Ok I may sound like a bitch but doesn't it seem a bit much to be sending Indonesia 2.5 million with hurricane season right around the corner. I'm not against helping them out BUT we had enough problems helping our own last year.

I'm really not cold hearted I promise.

Yes, I agree. I have alot of sympathy for that country, especially since they are still recovering from Tsunami in 2004.

HOWEVER...we are still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, and no doubt there will be more this year. Our country needs to be the priority.

Yup I have to agree!! There are plenty of other countries that can help them out as well! Right now we should be helping ourselves! That sounds selfish, but there is more going on here that needs to be addressed!

Good to know I'm not alone!

I had the same thoughts this morning.
I also get tired of the USA being the worlds 9-1-1

I had the same thoughts this morning.
I also get tired of the USA being the worlds 9-1-1

:agree

It seems like whenever someone needs help, we do, but everyone still hates us.

:agree

It seems like whenever someone needs help, we do, but everyone still hates us.

It's because the countries you 'help' rarely ask for it.

Indonesia need $161m to recover from the quake that killed 5,400 people and they can only afford about half of that themselves. I think 2.5m is a very small percentage, considering that the US is meant to be one of the world's most affluent countries. Disasters hit the 3rd world a lot harder than the Western world - are you saying that the people unlucky enough to be born in a country such as Indonesia aren't as entitled to aid?

Its not that they arent entitled to aid, its the fact that they are still FINDING BODIES in NOLA, and our own country could use a little more help than what it is getting, or what is so freely being given elsewhere. Home should come first.IMO

In 2005 the US had an est revenue of $2.119 trillion, with a population of approx 263,814,032. Indonesia had a revenue of $54.3 billion - not a whole lot considering it's population is approx. 203,583,886. Are you really saying that the US needs that 2.5 million more than Indonesia right now?

The US is the world's leading country, financially speaking. If it's going to use it's clout to interfere with countries that dont ask for it's help it's got to be prepared to help out the ones that do.

Of course I think those countries that need help should get it, but we're having to rebuild one of our own cities with hurricane season right around the corner. I personally think our citizens should come first.

Here are some of the pledges various countries have made:

UK £4m (roughly $7m)
Czech Republic $5m
US $2.5m
Seoul $2m
China $1.25m

Sonia, you want me to show you pictures of Gulfport. It looks like a freaking war zone 9 months after the fact. Yes we should send something but it IS a little much. We are NOT prepared for this next hurricane season. Sometimes you have to put yourself first. We can't bale people out each and every time. AND we have Marines in Indonesia so it's not like we're not helping. Half of our Guard is in Iraq, the other half is going to the Mexican, so who is going to help the U.S. citizens if something happens?

Honey, half my family live in a war zone - I know what one looks like. Unfortunately they live in a 3rd world country so they dont have all the aid they need at their fingertips.

Of course your govt should be preparing for the next hurricane season - I'm not saying they shouldn't. I'm just saying that 2.5m is not a lot of money in comparison to the current revenue or to the amounts other countries are offering. Your country is fortunate enough to be able to help itself in times of need. Other countries aren't so fortunate. And please dont tell me that ALL of your military is out of the country - is Bush really stupid enough to place your armed forces all over the world without keeping a percentage in the country for defence/disaster purposes?

The guard can't provide policing services. That was the problem last year. I'm not saying ALL are gone but its not a secret the military is stretched thin. We give to everyone all the time. I just think this once we should bow out and let others take the responsibility.

Maybe your family should come to the US...seems not to be too terribly hard to get in. Seriously, I do feel for them.

The guard can't provide policing services. That was the problem last year. I'm not saying ALL are gone but its not a secret the military is stretched thin. We give to everyone all the time. I just think this once we should bow out and let others take the responsibility.

Maybe your family should come to the US...seems not to be too terribly hard to get in. Seriously, I do feel for them.

I understand what you're saying, and maybe they shouldn't be sending the Marines or aid over there. But politically it would look extremely bad if countries like South Korea are doing what they can and the US just sits back and give their condolences.

Some of my family did move to the US for a while, but came back to help. Other family members are involved in Parliament so cant leave the country. It really is a beautiful place, I virtually grew up there, but the effects of war and various natural disaaters have left it broken.

The sad thing is this all started almost a century ago, when the US decided they would be the world's police. Now we MUST help others no matter whats going on, on the homefront. Sometimes I think Teddy Roosevelt had it right with his isolationism ideas.
If it were a perfect world, there would be no war, no hunger, and everyone could take care of themselves.

The sad thing is this all started almost a century ago, when the US decided they would be the world's police. Now we MUST help others no matter whats going on, on the homefront. Sometimes I think Teddy Roosevelt had it right with his isolationism ideas.
If it were a perfect world, there would be no war, no hunger, and everyone could take care of themselves.

Yeah but that's what the US decided to do - noone forced them into it. Plus if it became an isolationist nation if, God forbid, anything happened, be it naturally occurring or caused by man, you wouldn't have any backup.

I think Switzerland had the right idea - they're neutral in any situation!

Ideally it would be nice if we took care of our own first. We would then continue to have the best schools in every neighborhood. But we have always been the helping hand around the world and that really is a good thing. At least people can look and see that the US does try to help. But when we are letting our congress take pay raises all the time I can see where money would be better spent. Millions of people in our country live on much less than $60, 000 a year and I think that our leaders could easily live off of a sum of about $60, 000 a year with no problems. I want to see the US come first. I want to see none of our children going hungry or homeless but until the people say our govt leaders are over paid and ir needs to change we are not going to change much in our country except their pay checks. JMO

Virtually all countries in the Western world have these problems though. Take the UK, for example - our taxes are among the highest in the world, the NHS is failing, are school stds are slipping, TB's on the rise, and our govt are getting paid extortionate amounts just to go from one tabloid scandal to another! But to deny countries the aid they truly need is not going to help matters. I believe that no country would financially cripple themself in order to help out another - we each give what we can and your President thinks that 2.5m is an amount you can afford.

I dont think the US would give away more money then it should. I'm sure we have enough for ourselves should we need it. Now if we gave them too much money where if we needed it should something happen then yea I would be pissed off too. But I agree with Sonia that isnt that much money and as long as we have enough to help ourselves which I'm sure we do then I'm happy that the people who really need the money atleast get a small amount to help them out.

i agree we seem to always be the biggest funder of aid (monetary or otherwise) but to my knowledge very few other countries have every helped us out when we have suffered a major catastrophe. we should be conserving our resources. i feel sorry for the people over in indonesia and that part of the world especially since just in 2004 they had the huge tsunami, but i just think we need to start conserving our resources (monetary, human, etc) especially right now.

i agree we seem to always be the biggest funder of aid (monetary or otherwise) but to my knowledge very few other countries have every helped us out when we have suffered a major catastrophe. we should be conserving our resources. i feel sorry for the people over in indonesia and that part of the world especially since just in 2004 they had the huge tsunami, but i just think we need to start conserving our resources (monetary, human, etc) especially right now.

They havent helped you out because you've not asked for it or needed it. The US is the wealthiest country on the planet - what aid are you going to ask others for? If the tables were turned and the US became one of the poorest countries, how would you feel if another country refused to help you because they were saving for a rainy day? I agree that funds should be conserved, but not to the detriment of other countries in need.

There is still money tied up with FEMA...so no we're not ready. They are with holding from Harrison county to investigate some contracts. Oh well, it's not a perfect world. And I agree, Congress is overpaid.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/09/10/national/a095352D95.DTL
I remembered reading about all the aid immediately offered to the states from countries around the world after Hurricane Katrina. I think many countries were very generous. I read in another article Fidel Castro even offered cuban doctors. I think this shows that when you do good for others, they usually return the favor best as possible. That's why generosity is so important in life. You can always spare a lil bit. My husband is in Djibouti right now, from what I've seen if they have $50k to spare to send to us, than we can afford to help others out too.

I would like the U.S to get a thank you for once i'm tired of most countries not seeing the good we do then quick to jump on us when bad things happen.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/09/10/national/a095352D95.DTL
I remembered reading about all the aid immediately offered to the states from countries around the world after Hurricane Katrina. I think many countries were very generous. I read in another article Fidel Castro even offered cuban doctors. I think this shows that when you do good for others, they usually return the favor best as possible. That's why generosity is so important in life. You can always spare a lil bit. My husband is in Djibouti right now, from what I've seen if they have $50k to spare to send to us, than we can afford to help others out too.
I agree. MANY countries offered us aid after Katrina. I think it is great we are able to help other countries out. I am by no means religious but I do believe "do unto others" if we stopped helping other countries out in their time of need that would would happen when there came a time that we were in need? We'd be left out in the cold. And that isnt such a good thing...

I would like the U.S to get a thank you for once i'm tired of most countries not seeing the good we do then quick to jump on us when bad things happen.

i agree

I remember the countries affected by the tsunami thanking everyone who had given aid, and I remember the Phillippines thanking the US troops for their services after the mudslide. I dont, however, remember the US thanking other countries for their offer of aid after Katrina.....

I remember the countries affected by the tsunami thanking everyone who had given aid, and I remember the Phillippines thanking the US troops for their services after the mudslide. I dont, however, remember the US thanking other countries for their offer of aid after Katrina.....
I remember all of that too. But I do remember us thanking the other countries. Maybe my memory is off but I remember a thank you.... this is off whitehouse.gov


Good afternoon. We at the State Department, join all Americans in thanking the international community for the outpouring of assistance now arriving from across the globe by air, land and sea to the recovery efforts. As of today, 117 countries and 12 international organizations have offered or sent money, food, vital supplies and technical assistance. These generous offers will do much to alleviate the human suffering caused by the destructive hurricane and its aftermath. Even more than the actual material support, we appreciate the goodwill that has generated these offers. The American people have a long tradition of extending a hand to those in need. Now, in our time of need, we are deeply touched to see the response of people from every corner of the world.

That's fair enough. I'm just wondering what more the people who are asking for a thankyou want?

It boils downt o this. Look at the death toll in Indonesia after all these disasters. They have had so many disasters strike so close together. Mother nature dealt them a hard hand. Why shouldn't we help? If you had family in Indonesia or friends wouldnt you want to help? Or would you want to save your $ in case something happened to you...WHat about Katrina. What if only those people who knew people in that hurricanes path helped.

It is in human nature to help those in need. And I think it is a good thing. Yes we need $ to help ourselves but we are a great nation. Why not help others out in need. 2.5mil is nothing compared to the amount of damage that has been done in that country. And we definatly aren't the only country helping them... I dunno. I don't mind helping...They deserve to live and prosper just as much as we do. And in a crisis is when people SHOULD pull together IMHO

It boils downt o this. Look at the death toll in Indonesia after all these disasters. They have had so many disasters strike so close together. Mother nature dealt them a hard hand. Why shouldn't we help? If you had family in Indonesia or friends wouldnt you want to help? Or would you want to save your $ in case something happened to you...WHat about Katrina. What if only those people who knew people in that hurricanes path helped.

It is in human nature to help those in need. And I think it is a good thing. Yes we need $ to help ourselves but we are a great nation. Why not help others out in need. 2.5mil is nothing compared to the amount of damage that has been done in that country. And we definatly aren't the only country helping them... I dunno. I don't mind helping...They deserve to live and prosper just as much as we do. And in a crisis is when people SHOULD pull together IMHO

I totally agree.

It seems like whenever someone needs help, we do, but everyone still hates us.[/QUOTE]





:truesign :agree [QUOTE=sunshine03]:agree

what about the people in florida who got hit by 4 hurricanes in a row. or the people in 1997 along the mississippi that got completely flooded out? mother nature dealt them a hard hand too. they didn't ask for relief. they pulled themselves out as much as possible. the people in florida are still recovering from the hurricanes, and hurricane season is around the corner. i'm not saying indonesia shouldn't receive help i'm just saying the united states needs to look at the big picture and think about ourselves too. doesn't charity begin at home?

Money is not the only way to help though. We do have Marines over there so it's not like we're ignoring the situation.

On an aside...my grandmother believes that these things are God's way of controlling population. She's 80 and thinks she;s right in everything.

Money is not the only way to help though. We do have Marines over there so it's not like we're ignoring the situation.

On an aside...my grandmother believes that these things are God's way of controlling population. She's 80 and thinks she;s right in everything.

I reckon it's all political - the US can't be seen to be witholding cash if other countries are helping out.

And in a way I think your grandmother's right. It's sad and unjust but nature always finds a way.

Yeah and politics suck sometimes. Yeah I think sometimes she's right, it's not nice to think about, but i think it all balances out.

Regardless of how much or little the US helps other countries, someone here still needs to get their shit together, and finish digging the gulf coast out, do a little more to make sure there arent any more bodies left behind in squalid conditions, get their shit in one sock, whatever... before the next hurricane season comes flying through.

The ball has been dropped repeatedly on this one, and skeletal remains washing away this next season from the last season isnt going to endear the gov't to anyone here.

2.5 million doesn't seem like a lot to me to help a country in need. :shrug
My husband alone has ordered million dollar parts for the plane he works on.

2.5 million doesn't seem like a lot to me to help a country in need. :shrug
My husband alone has ordered million dollar parts for the plane he works on.
No it isn't alot at all in the grand scheme of things. Look at each states lotto etc. It's something those people need and to them is a huge amount. For the US it isn't. 2.5mil wont break us. It probably wouldnt even dent us. I could see getting upset if we were giving them billions. But we're not. Its 2.5 mil.....

No it isn't alot at all in the grand scheme of things. Look at each states lotto etc. It's something those people need and to them is a huge amount. For the US it isn't. 2.5mil wont break us. It probably wouldnt even dent us. I could see getting upset if we were giving them billions. But we're not. Its 2.5 mil.....

Just to clarify my standing, Im not UPSET over 2.5 mil... Im upset that someone in Washington is sitting with their thumb up their butt making back asswards decisions :D And yes I voted so I can say these things ;)

America has always been known to help others before they help themselves for some unknown, illogical reason!

No it isn't alot at all in the grand scheme of things. Look at each states lotto etc. It's something those people need and to them is a huge amount. For the US it isn't. 2.5mil wont break us. It probably wouldnt even dent us. I could see getting upset if we were giving them billions. But we're not. Its 2.5 mil.....

Yet they couldn't ever find the money to build the proper levies in the gulf coast - this is what irks me, to be honest. I don't mind that we give the money to others in need, but sometimes as the saying goes to help others you need to help yourself first! We have our own weaknesses here that we need to take care of FIRST. I wouldn't care much about the money if there wasn't a debate about the funds to protect our own states/people from such tragedies.

That's fair enough. I'm just wondering what more the people who are asking for a thankyou want?
I want someone to say that we've done good, intead of jumping on us when something bad happens.

And again..It is only 2.5 mil...

Going by the set of standards that we need to help ourselves first....Why stop there? Should americans only help Americans on the off chance something will happen? Or maybe we should take it down another notch. Maybe we, as individuals, should only help ourselves. I mean after all. An emergency can happen at anytime. So instead of being an organ donor..Make a will and have your organs go only to your family. They "may" need them sometime right? Or how about those that adopt from Russia, CHina etc. Maybe they shouldn't. After all we should only help ourselves...I donated to Katrina..I had no family down there. It didn't effect me. But I donated. Money that I didn;t really have but I knew they needed....Should I of not donated? On the off chance that I would need that money in case something happened to me???

I am not trying to be a bitch.. I am just trying to get my point across. What kind of nation would we be if we only looked out for #1. Do you realize how weak we would be? We'd have no Allies...Why? Because we'd be selfish. Yes..The gulf needs to be rebuilt. yes money has been sent for it. Yes other countries have sent money in, yes it is being rebuilt..These things take time. Lets say another hurricane hits there. Almost as big...Wouldn't you want outside help? Wouldnt we need outside help? There is no guarntee that this hurricane season will produce as many devasting hurricanes. There is no guarntee with Mother Nature period...

Like I stated before. I could see people being upset if we were sending billions to them. We're not. We're sending 2.5mil to a country that desperatly needs it. Have you seen the death toll JUST from this latest quake?? It is currently at more then 5800 fatalities.

In this case it is probably a case of agreeing to disagree. You won't change my mind and apparently I wont change yours. I still say that it is great we are helping out over there...But after all..Thats only my own opinion... ;)

new orleans knew the levies weren't able to withstand anything more than a cat. 3. just a side note.

Don't get me wrong, I think it is good we are helping them...I just think that yes, in some cases we do need to sometimes look out for ourselves for once for a change. Not saying ALWAYS. I am all for helping out the less fortunate countries...but my main complaint is we claimed we didn't have the funds to stregthen the levies in NOLA, because yes they knew they were weak and couldn't hold anything above a cat3, but we can find $2.5million for another country?

Like you said agree to disagree...off my soapbox!

I want someone to say that we've done good, intead of jumping on us when something bad happens.

But I'm saying that everyone who helped out during the tsunami and mudslides were thanked! If you're going to start a war when the global concensus is that you shouldn't, you're gonna be the bad guys for a while. It doesn't mean you're not thanked for the aid you send.

I agree. I think we have more problems than just hurricaine season too.

the U.S. has been the "bad guys" for awhile. just as a side note i read an article i can't remember where but some of the places damaged in the tsunami were bitching that the U.S. didn't send ENOUGH money to aid them then. so even when we do help we still get told we aren't doing enough.