UN Tsunami Press Release (United States doesn't make list of countries which have contributed!)

United Nations ^ | Dec. 30, 2004

[streetrepair]

"The Islamic world is coming really to the relief of the tsunami victims. What is in this list – I am just going through the latest list of recorded contributions – it is page after page after page of countries, some traditional and very many untraditional. It is Latin American countries. It is Arab countries. It is Eastern European countries. And it is, more than anything, also Asian countries, neighbours. Some of the things we also heard and the Secretary-General was hearing of this morning, from India and Malaysia, has not yet entered our lists even."

[vpintheak]

Come to aid them at the right time? What kind of crap is that? The right time is ASAP. I noted that he didn't list western EU countries either though.

[Future Snake Eater]

Have we contributed yet? Last I heard we were "planning" on contributing $350 million.

[topher]

SG must be planning to open a new bank account for his son.

After all, as SG, he must get his percentage of the action

I think he should be thrown in jail -- disregard his diplomatic immunity since his is just a criminal out to make a few bucks on people's misery.

[GVnana]

Kofi Annan likes playing politics. Doesn't he?

[killjoy]

I hate to agree with the UN, but they are right. We are not doing anything. There are teams on the ground in Thailand from Germany, Norway, Sweden, and other countries. There are no Americans to be seen anywhere.

[Pete98]

Good. Every Islamic male we save will be killing Americans later.

[not_apathetic_anymore]

I've heard that there are american troops there. (or maybe I heard wrong and they're 'just' on the way) Can anyone clarify?

[DoughtyOne]

You watch, before this is over we'll have contributed upwards of $3 billion. As a U.S. taxpayer, I don't mind sharing part of the pain of those whose lives were devistated.

Other taxpayers may disagree with me, and I think they have a right to voice that opinion on general principles. In general I am very tight on government spending. In this instance the level of devistation, I think it proper that our government (we) help out. I do think here are a number of valid arguements to the contrary, not the least of which is Constitutionality.

The United States is amazingly supportive of foreign charity efforts. The $15 billion pledge to Africa stuck in my craw. Still, this is the United States that the world damns at every turn.

It's an amazing thing to watch.

[killjoy]

I've heard that there are american troops there. (or maybe I heard wrong and they're 'just' on the way) Can anyone clarify?

My information is first hand from my best friend who has volunteered as a relief worker in Phang Nga Province. Trust me, we are getting a very bad rep right now.

[streetrepair]

"There are no Americans to be seen anywhere."

Hmmmmmmm... "The U.S. State Department is working to find thousands of Americans unaccounted for days after powerful tsunamis struck countries bordering the Indian Ocean."

If there were Americans who lost their lives in this disaster you can bet there are many more thousands of Americans there who didn't lose their lives and who are assisting in the relief.

[monkeywrench]

I've read they're there, also. Killjoy said on another thread that we were messing up relief efforts, and I asked 'how'? I'm still waiting for an answer.

[monkapotamus]

"............................................................."

[killjoy]

I've read they're there, also. Killjoy said on another thread that we were messing up relief efforts, and I asked 'how'? I'm still waiting for an answer.

Sorry, I had stepped out to go to the supermarket before they close early.

Basically, the US pledges of aid at this point are seen as hollow. We are making a big deal about dollar amounts but there are no organized American groups on the ground helping. There are groups from numerous other countries such as Taiwan, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and others. No Americans. I know in the long run, the US will be there helping when all the others have left, but for now, we do not look good.

[okie01]

Have we contributed yet? Last I heard we were "planning" on contributing $350 million.

The U.S. government has made $350 million available. But it is in the form of direct aid; we are not contributing through the UN.

Thankfully.

[Timeout]

I saw coverage earlier today of the first huge US transport planes landing in the disaster zone. Can't remember which country.

Anyway, I'm no Kofi Annan fan by a long shot---I think he's despicable---but his answer was in direct response to a question about what OTHER countries were doing, especially Muslim countries.

I watched the entire press conference and there was no U.S. bashing. Except from the press. If you missed Powells big sniff at the reporter who asked about Afghanistan falling off the radar screen, you missed a memorable shot from the Sec'y.

[Future Snake Eater]

Ah, I see. So it's goods and services rather than strictly monetary donations?

[okie01]

There are no Americans to be seen anywhere.

Here's my source:

U.S. Navy, Marines Swing Into Action on Sumatra

What's yours?

[diverteach]

Shoot! After seeing aftermath photos of civilians walking around sporting t-shirts with Osama on the front, I say screw-em.

[2nd amendment mama]

Uh...try these:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1311684/posts

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1311482/posts