I had decided to not comment on hurricane Katrina or its aftermath, primarily to avoid the conversations devolving into finger-pointing and racism. I have some very strong opinions on these topics, but nothing which hasn’t already been said. My adding to it won’t change anyone’s mind.

However, I did come across an article that deserves repeating. If we have ever felt like the U.S. has been providing humanitarian aide to the world, but that no one ever does us any favors, we need to read this:

The State Department says the U.S. has accepted pledges of more than $1 billion in aid from 95 other nations. Even so, there are news reports from several countries that say their offers have not been acknowledged. In Sweden a C-130 transport plane has been ready to lift off with a water purification system, blankets, and mobile network equipment for four days - but has yet to get U.S. approval. Some of the problem, just as it has been with aid offers here in the United States, is clearly a logistical one and the State Department, which is not used to such coordination, has said as much… In the meantime, it would be best if Americans - and that includes our letter writer and the president - show a bit more graciousness over the outpouring of offers.

To India, which has offered $5 million in aid and has a planeload of supplies ready to depart.

To Canada, which is sending three warships and a coast guard ship to to Gulf Coast with emergency assistance and already has Canadian divers working on repairing the damaged harbor at Pascagoula, Mississippi.

To Mexico, which has an army convoy headed overland with supplies and a navy ship on the way. To Thailand, which is donating food.

To Kuwait, which has donated $400 million in oil and $100 million in cash. To the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, both of which have donated $100 million in cash. To Ireland, which donated $5 million to the Red Cross.

To North Korea, $30 million in cash and donations; to Australia, $7.6 million; to China, $5.1 million in cash and relief.

And to Bosnia, which has offered the United States $6,414 cash.

To them all we say, “Thank you. Thank you for your donations and for your thoughts. We will remember this.”

Journal Times Online: A generous world gives U.S. help
Referenced Tue, 09 Sep 2005 11:39 (MDT)

Posted in General