Where is OUR support?

[rahma]

I am still waiting for France to send some $$$$$$$$$. I don't think I will hold my breath though.

France to send Aid

French Foreign Ministry announced Thursday that France is to send aid and troops to US Gulf coast area hit by Hurricane Katrina, one of the most devastating storms in the country's history.

 

[DieHappy]

You want money? Practically every country in the world is poorer than the US yet you want money from them? Man alive! You guys are more than capable of taking care of yourselves. India even turned down foreign aid after the Tsunami, they felt they could take care of themselves, and the money would be better spent elsewhere.

The US get criticised because they have so much. Most developed nations do exactly the same - pledge money, but only send a portion of it.

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/press/releases/asiaquake_geneva_100105.htm?searchterm=pledged%20given%20aid%20tsunami

Our prayers are with those who are in need, but you guys certainly don't need our money.

Now this from another thread:

Warning, rant.

err
If we had had the same senseless consumption philosophy you do, we would.
It is not worthless. You can't be so flipping selfish!You have to make that sacrifice. Your problem is you haven't done so over time like the rest of us have. "Kyoto won't do one thing" Ofcourse it won't if noone signs it!
You capitalistic schucks! Thinking about nothing but how much money you make, thinking nought of the environment, or anything else! Gee whiz, because of our collective pollution we might get an ice age in a hundred years. But do you care? No, ofcourse not! You just want your money, don't you! Grow up, and make the sacrifice so your children and grandchildren can live well. Start getting buses, start walking, riding your bikes, start enforcing stricter pollution laws on your factories! You should know that if you don't, you'll have to make a serious sacrifice like London did after the great smog. Don't you say it can't happen to you, because it IS happening! And on a larger scale too!

end rant.

Gee, I wonder if we have all we need because we're capitalist schucks. You guys could start by paying back the loan we gave you during WWI.

 

[night2day]

We have about 10 threads or more going right now just for the purpose of bashing....most by the same people.

I noticed. Rather sad people would take a catastrophe to simply try and bolster their own political views.

 

[Billnew]

What exactly would you expect a reporter to do? If the government (local, state and federal) was doing what it should be doing, they would be reporting that good news. The folks at NBC, CBS, CNN, etc. are not FEMA, National Guard, the Red Cross, Salvation Army. They are doing what they are paid to do - report the news. And it is big news, unfortunately, that the government is not moving quickly enough.

Anyone going into the troubled area can help. Clean off roads so more aid can get in to an area. Get food, blankets clothes to collection agencies, don't drive into the area just to wonder around without helping.

Any human in the area should be helping the people around them, are reporters human?
They ride through looking for photo ops, and then drive away helping no one.

Money is not the issue. We have millions of dollars and very little to show for it. We need to get supplies down there. We need to get people into these areas to deliver the goods. We need people to help get trails cleared so vehicles can get in and out.

If this is something for trained people then we are a poor society.
We have enough rubber neckers, how about getting help in there and getting the reporters out that aren't helping.

 

[bostonlass]

Reporters seem to be well nurished and well hydrated. If the reporters can get in and out, why can't they(the reporters) bring food and water in?

The press is good at showing poor conditions, but it seems that they are
walking through the devistation with a cold coke in the drink holder, and a candy bar in the glove box.

Anyone near this area should be getting people out or getting food in.
Not telling how this poor person lost everything in the hurricane and is slowly dying because they can't get a drink.

I don't get how if the reporters can get food and water why the people stranded there can't get out and get some too.

 

[wanderingone]

BTW evacuation planning is only partially the job of local governments, everything depends on funding and approval.. in NY there are several emergency planning areas... my old unit worked on the emergency repatriation plan... like all the other plans it had to meet the approval not just of all the local governement entities but also the feds... who decide if it merits the funding we're asking for from homeland security. Then we depend on the feds to actually come through with the funding.

 

[wanderingone]

I noticed. Rather sad people would take a catastrophe to simply try and bolster their own political views.

Are you not doing the same? Isn't it really that one's political views are naturally revealed in their reaction to things like this disaster?

 

[Skeptical]

Are you not doing the same? Isn't it really that one's political views are naturally revealed in their reaction to things like this disaster?

Exactly!

 

[kermit]

If I saw someone that was dying or someone that needed food and water I'ld bring some with me so that I can help them. I'ld give someone a ride out in my truck or car or van or whatever means I had. I sure wouldn't be hypocritical enough to complain that the government wasn't doing enough whilre all I did was broadcast pictures and talk about how bad things are!!

How do you they didn't?

People are accusing reporters of not helping out, but how do any of us know whether or not they did? Most of these people have experience in dealing with desperate people. The last thing you do in a group of severly dehydrated people is give one or a few people water. Your good intention could cause a riot. The little effort can sometimes cause more harm than good.

 

[meebs]

Anyone going into the troubled area can help. Clean off roads so more aid can get in to an area. Get food, blankets clothes to collection agencies, don't drive into the area just to wonder around without helping.

Any human in the area should be helping the people around them, are reporters human?
They ride through looking for photo ops, and then drive away helping no one.

Money is not the issue. We have millions of dollars and very little to show for it. We need to get supplies down there. We need to get people into these areas to deliver the goods. We need people to help get trails cleared so vehicles can get in and out.

If this is something for trained people then we are a poor society.
We have enough rubber neckers, how about getting help in there and getting the reporters out that aren't helping.

from what ive seen so far on american news channels are reporters helping...

 

[jsn112]

I'm very angry right now. We are the wealthiest nation on earth and we can't even provide for our own people. NBC Today show was just airing reports on how horrible the conditions are at the New Orleans Convention Center, and how they STILL have no food or water. People are DYING. The NBC Today Show news anchor just said he saw THREE people dying JUST THIS MORNING.

What the HECK is going on? What if this were a terrorist attack? We'd be screwed! And Bush is supposed to be the protector of the people? Obviously he's proven to be the complete opposite. Worse, the official word from the White House is that we are NOT REQUESTING the aid of other countires. Canada, France, Venezuela, Russia - all have offered help. But we rejected it. Why?

Why can't we care for our OWN PEOPLE here in the RICHEST COUNTRY ON EARTH!!

Yes. I am mad that these type of mindless posts keep popping up from an unrealistic people . It will take awhile for many reasons. Nothing substantially can be done until the flooding is removed. The last I checked, N.O. is below sea level, which will be more difficult than other places to remove water. The water will probably be mechanically pumped out rather than drain. When the main water pump broke here in Pittsburgh, a portion of the downtown was flooded. First they have to fix the pump, then wait and mechanically pump the water out. Not until 3-4 days later that anything can be removed. Businesses are only starting to see some sign of life and that's a week later. And this is a fraction of a degree to what's going on in N.O. Right now, it's very difficult to do anything until the levee is fixed. You can't bring in a giant ship because the water is not deep enough. And you can't bring in motor vehicles unless they can be driven on water. So, let's be realistic. Even if 1000 billions dollars are available now, it would still do no good.

 

[Ryder]

Sorry but with appropriate emergency planning in effect a lot of the violence could have been avoided.

How do you know that? You're probably not even old enough to really remember a natural disaster of similar scale here in the US. Neither am I for that matter.

 

[setzie]

The opposite of what?

The opposite of what Chrislife was saying. I didn't quote her, too many users posting at the same time.

No, she just wrote that the problems occur due to the looters and criminal gangs whereas Nagin, the mayor of New Orleans, considered them to be a minor problem.

 

[MrsGnomeCrusher]

So you don't think the American people will come through for their own? Shame on you.

First of all, don't put words into my mouth. I did not say that.

Second of all, if people, other countries, whomever is willing to offer help, why not? Get rid of your pride and think about the people.

 

[EIChief]

No it's not.

Trying to dig up quotes that fit your preconceived ideas? Where did you get that stuff?
Do you claim that these quotes represent the government or the majority of the people in the countries involved?

Now let's play your game:

<sarcasm>
Hey, here's what Americans think:

Over Many years, as city of N.O dipped farther below Sea level, the State and the City were warned of the possible devestation, and they did nothing

You see, they're blaming the US for this. How dare they!

</sarcasm>

You can attack the facts if you like, but these are simply quotes from the leadership of the countries presented. I don't need to make this stuff up.

The City/State/Federal governments can all be blamed, but this thread is not about blame. It is about why other countries don't help the U.S., and it is paritally beacuse they think we are to blame or are jealous of our Super Power status and Wealth. However, I posted positive comments as well from those countries that do offer help.

Now the Heads can all go back into the sand.

 

[NothingButTheBlood]

Yes. I am mad that these type of mindless posts keep popping up from an unrealistic people . It will take awhile for many reasons. Nothing substantially can be done until the flooding is removed. The last I checked, N.O. is below sea level, which will be more difficult than other places to remove water. The water will probably be mechanically pumped out rather than drain. When the main water pump broke here in Pittsburgh, a portion of the downtown was flooded. First they have to fix the pump, then wait and mechanically pump the water out. Not until 3-4 days later that anything can be removed. Businesses are only starting to see some sign of life and that's a week later. And this is a fraction of a degree to what's going on in N.O. Right now, it's very difficult to do anything until the levee is fixed. You can't bring in a giant ship because the water is not deep enough. And you can't bring in motor vehicles unless they can be driven on water. So, let's be realistic. Even if 1000 billions dollars are available now, it would still do no good.

I live in the WV panhandle and was aware of the Pittsburgh news. Floods are something you get when you live on waterways. All I mean by that is water is more distructive then people think about. After hours and days anything soaked is ruined. The city is going to take months if not longer to dry out. Water also brings bugs, animals and disease that fire and wind don't. Not to mention mold.

 

[RN4CHRIST]

Okay I had to post because I am so close to this.I am not posting this in anger but in an effort to refocus out thoughts, and to make you see what is truely happening. I do not negate the true suffering and loss of life. I live outside Grenada,Ms and I think that some things need to be cleared up.
1. I thank all those countries out there that have offered support, they are genuinely concerned and want to help. BUT we are one of the richest countries in the world. WE NEED TO GET UP OFF OUR BUTTS AND PULL OUT OUR WALLETS AND HELP OURSELVES!!!. If you are sitting at a computer, in the airconditioning you can give.
2. Do not condemn the rescue effort. YOU HAVE NO IDEA!! You only see what the News media feeds you. You do not know that most of the roads were darn near impassable for a while. Now the troops are headed that way, but it takes GAS!! to power a vehicle. The power is still down in most parts south of Jackson, Ms that means the GASPUMPS don't work either. There are stranded vehicles that litter the roads not to mention trees and houses. Ever tried to drive through something like that? It takes time. You also have not seen the THOUSANDS of volunteers that IMMEDIATELY set off to south Ms and LA. They are down there working their tails off to help these people. They have been there from day 1. The news media would have you believe that there was noone trying to help.
3. This is a disaster! You can plan and prepare all you like but when a TRUE disaster occurs Plans go out the window. We have disaster drills at our hosp ER 2 x a year. They are all well and good but when a true disaster occurs. We do what we can with what we've got. That is what the City of NO is doing now. This will take time. People are dying, Anarchy has taken over in places. This is terrible. But we do not need to point fingers. The DEDICATED police and military that are present in NO are working around the clock. It is so unfortunate the the remarks of 1 or 2 people get made into so much. The Dedicated hosp staff have stayed, risking life and limb to take care of the patients. They are working 24/7 with very little trying to to the best they can. Help IS on the way. Some arrived today. More will arrive tomorrow. If you are concerned about these people. Stop complaining and get out and HELP!! If you cannot go then organize fund raisers, collect bottled water, collect necessities, do something, GIVE!!!
4. Last but most importantly- PRAY!!!!!! Get down on your knees and ask The Holy God to reach down and touch lives. Ask the Lord to MOVE!!!. Ask Him to HEAL!!! Ask Him to DELIVER those in need!! He CAN and HE WILL!!!!!

[BIBLE]
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is is name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation
Luke 1:49-50[/BIBLE]

 

[freewilly]

They are taking showers. Where is the water from? They are sleeping out of the weather. Where are they staying? The media has exploited this situation in the worst way.

Would you prefer to receive no information?

 

[EIChief]

Okay I had to post because I am so close to this.I am not posting this in anger but in an effort to refocus out thoughts, and to make you see what is truely happening. I do not negate the true suffering and loss of life. I live outside Grenada,Ms and I think that some things need to be cleared up.
1. I thank all those countries out there that have offered support, they are genuinely concerned and want to help. BUT we are one of the richest countries in the world. WE NEED TO GET UP OFF OUR BUTTS AND PULL OUT OUR WALLETS AND HELP OURSELVES!!!. If you are sitting at a computer, in the airconditioning you can give.
2. Do not condemn the rescue effort. YOU HAVE NO IDEA!! You only see what the News media feeds you. You do not know that most of the roads were darn near impassable for a while. Now the troops are headed that way, but it takes GAS!! to power a vehicle. The power is still down in most parts south of Jackson, Ms that means the GASPUMPS don't work either. There are stranded vehicles that litter the roads not to mention trees and houses. Ever tried to drive through something like that? It takes time. You also have not seen the THOUSANDS of volunteers that IMMEDIATELY set off to south Ms and LA. They are down there working their tails off to help these people. They have been there from day 1. The news media would have you believe that there was noone trying to help.
3. This is a disaster! You can plan and prepare all you like but when a TRUE disaster occurs Plans go out the window. We have disaster drills at our hosp ER 2 x a year. They are all well and good but when a true disaster occurs. We do what we can with what we've got. That is what the City of NO is doing now. This will take time. People are dying, Anarchy has taken over in places. This is terrible. But we do not need to point fingers. The DEDICATED police and military that are present in NO are working around the clock. It is so unfortunate the the remarks of 1 or 2 people get made into so much. The Dedicated hosp staff have stayed, risking life and limb to take care of the patients. They are working 24/7 with very little trying to to the best they can. Help IS on the way. Some arrived today. More will arrive tomorrow. If you are concerned about these people. Stop complaining and get out and HELP!! If you cannot go then organize fund raisers, collect bottled water, collect necessities, do something, GIVE!!!
4. Last but most importantly- PRAY!!!!!! Get down on your knees and ask The Holy God to reach down and touch lives. Ask the Lord to MOVE!!!. Ask Him to HEAL!!! Ask Him to DELIVER those in need!! He CAN and HE WILL!!!!!

[BIBLE]
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is is name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation
Luke 1:49-50[/BIBLE]

Thanks for the post, All of you are in my prayers. Some frustration builds when I see the devestation and I know that the States could have been better prepared. However, what happens going forward is what is important. The great people of this country are responding and the Gulf Coast will be rebuilt in time

 

[freewilly]

How do you they didn't?

People are accusing reporters of not helping out, but how do any of us know whether or not they did? Most of these people have experience in dealing with desperate people. The last thing you do in a group of severly dehydrated people is give one or a few people water. Your good intention could cause a riot. The little effort can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Thank you it's called using common sense.