Where is OUR support?

[Kalevalatar]

What about the rest of the world? Nada, zip, zilch the biog donut!!!

Here's my problem with the world...they are perfectly willing to criticize the US when we do something the disagree with; they are perfectly willing to tell us that we don't help enough when other countries have natural disasters but when it comes to them helping us? What a bunch of stinkin' hypocrits!

Perhaps you didn't "google" enough, my friend:

Hurricane Katrina​

"On behalf of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, I offer our deepest sympathy to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and to all those affected by this latest disaster to sweep the Gulf Region. The United Nations stands ready to assist the government and people of the United States. The United Nations Staff Union is currently raising funds to support the efforts of the American Red Cross in the areas affected."


Jan Egeland
Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs
and Emergency Relief Coordinator

​

The UN responds to disasters upon requests from national governments. The UN has not been requested to assist in this case. If you would like to contribute to relief efforts in the affected states, please see the FEMA site for more information.

http://ochaonline.un.org/

Kalevalatar

 

[Kalevalatar]

President Putin:

Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to George W. Bush regarding the victims and the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina.

“Please accept my sincere condolences for the natural disaster which has befallen the USA. I know that in the south-east of the country, Hurricane Katrina has caused many victims, left tens of thousands of Americans without shelter, and caused important losses to the economy. I wish to extend my condolences to relatives and friends of the victims.”


Vladimir Putin also noted that Russia sincerely empathises with Americans who are confronted with a disaster of enormous scale, and is ready to render any assistance she can.

 

[Kalevalatar]

Chancellor Schröder: “The citizens of the United States should know that Germany is truly and firmly at their side”

Germany will do everything to organize assistance – from water treatment facilities to mobile shelters -- if the US requests it, Chancellor Gerhard Schröder said in remarks in Berlin today, September 1.

“I was glad to come here, not because I have to burden you with a few remarks that do not have anything to do with the book, but [because] I believe it is something that concerns us all. I mean the hurricane that has ravaged the South of the United States. Only gradually are the terrible images beginning to come in and reveal the extent of the devastation caused by this hurricane. I have therefore asked the responsible ministries to look into what kind of assistance we can offer our American friends.

The citizens of the United States should know that Germany is truly and firmly at their side in such a situation and will do everything to organize the assistance, first, that is requested and, second, that is possible. I am thinking, for example, of water treatment facilities, mobile shelters, and anything that one could need in such an unbelievably difficult situation. Of course, we know that the United States of America has enormous resources of its own, but we want, at least, to be prepared if, in one case or another, assistance is needed and we are able provide it — and we are able to provide a lot in this sector. What matters now is that all the ministries look into what can be made available and then also inform our friends in America.”

Need I go on...?

Kalevalatar

 

[hippie]

Nope and thanks for the links. They were not there when I originally posted. It's nice to see

 

[Marklet12]

Well, we apparently are in some kind of shortfall, so we could use all the foreign help we can get. It took three days for a substantial (3000) contingent of Guardsmen to get to New Orleans? What the @#*? Is this the best quick response we could come up with four years after 9/11?

 

[Phylogeny]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/hurricane/hurrworld31.html:

From papal prayers to telegrams from China, the world reacted with an outpouring of compassion Wednesday for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in messages tinged by shock that a disaster of this scale could occur in the United States.

....

Venezuela's government, which has had tense relations with Washington, offered humanitarian aid and fuel if requested.

....

Throughout Europe, concerned citizens lamented the loss of life and the damage caused to New Orleans, often described as one of North America's most "European" cities

...

The U.S. Embassy in Bern, Switzerland-- a capital at the foot of the Alps hit by flooding last week-- said calls were rushing in from Swiss individuals and institutions looking for a way to donate to relief efforts.

....

Though the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami was far more deadly than the disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina, many in Asian nations hardest hit by the killer waves-- from Indonesia to Thailand and Sri Lanka-- felt acute sympathy with Katrina's victims.

...

"I would like to help, but all I have is my prayers," the waiter said during a break from serving rice and fried chicken to customers in the seaside town of Banda Aceh.

There ya go. World sympathy!

I think most are correct that the US has the financial means and the infrastructure to take care of itself, but people do feel the pain.

Also, remember the death toll caused by this hurricane, however bad it may seem to us, is relatively small compared to many other nations that are used to seeing people dying at a much higher number in natural disasters.

When I mentioned how this was the worst natural disaster to hit the US, my dad made a comment that it couldn't possibly compare to the Tangshan earthquake in China which killed quarter of a million and completely decimated the city (as in no building was left standing), since he had lived though that catastophe, I think he tends to measure things in those terms---I'd wager a big chunk of the third world also tends to do the same and measure these natural happenings in higher casulty numbers. As a result, my dad accepts the losses as acceptable in that it 'could be worse'.

Also, the situation in New Orleans, however bad it may be, is how life is on a daily basis for a big section of the world population, even if people may feel the pain, they won't be able to understand the depth of loss and shock we feel because they may be used to having slow government reaction, shortage of food, water and fuel......

 

[girlieman]

I just saw on CTV Newsnet that the Canadian Red Cross is sending 150 - 200 of their best personel to help in relief efforts in response to a request from the American Red Cross.

Also a Canadian lady (in Halifax, NS I think?) is sending her monetary proceeds from a yard sale she had yesterday.

Thanks to our sympathetic neighbor to the north.

 

[girlieman]

Well, we apparently are in some kind of shortfall, so we could use all the foreign help we can get. It took three days for a substantial (3000) contingent of Guardsmen to get to New Orleans? What the @#*? Is this the best quick response we could come up with four years after 9/11?

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

 

[Belteshazzar]

I just would like add a further update to Canada's response to Katrina:

Martin offers U.S. anything needed for hurricane aid

Canadian Press

September 1, 2005

OTTAWA -- Canada will send the United States any help needed in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, Prime Minister Paul Martin told U.S. President Bush on Thursday.

"If you need help, just ask and we'll be there," he told Bush in a 15-minute phone call that was to have been a sharp discussion of the softwood lumber dispute but instead became a call of sympathy and condolence. Martin said Bush didn't ask for help, but predicted he will.

"They're in the process of trying to put all the co-ordination together and they're going to take us up on it," the prime minister said in Edmonton.

"They're trying to determine their needs right now."

White House spokesman Scott McLellan said a number of countries have offered aid.

"We are open to all offers of assistance from other nations, and I would expect that we would take people up on offers of assistance when it's necessary."

The Canadian military put troops on standby and prepared to load a ship with gear and equipment that could be useful in the aftermath of the great storm that wrecked much of the American Gulf Coast and devastated New Orleans.

The Canadian Red Cross was sending a team of 100 to 200 experienced disaster workers to bolster the American Red Cross staff in the region.

Martin, attending provincial centennial celebrations in Edmonton, told a sympathetic crowd of his talk with Bush.

"I expressed our condolences and our sympathies and I confirmed Canada stands with those who have suffered so much in Katrina's wake.

"I said on your behalf that, if you need help, just ask and we'll be there, now and in the weeks and months ahead. That we will do whatever we can for as long as it takes to help our neighbour and our friend deal with this terrible, terrible tragedy."

Gen. Rick Hillier, chief of the Canadian defence staff, said he spoke with his American counterpart, Gen. Dick Myers, to offer assistance.

He said Myers thanked him, but said the Pentagon is still analyzing what is needed.

Hillier said the military's Disaster Assistance Response Team or DART, which can provide medical care, power and clean water, could head south on 48 hours notice.

He said Canada could provide transport planes or helicopters, electrical generators, water purification systems, small boats for navigating the waterways of the region and engineering equipment and expertise.

He said his staff are planning to load a selection of such gear about a warship to be ready in the event Washington asks for help.

It's best to be prepared, he said.

"We want to help. We believe that's what being friends and allies is all about."

In September 1992, after hurricane Andrew struck Florida, a Canadian naval supply ship was sent in with more than 250 people who helped in rebuilding.

Suzanne Charest of the Canadian Red Cross said a team of 100 - perhaps as many as 200 - volunteers is being assembled for relief work.

"We're recruiting only from our existing pool of experienced people," she said.

The workers will help with the logistics of moving and supporting relief workers. They will assist with family services among the homeless and displaced and in feeding people in some of the 270 shelters being run by the American Red Cross.

"They are providing 500,000 hot meals a day in conjunction with the Southern Baptists," Charest said.

The Red Cross is also collecting cash donations for the relief work.

She said the American Red Cross estimated its operations will cost more than $130 million.

"That's without having done a full assessment."

Foreign Affairs says people who wish to send help should contribute to a reputable aid agency, such as the Red Cross.

Canada has also offered to open up its national emergency stockpiles if needed. They contain portable hospital units, complete with beds, blankets and pharmaceuticals.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has spoken to David Wilkins, the American ambassador, to offer help.

The province's health ministry has offered an emergency medical team and various hydro operations have offered teams skilled in restoring power. Hundreds of thousands are without electricity in the region.

© The Canadian Press 2005

My personal response has been to pray for the survivors and a donation to the Salvation Army. They helped our family in 2000 when my father was terminally ill. They provided hospice space for him to be comfortable in his last days. Payback can be nice.

 

[rosenherman]

I just would like add a further update to Canada's response to Katrina:

Martin offers U.S. anything needed for hurricane aid

Canadian Press

September 1, 2005

OTTAWA -- Canada will send the United States any help needed in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, Prime Minister Paul Martin told U.S. President Bush on Thursday.

"If you need help, just ask and we'll be there," he told Bush in a 15-minute phone call that was to have been a sharp discussion of the softwood lumber dispute but instead became a call of sympathy and condolence. Martin said Bush didn't ask for help, but predicted he will.

"They're in the process of trying to put all the co-ordination together and they're going to take us up on it," the prime minister said in Edmonton.

"They're trying to determine their needs right now."

White House spokesman Scott McLellan said a number of countries have offered aid.

"We are open to all offers of assistance from other nations, and I would expect that we would take people up on offers of assistance when it's necessary."

The Canadian military put troops on standby and prepared to load a ship with gear and equipment that could be useful in the aftermath of the great storm that wrecked much of the American Gulf Coast and devastated New Orleans.

The Canadian Red Cross was sending a team of 100 to 200 experienced disaster workers to bolster the American Red Cross staff in the region.

Martin, attending provincial centennial celebrations in Edmonton, told a sympathetic crowd of his talk with Bush.

"I expressed our condolences and our sympathies and I confirmed Canada stands with those who have suffered so much in Katrina's wake.

"I said on your behalf that, if you need help, just ask and we'll be there, now and in the weeks and months ahead. That we will do whatever we can for as long as it takes to help our neighbour and our friend deal with this terrible, terrible tragedy."

Gen. Rick Hillier, chief of the Canadian defence staff, said he spoke with his American counterpart, Gen. Dick Myers, to offer assistance.

He said Myers thanked him, but said the Pentagon is still analyzing what is needed.

Hillier said the military's Disaster Assistance Response Team or DART, which can provide medical care, power and clean water, could head south on 48 hours notice.

He said Canada could provide transport planes or helicopters, electrical generators, water purification systems, small boats for navigating the waterways of the region and engineering equipment and expertise.

He said his staff are planning to load a selection of such gear about a warship to be ready in the event Washington asks for help.

It's best to be prepared, he said.

"We want to help. We believe that's what being friends and allies is all about."

In September 1992, after hurricane Andrew struck Florida, a Canadian naval supply ship was sent in with more than 250 people who helped in rebuilding.

Suzanne Charest of the Canadian Red Cross said a team of 100 - perhaps as many as 200 - volunteers is being assembled for relief work.

"We're recruiting only from our existing pool of experienced people," she said.

The workers will help with the logistics of moving and supporting relief workers. They will assist with family services among the homeless and displaced and in feeding people in some of the 270 shelters being run by the American Red Cross.

"They are providing 500,000 hot meals a day in conjunction with the Southern Baptists," Charest said.

The Red Cross is also collecting cash donations for the relief work.

She said the American Red Cross estimated its operations will cost more than $130 million.

"That's without having done a full assessment."

Foreign Affairs says people who wish to send help should contribute to a reputable aid agency, such as the Red Cross.

Canada has also offered to open up its national emergency stockpiles if needed. They contain portable hospital units, complete with beds, blankets and pharmaceuticals.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has spoken to David Wilkins, the American ambassador, to offer help.

The province's health ministry has offered an emergency medical team and various hydro operations have offered teams skilled in restoring power. Hundreds of thousands are without electricity in the region.

© The Canadian Press 2005

My personal response has been to pray for the survivors and a donation to the Salvation Army. They helped our family in 2000 when my father was terminally ill. They provided hospice space for him to be comfortable in his last days. Payback can be nice.

You're right, The Salvation Army is a great organization.

 

[Ryuuko9]

I'm glad that our country responded in this way, to offer all the help that we can. It makes me proud to be Canadian.

 

[Ryuuko9]

I just received this by e-mail this morning--the Province of Prince Edward Island is extending a hand to the people affected by Katrina:

BINNS OFFERS TO COORDINATE SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF KATRINA

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI -- Premier Pat Binns says that Islanders are ready and willing to help the people of the southern United States who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
The Premier relayed that he has been in contact with both Ambassadors Frank McKenna, Canada's Ambassador to the United States, and David Wilkins, the United States Ambassador to Canada, to discuss Prince Edward Island's willingness to offer support and assistance during this very difficult time.
Binns has formalized his offer by way of a letter to Ambassador Wilkins. The Premier indicated that, in this particular circumstance, the Acadian and Francophone community is especially motivated to lend a helping hand.
“There are natural linkages between Acadians from this region of Canada and Louisiana, as many Acadians eventually settled in Louisiana some 250 years ago. I have talked with representatives of the Island’s Acadian community and we are in the process of establishing a committee to coordinate efforts to provide support and shelter to displaced victims,”
said Premier Binns.
The Premier noted that Prince Edward Islanders in all regions of the province are generous people and always on the ready to lend a helping hand when it is needed. Just recently, Islanders overwhelmingly supported relief efforts initiated for Hurricane Juan and the Tsunami disaster in southeast Asia. Islanders have a long history of providing support and shelter to many groups displaced by conflict or natural disaster.
“We have also been in contact with the federal government to determine what partnership they can provide to support this effort. We are also looking to the faith community to become involved, as they have so often in the past, to support this effort,” said Binns.
The Premier indicated that he would keep Islanders updated on the progress of this important initiative.

 

[scott29]

The US shows support, monetarily and physically, for crisis around the world. Why is it that in our time of need in the aftermath of Katrina, so many of our neighbors are silent? Sri Lanka is sending experts over to help out in the Katrina aftermath, as well as other unnamed Asia Pacific nations, but where is everyone else? Maybe I'm just uninformed, but I haven't heard a peep from Britain, France (no surprise there), Germany, or anyone else for that matter (outside of the Red Cross organization). When disasters hit other countries, the US runs to the rescue immediately. When our nation cries out for help, we're answered by deafening silence while our people sit in their own waste, die, and rot in the streets. This is absolutely pathetic.

 

[SackLunch]

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!!

 

[USincognito]

Actually what's pathetic is the richest most powerful nation on Earth not being able to get food, water or medical care to a major urban area almost 4 years to the day after 9/11.

You reactionary jingoists need to direct your hate machine elsewhere because asking why Sri Lanka and the Maldives aren't sending us money and aid rings like the cynical hate machine badgering it is.

Here's another question, since most of those left behind were either poor or elderly, what would have made more sense, US sending in evactuation mechanisms to get the old folks and people who couldn't afford a Greyhound bus ticket, or England sending the Queen Mary to take people to Georgia's east coast? We knew Kartrina was coming, but only had a few days to organize the evacuation... and the president said yesterday who knew the levees would fail in a Cat. 4 hurricane?

And while I'm at it, on Wednesday, Michael Medved was pleading on his radio show that 9/11 was worse because it was "evil" and not "Mother Nature" or whatever... puh-leeze. .

I guess once the hate machine is fired up, it's hard to turn off.

 

[Kelly]

We are one of the richest, biggest nations in the world, we can take care of ourselves. If we give to others and gripe when they don't give back what kind of message is that? We're we giving only to receive?

 

[Skeptical]

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!!

Poor planning, leadership, and execution. This administration will pay.

 

[NothingButTheBlood]

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!!

No one bothered to tell FEMA they were sending people there until late last night. FEMA has also had to pull their people out for being shot at and threatened. Bus and truck drivers have been beat up and their goods stolen. Not going to say relief wasn't slow but lots of stuff is holding it up at this point. They need armed guards.

 

[Ryder]

Are any of you on your way to help?

 

[SackLunch]

The US shows support, monetarily and physically, for crisis around the world. Why is it that in our time of need in the aftermath of Katrina, so many of our neighbors are silent? Sri Lanka is sending experts over to help out in the Katrina aftermath, as well as other unnamed Asia Pacific nations, but where is everyone else? Maybe I'm just uninformed, but I haven't heard a peep from Britain, France (no surprise there), Germany, or anyone else for that matter (outside of the Red Cross organization). When disasters hit other countries, the US runs to the rescue immediately. When our nation cries out for help, we're answered by deafening silence while our people sit in their own waste, die, and rot in the streets. This is absolutely pathetic.

Russia, Canada, France, Venezuela have all offered aid. The official White House position continues to be "We are not requesting aid at this time." You can thank President Bush for that one.