[Bacchus]

OK peeps, let's not get into a country vs. country war here. I'm sure everyone, everywhere, will do what they can. Let the American bashers go for it - who really gives a ****?

[nhfirefighter13]

I do....Just you wait. nhfirefighter13 for President in 2024. They don't know the meaning of the word "stingy".

[Baketech]

The latest Bush announcement concerning Clinton and G.H. Bush is very interesting...

Elder Bush, Clinton to Lead Relief Effort

By TERENCE HUNT, AP White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON - President Bush (news - web sites) on Monday tapped two former presidents — his father, President George H.W. Bush, and his predecessor, President Clinton (news - web sites) — to lead a nationwide fund-raising campaign to help victims of the Asian tsunamis.

"I ask every American to contribute as they are able to do so," Bush said in the White House's Roosevelt Room, the two former presidents at his side.

The two men are to lead an effort to encourage the American people and American businesses to support, through private contributions, non-governmental and international organizations relief and reconstruction to areas devastated by the tsunamis, Bush said.

"In the coming days, Presidents Clinton and Bush will ask Americans to donate directly to reliable charities already providing help to tsunami victims," Bush said. "I've asked the former presidents to solicit contributions both large and small."

The president urged Americans to give money instead of other items. "Cash donations are most useful," he said.

Bush faced criticism for being slow to respond to the Dec. 26 disaster. Other countries were quicker to commit large amounts of aid money, and Japan has outpaced the U.S. total of $350 million pledged so far.

But private donations began pouring in from people in the United States and around the world at unprecedented levels almost immediately. Bush's press secretary, Scott McClellan, dismissed suggestions the White House effort was behind that curve as well, saying the effort was about encouraging the impressive flow to continue.

"This will bring even more focus on the need to provide support for these international organizations in the affected areas," he said. "This is a human tragedy that is really beyond comprehension and we want to make sure we're doing everything we can both from the government perspective as well as private support to help those who are suffering."

Bush himself has not yet made a contribution to the relief effort, but plans to give an unspecified amount, McClellan said. The president did not mention his own plans for giving in his remarks.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon (news - web sites) has decided to send the USNS Mercy, a 1,000-bed hospital ship based at San Diego, to join the tsunami relief effort in south Asia, two officials said Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity. The ship, currently at sea for a previously scheduled test, is capable of receiving patients by helicopter or by ship, either at anchor or while underway.

Later Monday, Bush, accompanied by his father and Clinton, was paying brief visits to the embassies of the four nations — Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand — hit hardest by the disaster. They were to sign condolence books at each embassy, McClellan said.

The president also was waiting to hear back from a delegation he dispatched to the region to assess what more the United States government can do to help. That team, led by Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites) and the president's brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, arrived in the region Monday.

Powell said Monday in Bangkok, Thailand, that the relief effort appears to be going so well that he sees no immediate need for more U.S. money.

"As men and women across the devastated region begin to rebuild, we offer our sustained compassion and our generosity and our assurance that America will be there to help," Bush said.

The White House's Freedom Corps outfit, which helps facilitate volunteer efforts around the country, is to assist the two former presidents in soliciting private contributions.

The former presidents will travel the country and do media interviews as part of their effort, focused on American giving, McClellan said.

[oldfogey]

Glad to see the US responding as it has, and I note that US military helicopters are the key suppliers to some of the remote sites in need of urgent water / food / drugs. I never doubted the outcome, I just thought the old spirit of competition might support the global effort.

Initial discussion with SO and our travel agent suggests that our trip to Sri Lanka in February might still be on, though it will have to be rescheduled to take account of the disaster area on the coast. Consensus is that most of Sri Lanka is unaffected and they need the tourism spending more than ever.

[Baketech]

Originally Posted by oldfogey

Glad to see the US responding as it has, and I note that US military helicopters are the key suppliers to some of the remote sites in need of urgent water / food / drugs. I never doubted the outcome, I just thought the old spirit of competition might support the global effort.

Initial discussion with SO and our travel agent suggests that our trip to Sri Lanka in February might still be on, though it will have to be rescheduled to take account of the disaster area on the coast. Consensus is that most of Sri Lanka is unaffected and they need the tourism spending more than ever.

The evil US military had ships on site within 24 hours, even as the pundits were babbling on about "slow response"..... meanwhile larger battle groups were steaming there at speed, having been dispatched immediately following the disaster......

We all know that relief efforts will be generous, but the real question is....will Asia and/or the EU get the ball rolling to build a warning system?

[luvtolean]

My cousin just called and said he's been hired as an outside contractor to get a VERY large naval hospital ship's systems online as it sails to the area. It's kinda funny, he'll be making more than the commander of the boat.

It was never in question we'd help. But there was guranteed to be politicking by both sides as the relationship with the US, UN, and many of the affected countries has not exactly been rosy as of late.

[Baketech]

Originally Posted by luvtolean

It was never in question we'd help. But there was guranteed to be politicking by both sides as the relationship with the US, UN, and many of the affected countries has not exactly been rosy as of late.

It's charming to see that Frau Pelosi couldn't resist the chance to take a shot....such a lovely girl....

The Red Cross just announced that they have collected over 100 million dollars in private donations, and they haven't even begun the fund drive yet...

[Will]

Ok lets all just take a chill pill
Cowboy your being antaganistic and this isn't the topic for it
BDA & Bubba...never mind won't waste my time

The initial 35 million to the fund was an embarrasment to the american people, particually those abroad who took crap for it, not good for the pr especially after Japan donates 600 million a couple of hours earlier.
The aircraft carrier passing by the area has been a shinning ray of luck for these people as the seahawks where the first choppers in the area and delivered tons of cargo, saving countless lives, go navy!

The UN has said that the real death toll may never be known but after disease carries through the area it's expected at least 300,000 thousand people will have died! Currently nearly 2 million people are homeless!
The greatest disaster of our time has just occurred.
Now for most Americans, yes, it seems that this place is far away and most haven't heard of it, but there pain and agony is no different
Most people who have died are buddhists not muslims
There has never been a recorded sunami in the indian ocean hence no warning system, even so these are some of the most impoveraged people on earth, they can't even afford the most basic health services.
I don't recall if their are many missing or dead americans in this tragedy but there are thousands of foreigners missing, mostly Swedes Brits, and Germans.
It has however effected everybody
So lets cut this crap and show some more respect to ourselves and these people. Get together with freinds and family and donate to one of the key charities in the area, EVERY dollar counts

God save the Queen, God bless America and thank christ for the Aussies!

[Johnny Diablo]

My wifes work has announced a matching contribution program. I finally noticed my work having a drive for money. It looks like holding out for a little is going to pay off double.

[Baketech]

Originally Posted by Will

Ok lets all just take a chill pill
Cowboy your being antaganistic and this isn't the topic for it
BDA & Bubba...never mind won't waste my time

The initial 35 million to the fund was an embarrasment to the american people, particually those abroad who took crap for it, not good for the pr especially after Japan donates 600 million a couple of hours earlier.
The aircraft carrier passing by the area has been a shinning ray of luck for these people as the seahawks where the first choppers in the area and delivered tons of cargo, saving countless lives, go navy!

The UN has said that the real death toll may never be known but after disease carries through the area it's expected at least 300,000 thousand people will have died! Currently nearly 2 million people are homeless!
The greatest disaster of our time has just occurred.
Now for most Americans, yes, it seems that this place is far away and most haven't heard of it, but there pain and agony is no different
Most people who have died are buddhists not muslims
There has never been a recorded sunami in the indian ocean hence no warning system, even so these are some of the most impoveraged people on earth, they can't even afford the most basic health services.
I don't recall if their are many missing or dead americans in this tragedy but there are thousands of foreigners missing, mostly Swedes Brits, and Germans.
It has however effected everybody
So lets cut this crap and show some more respect to ourselves and these people. Get together with freinds and family and donate to one of the key charities in the area, EVERY dollar counts

God save the Queen, God bless America and thank christ for the Aussies!

Good post.....could have been a great post, but apparently the temptation was too great even for someone as level headed as yourself....

[bwhip]

Schumacher gives 10 Million for Tsunami aid

[roadrunner954]

Sad to hear that little kids are now being kidnapped for the Asian sex market

[aussie_929]

Originally Posted by Baketech

Good post.....could have been a great post, but apparently the temptation was too great even for someone as level headed as yourself....

What temptation??

[luvtolean]

Originally Posted by Tombstone

My wifes work has announced a matching contribution program. I finally noticed my work having a drive for money. It looks like holding out for a little is going to pay off double.

My company just announced one a couple of hours ago too.

[Will]

What are you talking about baketech?

[Pete]

Originally Posted by Will

What are you talking about baketech?

1. The initial 35 million to the fund was an embarrasment to the american people
2. Now for most Americans, yes, it seems that this place is far away and most haven't heard of it, but there pain and agony is no different
3. Most people who have died are buddhists not muslims
4. I don't recall if their are many missing or dead americans in this tragedy but...

Just a guess on my part.

[Baketech]

Originally Posted by Will

What are you talking about baketech?

The disingenuousness of your post...
It pretended to take the high road, but was instead full of editorial comments.

Originally Posted by Will

The initial 35 million to the fund was an embarrasment to the american people,

No...what's embarrasing is that some people with a political agenda are counting money and keeping a scorecard in the face of a tragedy.

American response in times of disaster can always be counted on. It is a given that she will pay her share and probably more...

But yes, it is embarrasing that people would criticize America's response as the tragedy unfolded, even while Americans were on the scene providing direct aid. It underscores how pathetic some critics have become when they cannot see past their disagreements even for a brief moment to provide positive assistance to those in need.

Originally Posted by Will

Now for most Americans, yes, it seems that this place is far away and most haven't heard of it, but there pain and agony is no different

Who are you to speak for "most" Americans...?
Of course we know where this place is....we travel there, we do business there, our brothers and sons serve on ships and land there...etc.

Of course we understand "their" pain and agony is no different...to suggest otherwise is an attempt to dehumanize my fellow citizens, and I won't stand for it when I know you are dead wrong....

Your comment was a smug attempt to portray Americans as uneducated and uncaring. If you want to bash, go right ahead, just don't hide behind this issue to do it....

Originally Posted by Will

Most people who have died are buddhists not muslims

Again with the scorecards....

Originally Posted by Will

I don't recall if their are many missing or dead americans in this tragedy but there are thousands of foreigners missing, mostly Swedes Brits, and Germans.

I can do nothing but shake my head at this little gem....

Originally Posted by Will

So lets cut this crap and show some more respect to ourselves and these people. Get together with freinds and family and donate to one of the key charities in the area, EVERY dollar counts

This is a good sentiment...but for it to sound genuine, it would serve you better to drop the editorial comments.....

[Pete]

So, Baketech, did I "guess" correctly?

[Baketech]

Originally Posted by Pete

So, Baketech, did I "guess" correctly?

I don't think there was much "guessing" involved...those comments stood out like a fur coat at a PETA meeting.....

[TAZ]

"Earlier this week, CNN aired a photograph of an Indonesian man who was receiving a U.S. aid package - while wearing an Osama bin Laden (news - web sites) T-shirt."

...from this story on Yahoo! News, which is actually about world reaction to US aid efforts.

Discuss.

[Pete]

Already included in one of the tsunami threads here.