Replies

Bob:

I don't know you, but you are entitled to your opinion. I find it to be very annoying when people hiding behind internet anonymity lash out at others for sharing their opinion. Just my 2 cents.

I do feel for the victims, as we all surely do...I do have a problem with people already criticizing the USA for "not doing enough", etc. I feel that material aid should be sent, along with liberal tree huggers, to help those in need. I do, however, feel that what aid we send should be proportionate to the aid we have received relative to the War on Terror. Help our allies, let the UN help the rest. One prime example...India. India has refused to send troops b/c the UN did not support the USA.

I do not endorse sending financial aid to certain relief groups as that leaves room for corruption and abuse. See UN Food For Oil, United Way, and 9/11 funds for examples. After all, it is our tax money...and we are carrying the lion's share of the burden and risks in Iraq.

But that's my opinion, for what it's worth...

PS--how many American flags were torched this year in some of these countries?

Indonesia:

http://quickstart.clari.net/qs_se/webnews/wed/ar/Qindonesia-us-bush.RHRw_DOL.html

Jon - I apologize if I lashed out at you or any others for any reason. I intended to only out at the Media's continued manipulation of us.

If you see some of my earlier posts on other subjects (Islam at the top of the list), you'll see why I do prefer to keep my identity to myself.

We're at the point now, in much of Western society, that accurate criticism of certain religions can get you killed or beheaded, so the only way to have a decent dialog (for people with my point of view) is to stay anonymous.

As to your points, starting with the second paragraph - I agree totally. We have the right to expect at least civil treatment from the countries that we give money to.

I do, however, feel that what aid we send should be proportionate to the aid we have received relative to the War on Terror.

This is what the United Nations is for and we are the prime funder of the UN and also the only country capable of the airlift required.

The actual dollar figure donated annually by the US directly and indirectly to charitable funds is more than most/all other countries combined.

Why would any sane person contribute any more money to UN controlled efforts?

I don't know you, but you are entitled to your opinion. I find it to be very annoying when people hiding behind internet anonymity lash out at others for sharing their opinion. Just my 2 cents.

Yes, I too get really irritated with anonymity. People who believe that their thoughts and ideas are more important in a public arena than their social status or position in life.

For example, when Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote The Federalist Papers under the pen name of Publius. Seriously what where they thinking.

Sorry, just a little friend joshing. If someone is attacking your personally and hiding behind anonymity then sure, but even if you don't know their identity their thoughts are there, exposed for all to see.

When someone posts often the reputation of their screen name is important to them, perhaps no quite as important as their real name, but its integrity is still something to be guarded.

-paridel