Posted on 02/10/2005 12:40:34 PM PST by srm913
Bush pledges another US$600m in tsunami aid
PRESIDENT George W. Bush has pledged a massive US$600 million (S$991 million) boost in United States financial aid to countries affected by December's tsunami.
This would take the total of Washington's relief package from US$350 million to US$950 million and make it the largest single donor nation.
The increased funds will be earmarked principally for reconstruction efforts in the worst affected countries, among them Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
President Bush, who made the announcement on Wednesday, said: 'We will use these resources to provide assistance and to work with the affected nations on rebuilding vital infrastructure.'
The boost in relief aid was described by Mr Andrew Natsios, the administrator of the US Agency for International Development, as the most generous and the most extensive in American history.
Mr Bush was chastised in December for his initial offer of only US$15 million in tsunami relief.
The sum was subsequently incrementally increased to US$35 million and then to US$350 million when the full magnitude of the catastrophe became apparent.
The latest pledge will catapult the US to the top of the list of donors, ahead of Australia with its US$810 million and Germany with US$660 million.
"Its not the governments money...."
Bush is right...this money ...all 950 mill...will be turned over to the UN to administer.
Its the UN's money, baby.
Exactly. Not only do we give away that much money to foreign countries, that is a drop in the bucket compared to what we give away here through entitlement programs, welfare programs, grants and such. GovBenefits.gov is a government website devoted solely to helping you find what free money you might be eligible for from the taxpayers' wallet. One source says that we give away 350 billion dollars a year just through grants to any joe who wants one. Crap, crap, crap. It's enought to drive a person crazy. How 'bout we take some of that money and fix the borders, the tax code AND social security in on fell swoop?
Enough is enough. Why aren't we pushing the likes of the spoiled brat arabs to poney up?
And we're NOT including private donations OR other countries' $billions in aid.
What's Dubya got on the table for stemming illegal immigration, and reinforcing Mexican Border Patrol and Security?
$0.02
If Bubba Clinton were doing this same exact thing, FR would be FREAKIN' OUT!
Boy and just in time for tax season. Where to I send my $3 party contribution?
This is BS the govt is stealing from me and giving to someone else when the money could be much better spent in this country....Charity is not to be forced on anyone. If Presidente Bush wants to send more aid, grab a couple million illegals from here and ship them over there and let them rebuild the country...
Ditto!
This place would be in full meltdown mode, for sure. But GOP Presidents can do no wrong in the eyes of many around here -- "it's 'strategery', don't you know. Bush is playing chess, everyone else is playing checkers." ....pathetic brainwashed robotoids.
Check this out yet, btw?
This is no longer aid. This is a massive redistribution of wealth.
Well, considering the source of that article, I would view it with a bit of sketicism. However, Mr. Bush seems to be making a whole lot of people within his base quite angry about many things. I love Bush and volunteered heavily to get him reelected, but it seems that a few things, such as tightening the belt, the borders, and the scrapping the antiquated tax code, are not as important to him as they should be. If he keeps this up, the demobrats just might win more than they should in 06.
It was ONE thing to ignore Dubya Bush's failing and piccadillos while he was running against John Kerry;
Quite another now that he's won.
He's been talking a great game about "freedom and liberty," yet undermining American "freedom and liberty"...AND sovereignty.
Mount Rushmore material? Don't think so. Dubya Bush is the exact antithesis of Teddy Roosevelt.
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