[Grzegorz 246]

I agree. I think that it may be even more than half million, the worst disaster in the modern history of mankind. US government sent $35 million, more than any other country, but anyway not enough, it should be at least $350 million from US, $350 million from EU etc.

[commonguymd]

I think we will - but much will be in private donations. We shouldn't be measured in our giving mearly by the government contribution but by the giving nature most of which will be voluntary by way of charities such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Doctors without Borders, Christian relief groups, etc....

I am certain we will give more, but I am tiring of the rhetoric on how much we pledge when we are and will be the most active and most giving country. I am very tired of being measured by merely what the government contributions are and that the private donations do not count.

The president doesn't have the power to give money away - a fundamental misunderstanding of a Republic form of government. The Congress has spending authority - the president can use allocated funds only.

Sheezzzzzz

[seeking1tim611]

We have given a lot and more is needed, but we have not given the most. That's not to say we are stingy because 35 million is our initial aid money wise, but Canada has promised 40 and Spain has already started sending 68 to create personal accounts for the victims. Places like Japan, Australia, and even Saudi Arabia are also increasing their amounts, so Europe and other countries are getting better.

[11th_VA]

the worst disaster in the modern history of mankind

Some more perspective:

Twentieth Century Death Tolls (by War):

40. Indonesia - Aceh (1976- )

Secessionist revolt

Ploughshares 2000: over 10,000 since 1989

19 May 2003 AP: >12,000

13 May 2003 Jakarta Post: 15,000

25 March 2001 New Straits Times (Malaysia): >70,000 killed or reported missing

[McGavin999]

If you send all the money up front, much will be wasted or stolen. The money that was sent immediately is to bring immediate relief while the assessment of long term damage is made.

We have learned not to just give unlimited money to aid agencies (especially the UN) because the money will go for first class tickets to exotic places for "conferences" rather than for food for the hungry.

[MissAmericanPie]

They have topped the total dead at over 100,000. Wonder how many there are left to aid in these areas, but it's irresponsible to just throw money given the corruption of the U.N.

The survivers need immediate fresh water, meds, food, shelter, doctors. The money does not need to be slipped into the pocket of some scum politician in these nations.

It takes time and co-ordination to get aid to so many different areas. The U.S. and it's newer allies have a better system to do that than the U.N. and corrupt elements in the Red Cross.

[Natural Law]

The last thing we should do is permit the local governments to administer the relief work. These are some of the most corrupt entities on the planet. Indonesia, a muslim country that tacitly supports terrorism and actively participates in anti-Christian genocide is undoubtedly the most corrupt government I have ever ever encountered. I have traveled extensively in Southeast Asia for over 30 years in connection with the semiconductor and electronics industries. In Indonesia one has to pay the government officials at every level; you have to pay them to do their job or pay them to not do their job. Either way it costs you. Add this to the UN's presence and the victims will only be further victimized.