OUR RE$PONSE IS 'INCREDIBLE' (Tsunami)

New York Post ^ | 12/30/2004 | Marsha Kranes and Ian Bishop

[4.1O dana super trac pak]

Contributions are pouring into the American charities involved in the massive relief effort in South Asia at an "incredible" pace.

Americans are using the Internet, the mail and the phone and dropping by local relief agency offices to donate - to help the survivors of the killer tsunamis get back on their feet and rebuild their lives, their homes and communities.

"The response has just been incredible," noted American Red Cross spokeswoman Jackie Flowers, who reported that $18 million in contibutions had been received since Sunday.

'snip'

At CARE USA's office in Atlanta, "a stranger just walked into the office with a check for $10,000. And our offices around the country are reporting similiar experiences," said Ahuma Adodoadji, director for emergency humanitarian assistance.

He said the agency has received about $3.5 million in donations so far.

Others benefitting from America's big heart and open pocketbooks include Doctors Without Borders, which received $4 million in donations through its Web site alone.

Save the Children USA reported $3 million in donations to date; Americares, $2 million; Oxfam America, $1.6 million; and Catholic Charities, $1.13 million.

" That fine gentleman from the United Nations was miguided and ill-informed," said Dean Owen of World Vision....

Americans have been incredibly generous," said Owen, whose agency has recieved more than $1 million for its South Asian disaster relief - without advertising.

[Born to Conserve]

"I'm honestly hoping the nasty smug Norwegian who called us STINGY is really suffering from guilt..."

What was his name? It should not be forgotten.

[Snapple]

Hi, John,

Here is a good article about the generosity of the Brits.

http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp?id=041230112450.r60r8vi2.xml

British people have all kinds of charities.

[geopyg]

"America is great and I love it but if you are great for raising $30m in three days then the UK must be the best in the Universe, as a fifth the size of your population has raised $60m in that same time."

Is this the governmental pledge - or private donations? (And I doubt that the services of are military aren't included in that. I imagine operating the Lincoln aircraft carrier and associated ships runs $1 million a day.)

I recall that the amount of foreign aid given by the U.S. gov't is MUCH less than given by private donations given to foreign people. (Like private donations are 3 to 5 times as much).

[Conservababe]

Yes, the Red Cross provides much...but many do not know that they also charge for services rendered, unlike other REAL non government sanctioned charitable organizations.

[cake_crumb]

The services of our military, the assessment teams and long term rebuilding pledge are NOT included in the president's initial pledge.

[Snapple]

http://www.thisislondon.com/news/articles/15666215?source=Evening%20Standard&ct=5

British giving--the children are even giving their Christmas money.

[RepubMommy]

We did our donation through a Catholic online organization. I was watching FNC the other day and they had the sum of the monies from each nation, France gave $1.36 million as opposed to our $35 million and GB's $29 million. What a bunch of tight a$$es.

[RepubMommy]

Don't give to RED CROSS. 80% of the money goes to administration. Less than 20% goes to relief. Give to Salvation Army or World Vision.

Ever since OReilly blew the lid off of them, I wouldn't donate through them either.

[Conservababe]

Well, I am going to ask this question again amidst the arguments. Why is the USA obligated to giving any money at all, whether private or government to this crisis? Is it our obligation, as we were not affected in any way except to American tourists and to bring them home?

[RepubMommy]

uh...how did you manage to join FR with TOMORROWS date?

If you scroll up, so did John Wheatley. Very bizarre, but I don't think it's their fault. Wheatley, it seems is in England, so it already is the 31st there, not sure if that makes a difference.

[JudyinCanada]

I don't think it was actually thought out. These socialists just remind me of spoiled teenagers who complain that they never get anything. They actually get lots, its just not enough so they try make you feel guilty so you will give them more. And it works in a lot of homes. I don't think it was a UN move, I think it was what the whiny liberal actually thought.

You are correct. They despise the wealth of America and think they are entitled to it...not unlike the entitlement mentality of a spoiled kid.

[RepubMommy]

I have no doubt the generosity of the american people will embarass your government into doing more. ALL wealthy nations should be giving a lot more.

Oh how nice, your first day here and your profile says you "will not insult our views." How quickly that lasted. Our government is giving plenty, how about you go and knock on the dorrs of your French neighbors? Their initial donation was $1.36 million. How impressive.

[Salvation]

An American hug bump!

[Conservababe]

Well, just damn, I guess I'm going to have to answer my own question as to obligation of the USA to international crises.

I am damn tired of hearing from peoples across the world from me, as a taxpaying citizen, that we did not respond fast enough to come to their aid.

Why should we be responsible for a natural disaster? Why should I be responsible because they did not have warning systems?

I am sick and tired of giving and giving and still being hated and abused as an American citizen for not giving more. They take our aid and our charity and still whine.

[cake_crumb]

I'd like to know why the UNweenie is complaining we're stingy when his organization hasn't even reached all teh affected areas yet? They're putting the cart before the horse. Smaller organizations not affiliated with the UN appear to be much better organized. What a coincydink

[Graybeard58]

http://www.give.org/reports/arc.asp

[JudyinCanada]

I think the UN is just so full of hate for America (especially for going to war without their "approval") that whenever there is a chance to put in a caustic remark about you, they will. Not much thought is given to anything or anyone else, just take the opportunity to slam America...like the dems slam President Bush without even thinking about how foolish they look.

[RepubMommy]

Well, I am going to ask this question again amidst the arguments. Why is the USA obligated to giving any money at all, whether private or government to this crisis? Is it our obligation, as we were not affected in any way except to American tourists and to bring them home?

I see where you are going with this, but it's because we are generous and giving people. Isn't it funny though, how we are so hated worldwide, yet in a time like this, there are huge expectations placed on us?

[Snapple]

According to Charity Watch
http://www.charitywatch.org/toprated.html

the Red Cross gets an A+ for their effecient use of their money. If you have an account at http://www.amazon.com
they will take your donation to the American Red Cross--it goes to tsunami relief.

Here is USAID's list of charities with links working in the area.
http://www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/tsunami/ngolist.html

[Conservababe]

It has always been thus and I am tiring of giving. People in countries who dance in the street at the killing of us, get our aid. And when disaster strikes, they dance in the streets demanding why we are not ready with supplies one hour after.