OUR RE$PONSE IS 'INCREDIBLE' (Tsunami)

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

[Snapple]

Most people are normal. When you are hungry and thirsy and naked, and America feeds you, you never forget it.

It is good to give, but it is also good politics.

And successful prosperous countries do business with us and are our friends.

[RepubMommy]

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

I totally hear everything you are saying, really I do. That said, our generous check is in the mail today. I really wish American would get the recogniation that it deserves, we are always the first ones on the scene, yet we are the most hated. I have to say, i won't be traveling abroad any time soon or probably ever. Why on Earth should I give money to countries that dislike us so much? We've got great vacation places here in the good ol US of A.

[SE Mom]

"I probably will send more as it is much worse than I thought a few days ago."

---

And SO will the U.S. government Mr. Walsh. NO ONE realized the scope and magnitude of the disaster a few days ago...

I invite you to take your condescending attitude and apparent desire to spark arguments somewhere else.

[Conservababe]

I have decided that I will not give anything. My country is giving enough, through my taxpaying dollars.

[lainde]

Thank you for the helpful link. I was dreading sitting down researching all the big charity organizations. All I knew was NO Red Cross!

[Conservababe]

President Bush is letting the UN die a most needed natural death. I love it.

[proud American in Canada]

The United States of America has nothing to be defensive about. Not one thing.

A sentiment worth repeating...

[kayak]

Virtually every large religious denomination or group has a relief agency which accepts donations ... Catholic, LDS, United Methodist, Baptist, PresbyterianUSA, PCA (Presbyterian Church of America,) etc., etc. These groups send resources (people, supplies, etc.) to the scene of a disaster immediately then use the donations that come in in response to replenish the funds they have spent.

They get virtually no publicity, or even mere mention, in the media but they are effective, prompt, efficient, capable, and compassionate.

I have been near an area that was hit by tornadoes and my husband spoke with people who were affected by the storms, which hit at 9:00 one night. The next morning, several church relief groups were on site, handing out food, clothing, funds for temporary housing, and other necessities ... all with little red tape. The lines at the government and Red Cross facilities were long and the paper work was excessive.

After hearing directly how these things work, I will only give through church-related relief agencies, the Salvation Army, or groups such as Samaritan's Purse (which is non-denominational but functions as the church agencies do).

[proud American in Canada]

"The greatest country, ever."

Hands down, no question about it. :)

[kayak]

United States President George Bush was tonight accused of trying to undermine the United Nations by setting up a rival coalition to coordinate relief following the Asian tsunami disaster.

Or as Tom Sullivan put it yesterday, while subbing for Rush Limbaugh, the President seems to be outsourcing the UN. Hehe! It's one of the best moves he's made, IMO.

[cake_crumb]

There are a bunch to choose from. Her's another site, www.give.org which is affiliated with the Better Business Bureau

[Republican Wildcat]

What the heck are you talking about? Our government should be embarrassed by its people giving to the victims of the disaster?

[Republican Wildcat]

Cake_crumb I agree with your second paragraph wholeheartedly, and it is a very enlightened statement, but why are you personally offended that I think ALL wealthy countries (including my own) should give more?

Get out there and convince your friends and neighbors to contribute, then. Why are you defining yourself by Big Brother (The Government)? That's ridiculous.

[Republican Wildcat]

That's the org that sponsored the porn books for kids in Mexico, isn't it?

[Republican Wildcat]

Here's you a list of organizations to get you started with your "wealthy nation" giving campaign. These organizations are already on the ground at the scene of the disaster working to help the victims.

International Mission Board

Samaritan's Purse

Catholic Relief Services (Designate contribution to Tsunami disaster fund on menu)

The Salvation Army South Asia Disaster Fund

World Vision Tsunami Relief Fund

Baptist World Aid

[nicmarlo]

Nah, she posted the original accusation that the Red Cross spends 80% on administration costs. It's her responsibility to back it up with a source - or your responsibility if you wish to assume it.

Nah...it's your responsibility to prove the negative, especially after O'Reilly already proved it. Perhaps you should listen to the news more often.

[nicmarlo]

If you are going to continue to make these accusations, I will continue to ask you to back it up. Until you do they are completely meaningless.

Yawn.

[VOA]

"The response has just been incredible," noted American Red Cross spokeswoman Jackie Flowers

Yes it is, given the DESERVED black eyes that the American (and International)
Red Cross has gotten in the last 10 years or so.

Maybe they've shaped up, but I'll give to WorldVision or Salvation Army first.

[nicmarlo]

The Red Cross was outed on Bill O'Reilly's program. They explained what their position was on donation moneys. The president of the Red Cross explained it. Now, if they chose to change how they operate and actually distribute more of the donation money, like it should, bully for you. YOU give them money. I won't and I'll continue to warn others NOT TO. It's been outed as a corrupt charity...otherwise it wouldn't have gotten caught by Bill O.