Where is OUR support?

[setzie]

But the thing is, there are thousand of people gathered at one place. There are no looters or gangs near them. But they still wait for someone to help them.

 

[ZACTAK]

I think that even though people are in a time of need, they are not realizing how lucky they truly are. Don't get me wrong, I think there were failures in the federal reaction, however, we are lucky to HAVE federal agencies getting there and helping people... many other countries, people would have to fend for themselves.

 

[Oliver]

this thread is not about blame. It is about why other countries don't help the U.S

You who like to talk about facts and putting heads in the sand seem to have missed the news and the numerous posts in this thread alone: OTHER COUNTRIES DID OFFER HELP TO THE US. Now don't wonder why I have a hard time believing you dig up those quotes yourself, when you somehow managed to miss the numerous articles in the press which cites these offers in your search for these quotes.

 

[Kalevalatar]

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.

Then you wouldn't mind providing the sources and possible links to these "quotes," would you?

You see, here is a bit of a puzzle. I have the resources to do this kind of searches. And my search came up empty, except for The Star quote, "representing" South Africa, if one takes your word for it.

Alas, The Star quote is an editorial by the Editor of The Star, who does not represent "the leadership of the country presented," i.e. South Africa. Yes, I did check it. "The Editor" does not hold any SA government position. Besides which, of course, that particular quote was totally out of context. The editorial was about oil and the price of fuel re: hurricane Katrina:

Next week, the price of a litre of petrol in Gauteng goes up 15c. And already economists say we must brace ourselves to pay R6 a litre by October. This will push up inflation to 5%, which will in turn have a ripple effect on the price of many other goods and services.

There must be truth to the adage that when the United States of America sneezes, the whole world will catch its cold.

http://www.thestar.co.za/

So, my question is, if you "don't need to make this stuff up," why did you then?

 

[Stormy]

Please someone tell me... If buses can get in and out, and they can carry people away from this disaster into other states.... Then why isn't there a huge convoy? Bus, after bus, after bus, after bus! Imagine waiting with your child for a bus, and then having them leave without you??? Knowing that your baby may die! Who among us can say what we would do in such a situation? We need to get everyone out now!

Remember we are the UNITEDStates of America. We allow others from all over the world to enter our country. Surely we can accommodate our own people!

There is no excuse! We could have done better! We SHOULD have done better!

Today it is them... tomorrow it could be you.

 

[night2day]

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?

Must have struck a nerve.

I've been questioning why certain elements are not showing they have any interest in the human catastrophe itself, but only concerned of taking advantage of it for their own ends which, it seems, are political in nature. Especially when it's focused solely on blaming a hurricane and it's aftermath on 3 entire states and some of Florida on one single man.

I wonder how many have paused to consider how it sounds to blame a product of the hurricane season on a human being? Maybe next year blame the tornado season on him as well.

For that matter, explain just how any unpredicated natural disater can be actually planned for to the full extent? What's the definition of "unpredicated" again?

Look through my posts if you wish...as well as to what they were responding to, not what is read into or made to be characterized as. They stand on their own.

 

[jsn112]

Please someone tell me... If buses can get in and out, and they can carry people away from this disaster into other states.... Then why isn't there a huge convoy? Bus, after bus, after bus, after bus! Imagine waiting with your child for a bus, and then having them leave without you??? Knowing that your baby may die! Who among us can say what we would do in such a situation? We need to get everyone out now!

Remember we are the UNITEDStates of America. We allow others from all over the world to enter our country. Surely we can accommodate our own people!

There is no excuse! We could have done better! We SHOULD have done better!

Today it is them... tomorrow it could be you.

Another one. Shesshhhhh...

 

[GutterRat]

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!!

This incorrect.

News Stories

 

[night2day]

Wanderingone
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!

Guess I struck two nerves then.

 

[GutterRat]

My brother works for Fox News in Atlanta. He was in Mobile, AL when Katrina hit. He then went to NO to cover it. He told me that him & his camera man were able to help a few people by giving them some food & water. He said the problem is - when you try to help 1 or 2 people - you get rushed by a mob of people wanting help. They had to be careful about offering assistance because they were afraid people would rush in to take their van - money - gas - or food. The reporters are in a bad situation too.

Too many armchair QB's in this place.

 

[Stormy]

night2day: "unpredicated"? Do you mean unpredicted ? If so your arquement falls right on its face.

We were warned that the levys needed work way before the hurricane struck. But it was more important to take care of the rest of the world then to care for our own. The money was stolen away for Bush's war.

We were also warned of this particular hurricane. Our nation did not spring into action. We did nothing, and now we are trying to play catch up while people are dying.

BTW : I am a republican and I voted for Bush. It is not about politics. It is about accountability!

 

[koninkaulus]

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.

To be fair it isn't all malicious pleasure and sniggering.

From Yahoo News...

“Throughout Europe, concerned citizens were keeping a close eye on events as they lamented the loss of life and the damage caused to New Orleans, often described as one of the North America's most "European" cities.”

“French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder sent messages of sympathy to U.S. President George W. Bush. Chirac, who has famously quarreled with Bush over the Iraq war, addressed his letter, "Dear George."

"Pope Benedict XVI said he was praying for victims of the "tragic" hurricane while China's President Hu Jintao expressed his "belief that that the American people will definitely overcome the natural disaster and rebuild their beautiful homeland."

"Queen Elizabeth II sent a message to Bush saying she was "deeply shocked and saddened" at the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Buckingham Palace said Wednesday.”


"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.

We are getting calls from the Swiss public looking to express their condolences (and) people are also asking for an account number where they can make donations," said spokesman Daniel Wendell."

“The American people - who have always been the most generous in responding to disasters in other parts of the world - have now themselves suffered a grievous blow. I know that I speak for the whole world in offering them my heartfelt sympathy, and any assistance that the United Nations can give.” Kofi Annan

And so on, I could continue forever...

Other countries aren't offering to help? It would be easier to list countries, that haven't offered to help than the ones that have.

I am just watching news and it looks like war zone out there.
Best wishes to everyone there and I hope that help reaches them quickly.

 

[the Colonel]

Moved to Politcs. To be merged with other thread on same topic.

 

[the Colonel]

Threads Merged.

 

[the Colonel]

Open for discussion.

 

[Finella]

If your speaking of Louisiana, look to the LA government. This worst case scenerio was predicted for years. If Alabama and Missisipi, look to AL and MI. Their own local governments were the ones in charge of emergency planning.

As for the rest:

There's no justification at all for people to act and behave as animal. Murder, rape, and other forms of criminal acts are certainly not excused in civilized society and there's no excuse within these areas either.

Otherwise, are you saying people cannot be held responsible for their own actions? That rapists who have been violating children then killing them should not be held accountable for their own actions? That relief workers should be shot at or beaten when they are in the midst of lending aid? Or thugs are excused from murdering innocent civilians?

People have to be expected to be held responsible for their actions regardless. Zero tolerance for lawlessness.

Whether the situation for violence could have been avoided or not is not the issue. People still have a choice to walk away from actiong on depraved impulses. The fact they can't and don't want to is what's in the serious wrong.

Obviously things are no longer civilized. If you were under these conditions, do you think you would be totally law-abiding, having had no food or water for days and caring for yourself and your kids? The rules have changed when we're talking about mere survival.

This is why sending a few thousand troops to manage hundreds of thousands of people is just not enough. This is why holding back foreign aid workers at the borders because of Homeland Security red tape is not enough.

I've called my senators and urged them to not focus on any other issue until this situation is under control -- and of course, we're donating money to relief agencies.

 

[wanderingone]

Guess I struck two nerves then.

LOL!- Guess yours was struck as well since you're repeatedly responding

Truth.. I've seen your posts all over and like I said.. our politics are revealed in our reactions to things... that doesn't mean everyone who mentions a politician or the government is politicizing ....

If your mission is pointing out where (in your opinion) people are "using" this disaster to make political points...I guess you're succeeding... but your politics and your opinion are revealed the same as anyone else's so what's the big deal if it's clear someone doesn't like the administration in power at this point in a post about how the people who are victims of a disaster aren't getting enough help from THAT administration? Is that more political than praising the administration or defending it?

 

[Crusader05]

"The EU foreign ministers, meeting Friday in Newport, Wales, also discussed humanitarian help for victims of Hurricane Katrina. EU spokeswoman Francoise Le Bail said in Brussels several EU nations were ready to help with specialists in areas such as water supply and mobile shelters, if requested by the U.S. She said the EU had not yet received any U.S. request for help."
Source: The AP
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2005/09/02/D8CC51BO0.html

 

[Smoke Screen]

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!!

I'm obviously mad! I've posted a billion threads on this subject! I stayed up really late last night writing to over 100 Democrat and Republican Congresspeople, Senators, and Bush. I wanted them to know that its time to start thinking about the people instead of skimping on money for partisan interests. I wanted them to know that they represent ALL Americans, not just their political parties. I wanted them to know that they are responsible for making laws and providing funding that will help protect ALL Americans.

I wanted Bush to know that there was a reason why so many people raised a fuss about sending the National Guard to Iraq. DUH! I wanted Bush to know how angry I was with him for his delayed reaction to the devistation. After five days, he finally will tour and set food in the affected states. What a lack of reponsibility! I wanted Bush to know that he is in charge of this country (as much as I hate to admit it) and must step up and act like he represents ALL Americans, not just his wealthy and war supporting base. Finally, I wanted Bush to know that he works for ALL Americans. Every single American expects him to step up in cases of national emergency and support the people by being a presence and acting like he has control of things. After five days, he is doing this... This whole situation sickens me....

 

[GutterRat]

Edit - wasn't helpful to try and add reason to this conversation. It's lost.