights, air conditioning, and have stopped driving...I can't.. we close our blinds and drapes during the day to keep the heat out and don't use our lights because they generate heat .It's still 95 degrees down here with 75% humidity, we have to use our air conditioning.....as for not driving, I work at a hospital that's receiving 55 patients from the huricane affected area today and only 12 people in this whole area of about 1,250,000
can do my job, I have to be there..........

[Darkdale]

I'm glad you turned off your lights, air conditioning, and have stopped driving...I can't.. we close our blinds and drapes during the day to keep the heat out and don't use our lights because they generate heat .It's still 95 degrees down here with 75% humidity, we have to use our air conditioning.....as for not driving, I work at a hospital that's receiving 55 patients from the huricane affected area today and only 12 people in this whole area of about 1,250,000
can do my job, I have to be there..........

Closing blinds and drapes helps and you being at a hospital is where you need to be. Thank you for working at a hospital btw. I work at home, so staying home is easy. If I need to go to the store I can walk. I've just cancled all my trips and poker nights for a while until things settle down. Everyone just needs to do small things. If everyone does something little, the big things will all be easier to accomplish and deal with.

[Protagonist]

Conservatives seem to be the only ones with compassion. While liberals spit their hate and madness, conservatives are busy doing everything they can to support the people of New Orleans. The liberals write articles and scream at the president. That's all they can do.
Well, you heard the man. You dirty, crazy, hateful liberals need to stop being such dividers! (Sorry, if you don't get the irony here, I'm not going to point it out for you.)

[Protagonist]

On a more pertinant note, do you think the Red Cross is going to be able to make the best use of its resources? Earlham College raised $412 in one day, and more is coming, but I'd wonder how that money is best spent. Food? Medicine? Evacuation? I'd actually vote for the latter. They shouldn't be just throwing bits of food at those people down there - they need to get them out.

[Darkdale]

On a more pertinant note, do you think the Red Cross is going to be able to make the best use of its resources? Earlham College raised $412 in one day, and more is coming, but I'd wonder how that money is best spent. Food? Medicine? Evacuation? I'd actually vote for the latter. They shouldn't be just throwing bits of food at those people down there - they need to get them out.

That's what they are doing in the tens of thousands a day.

[mol]

Conservatives seem to be the only ones with compassion. While liberals spit their hate and madness, conservatives are busy doing everything they can to support the people of New Orleans. The liberals write articles and scream at the president. That's all they can do.
Heh. That's because the president is a piece of crap.

Anyway, c'mon folks, stop throwing the hate speech back and forth at each other.

[Protagonist]

Anyway, c'mon folks, stop throwing the hate speech back and forth at each other.
But Mol, the conservatives only want to help people. That's why they're here letting everyone know how hateful and divisive the liberals are being!

[Protagonist]

That's what they are doing in the tens of thousands a day.
It's not that easy, and I doubt the exodus is taking place in quite those numbers. Efforts are hampered by the fact that, obviously, everyone wants to leave, and whenever a vehicle shows up, it's literally mobbed. There're also a limited number of those vehicles. These sort of problems won't be easily solved, I realize, but investing in some extra modes of transportation couldn't hurt.

[HeavensHope]

Just curious, it just occured to me that with people being moved to Tx, did anyone think to transport them up to mainland Louisana and Mississippi? Instead of moving them thousands of miles away from their home? I know TX is a big state and it makes me proud to be one especially with how everyones been welcoming the refugees, but what about the other states? There are other states closer or just as close. Do they expect to pack all the refugees into TX like sardines?

I have to admit I've been watching the news, well it's hard not to when it's on just about every channel. It seems like some people are not being grateful for the help but instead complaining. There was a lady that was pissed and said that we werent doing all we could when they were turned away from the Astrodome. They packed in as many people as they could, I dont think people would intentionally turn away people if there's really more room.

[PaganLibrarian]

Ummm...Houston, Texas is only @ 300 miles from New Orleans. Add to that the fact that it is a major city, and it becomes a very good place to move refugees to. Much better than moving them north into areas that, although not as bad as New Orleans, are also suffering fromt he effects of Katrina.

[Zibblsnrt]

Just curious, it just occured to me that with people being moved to Tx, did anyone think to transport them up to mainland Louisana and Mississippi? Instead of moving them thousands of miles away from their home? I know TX is a big state and it makes me proud to be one especially with how everyones been welcoming the refugees, but what about the other states? There are other states closer or just as close. Do they expect to pack all the refugees into TX like sardines?

You say that like Texas isn't big enough to hold a hundred thousand refugees or so, easily. They're not all going to the Astrodome, and many people are going to other states. I know people in Michigan who are hosting people, and even the Canadian government's offering crash space or hospital beds for some of the harder-hit.

Seriously though, it's not just the Gulf Coast. Louisiana and Mississippi got pretty badly hit across their whole extent; they can't simultaneously handle repairs on the better-off areas and help people who've been displaced.

As for moving them thousands of miles from their home... well, right now, their home is the ground they stand on, and that's it. New Orleans has not simply been struck by this storm; it's been destroyed by it, with the minimum reconstruction costs I've seen so far in the hundred-billion-dollar range. Most of the people on the coast don't have homes anymore, or at least ones that are even vaguely worthy of a developed country. For the next few weeks or months or years or more, they're elsewhere, and need to find new homes.

[PaganLibrarian]

Texas Borders on Louisiana. When you go west out of Louisiana, you go into Texas. You don't get much closer than that.

[WAHM-Brenda]

I think it is an utter shame that the US is suppose to be there for everyone but then something like this happens to us and we hear from nobody

=^..^= Pastor Brenda
Ordained ULC Minister
yourhealthyfamily@consultant.com
An Eclectic Christian (http://www.yourhealthyfamilyhome.com)
Discover a way to increase your health and/or income! (http://practicalsolution.info)


http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/numerology.jpg (http://www.mysticwicks.com/forumdisplay.php?f=205)

http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/katrina.jpg

http://yourhealthyfamilyhome.com/katrina2.jpg

[Danustouch]

Am I the only one who remembers that around the world on 9/11, candlelight vigils were held for both the American lives, and international lives lost on that tragic day? I remember viewing an MSNBC pictorial of people praying in so many countries around the world, and comments from people of those countries on the disaster too, and having goosebumps up and down my arms.

For those of you who STILL (despite many of the messages in this thread) think that the rest of the world doesn't care about us, think back to that day. Even Yassir Arafat offered his own blood. (And no, I don't want to descend into a debate on the deceased fellows motives for doing so.).

For the first couple of days after Katrina hit, I too wondered where the international community was on this. But, it didn't take long for them to respond. We can't expect that the international and global community is necessarily going to have all of the up to date information exactly at the same time we do...there IS going to be a communication delay to a certain extent. Besides that, it is human nature, it seems to wait for ones government to give one direction in these sort of matters. Many people are fairly skeptical about what they read and see on the news, until it is verified, and validated by someone they know and trust. When one's government sits in front of a camera, and relates to it's people the magnitude of a disaster such as we are facing now, they are more likely to respond. It takes time for the news, to filter through the appropriate sources, wherever you are. When the Tsunami hit asia, i'll admit that though I was aware of it immediately, and watched the news regarding it, I didn't really make MY Donations until two days after (and you can start throwing those rocks now, if you want). Why? I think I was waiting to get a sense of what the magnitude of the disaster was. Not because I wouldn't have donated anyway, but it's just kind of human nature in some ways to want to know WHO to donate to, who is doing what, how your money will be used, etc. For instance, we've all become aware of various fund raising scams that have sprouted up already in the wake of Katrina. Nobody wants to be trigger happy, and donate to an organization which might not use their dollars to the best advantage, or worse, rip them off.

I think the international community is responding, to the best of their ability. Those who are not, may be having their own issues to deal with.

I'm actually quite amazed, and grateful for the way that the international community is responding. Israel's certainly had it's hands full in recent months with the Gaza withdrawl, England with it's recent Terrorist assaults, Portugal with their wildfires, political unrest in Venezuela....

Guys, I don't count myself to be amongst one of the most patriotic people, and I do see the response here on the homefront as being a HUGE mess, and NOT enough, nor soon enough (as one reporter put it: If News correspondants can get in and out of there to report on the disaster, why can't our guard?). And I do think we ought to bring our boys home, to help with THIS crisis, NOT the one in Iraq. And I do think that half of this horrible looting, and such could have been avoided had their not been SUCH a huge devision between the haves and have nots in those areas (just look at biloxi, where most people who died, died because they could not afford a can of gasoline to get out of the path of the storm) However, despite my criticisms of the United States Government, I still say that as bad as our economy has gotten recently, and as bad as it might get, we have been far more fortunate, than far too many other countries, for a very long time. That these countries who HAVE volunteered some sort of aid, are doing so despite being barely even half as wealthy, organized, and secure as we have been for SO long, is purely amazing to me, and a sign of the Kindness of the Human Spirit.

Not every country will respond. But I don't wish those who haven't ill. With the aid of those countries who HAVE Pledged Aid, and with the genuine kindness of the people right here in our own country, we will make it through this. It may never feel, or look the same, that corner of our country, but we will survive it, and move on, and heal. And though I hate to say it, perhaps some good will come of this. We certainly won't be caught so tragically unprepared again. Perhaps we can start to address some of the huge class devisisons, and the state of our economy in general, AND perhaps as the Fuel Crisis Looms, we'll all learn to find ways to conserve our energy. And perhaps, JUST perhaps, we'll all become just a little more human, and compassionate...

[PaganLibrarian]

I think it is an utter shame that the US is suppose to be there for everyone but then something like this happens to us and we hear from nobody

Actually, over 50 countries have already pledged, or sent aid to the US. To call them nothing is a little insulting.

See Here (http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20050902-1808-katrina-worldoffers.html) for some of the countries, and what they have offered.

[Zibblsnrt]

I think it is an utter shame that the US is suppose to be there for everyone but then something like this happens to us and we hear from nobody

Uhh, what?

What the bleeding hell?

No. I refuse to believe you said that.

You (http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/09/03/katrina.castro/index.html) did (http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/09/02/Canadian_ships_to_louisiana20050902.html) NOT (http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/09/02/Canada_aid20050902.html) just (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4210264.stm) claim (http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050903/wl_mideast_afp/usweatherqatar_050903180659) that (http://today.reuters.com/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=domesticNews&storyID=2005-09-02T235528Z_01_BAU271501_RTRIDST_0_USREPORT-WEATHER-KATRINA-FOREIGN-DC.XML) the (http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2005-09-02T192131Z_01_N02552447_RTRIDST_0_WEATHER-KATRINA-FOREIGN.XML) United (http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=Katrinafury&slug=Mexico+offers+aid+to+US&id=78278&callid=1) States (http://www.dispatch.co.za/2005/09/03/Foreign/aid.html) hasn't (http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=52&story_id=23327&name=Germany+has+'duty'+to+aid+hurricane+victims%3A+Schroeder+) heard (http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/ny-wokatr0902,0,6334263.story?coll=ny-leadworldnews-headlines) from (http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050903/NEWS06/509030480) anybody (http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2005/09/03/2003270158) about (http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7000016428) this (http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/12548199.htm). Because (http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=Katrinafury&slug=Aid+arrives+in+New+Orleans&id=78292&callid=1) that (http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=371435) would (http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/03/katrina.world.aid.reut/) just (http://www.eitb24.com/noticia_en.php?id=86720) be (http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200509/s1452533.htm) silly (http://www.earnedmedia.org/wr0903.htm), you (http://www.enjoyfrance.com/content/view/69/36/) know (http://www.philstar.com/philstar/News200509040404.htm)?

No. You didn't say that. I'm hallucinating.

That's it.

[PaganLibrarian]

Hah! I posted mine first! (But your's was more impressive)

[Danustouch]

Thank you Librarian, for the list. It actually brought me to the verge of tears to read the list of the countries offering, and in some cases, what they are offering. It's so wonderful to see humanity at its best..

[Doctor Jeep]

Conservatives seem to be the only ones with compassion. While liberals spit their hate and madness, conservatives are busy doing everything they can to support the people of New Orleans. The liberals write articles and scream at the president. That's all they can do.

You know, I actually feel bad for you, Asa. To be so blinded by irrational hatred for people who fall into a political group - it's really quite sad. Not to mention hypocritical.

[PaganLibrarian]

There are people who hate Bush so much that they can see no good in anything he does, and anything can be turned into a diatribe against him. It is not, however, unique to democrats. When Clinton was in office, there were plenty of conservatives doing the same thing. In any case, it is right and proper to point out when this is what someone is doing.

[HeavensHope]

conservatives...liberals...who cares. They're just labels, it doesnt make the person.

[HeavensHope]

I know Lousiana isnt that far from Houston, but they are moving people from Mississippi over too. At the time yeah, Houston was a good choice, but now the Astrodome is packed, what now? They're going to have to be moved even further. What I dont understand is how there was so many people still in New Orleans when all this happened? Werent there warnings of some sort? I use to live on he coast and when a threat of a hurricane seemed severe we were told to leave the city immediately.


The astrodome is huge, but it sure packed up pretty quickly, I was out there the day they started bringing people in. I walked out of Reliant after the UH game and people were walking into the Reliant stadium with suitcases. Found out an hour later that someone had died, not sure how.

[CzechWoods]

I actually saw the Gov of AL on FoxNews this a.m. asking the same question, in fact he said something (about world response) like, "The silence is deafening." He asserted that the world generally looks to us for help and assumes we are very self-sufficient, but that he really does hope for international help....

It is interesting, I mean, we are not facing the same numbers in terms of loss of life, but certainly the distruction is tremendous and there is substantial loss of life....so, it would be nice if we at least received offers of help from the world community.

sorry, i didnt read the whole thread so if i repeat something bear with me

but this post is simply wrong

it is NOT that the world had not responded.

it is that the us government said: we wont need outside help.

which stroke people as strange who work catastrophe relief in germany, for example

one day after the huricane strike, the german government offered to give: whatever we can, and also offered concrete help in sending : rescue teams, people for reconstructions, flight capacities for evacuation, the first help kits etc.

among the many countries who offered help, there were also China, Cuba and Sri Lanka to name but a few.

Now after seeing that the tragedy is bigger than the means to cover it, the us government started accepting help, but still wants to SORT OUT what they need


from first hand experience i know, that what is one of the things cuba has not much of, it is medical goods - nontheless they offered some tons of them plus sending some 11 000 doctors

yes politics, you can say, but offreing that which you need the most and thus is the nost precious to you, in deed is a kindness act. to deny it for political reasons, in my eyes is idiocy

[adrastea]

:idea: Why are we concerned about how other contries are responding when our own government dose nothing for days I do understand now people are getting help and other countries are offering help , but let's face it , I am not a extermo survivalist , but here in this country ( one of the riches in the world) if disaster strikes we are to plan to be on our own for days so I plan to just plan stock up a little but, that doesn't work if your house getts washed away,,, I guess this can be an evolving point for our country.
some circle energy needs to be put into disater reponse systems becoming better and faster and things of this nature it's all a learning experience , so I'll send energy to the right people learning the lesson so action can be taken. :hearteyes

[CzechWoods]

We have to take care of ourselves because the rest of the world hates us. :) Also, because we can. Which is why they hate us. I don't think we should save the world. Maybe Laisern has won me over a little, back to the old libertarian fold... screw the world. Bring the troops home, let's take care of ourselves and let everyone deal with their own problems. I'm sure our troops in Iraq training the next generation of Islamic Terrorists would rather be back in the States helping their own countrymen anyway.

well, but what you dont see is that the whole world is NOT the same as the terrorists.

i think that if someone rejects help from outside when they could NEED help are weak, while i consider those strong who CAN swallow the pride and let other help them

the thing is this: by saying: we do it by ourself, those are keeping control, and can pretend to be the high end of a hierarchy. by accepting help, maybe even from people you considered being sppiteful, you "lessen" yourself to their level, which means giving up/letting go of power.

Also I ask you to differ. There are lots of governements and political leaders and people also who will not like the administration Bush (or whatever is in charge) but that doesnt mean they hate you the people.

Some do, but these are just as much closeminded as those of the americans who only can live with a black/white good bad polarity.

I assume, that part why Bush rejected the immediete help offeres from other nations, in the hours after the huricane hitting New Orleans, could root in his inability to differ. Maybe he too though: "you didnt go to the iraq war with us, so you are no friends".

I do consider someone still a friend if they disagree with me, especially if their point of view holds some valid points as well, albeit not mine. Maybe the incapability to differ, was what lead to this situation

Maybe too, it was a kind of plan, becaus esome people will rather stick to old prejudice that makes life easier, then to actually start working on the facts, that little things can be judged by its cover easily, and that there are these few simple truth, either friend or enemy alike

the polarity principle proves iots inferiority to a mopre diversile (although complicated) or even a wholistic view

[Willow Rosette]

Just like CW I did not read the whole thread so Im sorry if I am repeating but I have never for one second from the day this happened wondered why other countries werent responding. My first thought was why arent we responding to a much much bigger degree. Please before any body starts hollering about what I said, I am not putting down those that were there right away nor am I lessoning their contribution. But I think they should not have been there alone working so hard with so little relief. We should have had crews out there in like 8 hour shift rescuing people. And I dont mean like a couple of people I mean like groups of 50 - 100 people yea 4 shifts would have meant 400 rescuers. Ok that might be alot but hello there are peoples lives at stake. They should have been dropped in like fire fighters and the military do or simply dropping food and water on those roof tops untill they could be rescued. Im sorry I did mean to turn this into a rant but it has been kinda building. I think as a country we should have been able to do more and I thank the other countries for trying. Ill stop now and I hope no one is offended by what I said.

[PaganLibrarian]

What I dont understand is how there was so many people still in New Orleans when all this happened?

Because they didn't actually make the evacuation manditory until it was far too late to evacuate everyone. Because the Governor didn't activate the Louisiana National Guard to assist until it was too late. Because the mayor didn't authorize using city resources to evacuate people until it was too late, and because people didn't believe how bad it was going to be until it was too late.

[Protagonist]

You know, I actually feel bad for you, Asa. To be so blinded by irrational hatred for people who fall into a political group - it's really quite sad. Not to mention hypocritical.
Here, here!

[Starry Di]

Because they didn't actually make the evacuation manditory until it was far too late to evacuate everyone. Because the Governor didn't activate the Louisiana National Guard to assist until it was too late. Because the mayor didn't authorize using city resources to evacuate people until it was too late, and because people didn't believe how bad it was going to be until it was too late.

Also because some people were too poor to be able to get out.

[Cassie]

So far over sixty countries have offered aid to the US. These include Austrailia, Canada, most European countries, China, Qatar, Russia,Israel, India and Japan. Even some of the words poorer nations such as Nigeria, and those affected by the Tsunami such as Sri Lanka have pledged substantial help. Moreover some nations with less friendly relations with the US have pledged money and material help incuding Cuba and Venezuela. Indeed in Cuba hundreds of doctors and medics are camped out at the airport waiting for the word to go...
So far the US has not accepted any of these offers.
Full story from CNN here http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/09/03/katrina.world.aid/index.html (http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/09/03/katrina.world.aid/index.html)

[pawnman]

So far over sixty countries have offered aid to the US. These include Austrailia, Canada, most European countries, China, Qatar, Russia,Israel, India and Japan. Even some of the words poorer nations such as Nigeria, and those affected by the Tsunami such as Sri Lanka have pledged substantial help. Moreover some nations with less friendly relations with the US have pledged money and material help incuding Cuba and Venezuela. Indeed in Cuba hundreds of doctors and medics are camped out at the airport waiting for the word to go...
So far the US has not accepted any of these offers.
Full story from CNN here http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/09/03/katrina.world.aid/index.html (http://edition.cnn.com/2005/US/09/03/katrina.world.aid/index.html)

Interesting that the Dr. Rice and the State Department are saying that no offers will be refused, while we refuse offers.

[Alaiyo]

Our government at work...snatching defeat from the jaws of victory...

[Zibblsnrt]

Interesting that the Dr. Rice and the State Department are saying that no offers will be refused, while we refuse offers.

It's sounding like the left hand doesn't quite know what the right hand is doing, there. The requests for help are coming from Rice's department, as well as the Department of Health (obviously!), while the refusals are coming from the President himself, Homeland Security/FEMA, and so on.

If that's the case, Rice is probably spitting nails right now, not least because she's supposed to be the ranking Secretary and the foreign offers are her bailiwick. I wouldn't want to be sitting across the table from her during the government's next cabinet-level meeting.

The US has started accepting offers since Friday, though. I'm not sure about the other countries, but there are Canadian personnel on the ground in Mississippi right now.

[Zibblsnrt]

Incidentally, the Vatican, Indonesia, and Iran (http://smh.com.au/news/world/axis-of-evil-country-iran-offers-help/2005/09/04/1125772404306.html) are now making offers.

(3:00pm: Kuwait chips in with $500 million (http://www.wtopnews.com/index.php?nid=105&sid=563777).)

[Orionsmama]

80% of the population was moved from the city. Considering how many people that is, I find that pretty outstanding. When a major storm hits a major metropolis, tradedy wil happen. It is natural for people to want to blame someone, anyone when tradedy like this happens. While I do believe there has been incompetence, I also think that hurricanes will claim victims no matter how much warning and such. Many people CHOSE to stay despite the warnings, they have no one but themselves to blame. (Sorry, but it's true)

I am also in Texas, and this state alone has taken in 250, 000 refugees. This will be a major financial burden on us, but one I am willing to help shoulder. Gov. Perry has asked for help and it's been given from many states. This is a tragedy that the *entire* US is going to have to help with, and so far all the states have been willing to pitch in.

Tragedy sucks, plain and simple. I think the regular people, like you and me, are doing all we can. I can't speak for what happened on the governments end before or right after the storm. I can only take care of my space and what I do in this life. :fpompoms

I know Lousiana isnt that far from Houston, but they are moving people from Mississippi over too. At the time yeah, Houston was a good choice, but now the Astrodome is packed, what now? They're going to have to be moved even further. What I dont understand is how there was so many people still in New Orleans when all this happened? Werent there warnings of some sort? I use to live on he coast and when a threat of a hurricane seemed severe we were told to leave the city immediately.


The astrodome is huge, but it sure packed up pretty quickly, I was out there the day they started bringing people in. I walked out of Reliant after the UH game and people were walking into the Reliant stadium with suitcases. Found out an hour later that someone had died, not sure how.

[PaganLibrarian]

Also because some people were too poor to be able to get out.

That is covered under the local government not using local resources to move people out. Somewhere there is an ariel photo of a huge lot of school buses and city buses flooded. That lot is less than a mile from the superdome. If they loaded each of those buses, and made one trip each, they could have gotten thousands of people out. The mayor didn't authorize their use, so they were wasted.

[pawnman]

That is covered under the local government not using local resources to move people out. Somewhere there is an ariel photo of a huge lot of school buses and city buses flooded. That lot is less than a mile from the superdome. If they loaded each of those buses, and made one trip each, they could have gotten thousands of people out. The mayor didn't authorize their use, so they were wasted.

You mean this one?

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050901/480/flpc21109012015 (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050901/480/flpc21109012015)

Sad thing is, they had an evac plan written up that specifically said they would use these buses to evacuate those unable to travel themselves, but you're right, the mayor never authorized it.

[WokeUpDead]

Yes. I should be. I'm just so angry right now. I'm sure there are many liberals helping out and who actually feel compassion... it's just, that all this race baiting and poverty baiting just gets under my skin like nothing else. It's shallow and it's wrong and the left seems to use it every chance they get. I'm beyond being reasonable about it, because I'm just so damn angry right now. In fact, I can't remember ever being this angry, because I've never seen anything more contemptible, at least not in my own country.

This is a time when we should all be coming together and the democrats are ripping us apart.

There was just as much race/poverty baiting going on from the right when they were trying to push that private account plan for social security. Everybody does it when it is most convenient for them, it's what politicians do.

[Jenne]

Well, I hope it is obvious by now that the rest of the world does care and is willing to help...for whatever it's worth.

[WAHM-Brenda]

You mean this one?

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/050901/480/flpc21109012015

Sad thing is, they had an evac plan written up that specifically said they would use these buses to evacuate those unable to travel themselves, but you're right, the mayor never authorized it.

You know, that's just beyond sad... It's pathetic :atantrum:

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