Posted on 09/01/2005 3:08:46 PM PDT by va4me
WASHINGTON -- In a dramatic turnabout, the United States is now on the receiving end of help from around the world as some two dozen countries offer post-hurricane assistance.
Venezuela, a target of frequent criticism by the Bush administration, offered humanitarian aid and fuel. Venezuela's Citgo Petroleum Corp. pledged a $1 million donation for hurricane aid.
The United Nations informed U.S. Ambassador John R. Bolton it was prepared to support the relief effort "in any way possible."
Under Secretary-General Jan Egeland said his office had offered the services of the U.N.'s disaster assistance and coordination teams to the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon sent a letter to President Bush offering hundreds of doctors, nurses, technicians and other experts in trauma, natural disasters and public health.
"We also offer field hospitals, medical kits and equipment for temporary housing, reinforcement for hospitals, or any assistance that you may require," Sharon wrote.
He said the teams and equipment could be ready in 24 hours.
With offers from the four corners of the globe pouring in, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has decided "no offer that can help alleviate the suffering of the people in the afflicted area will be refused," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Thursday.
However, in Moscow, a Russian official said the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency had rejected a Russian offer to dispatch rescue teams and other aid.
On Tuesday, President Vladimir Putin sent condolences to Bush and said Russia was prepared to help if asked.
Boats, aircraft, tents, blankets, generators, cash assistance and medical teams have been offered to the U.S. government in Washington or in embassies overseas.
Offers have been received from Russia, Japan, Canada, France, Honduras, Germany, Venezuela, Jamaica, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, Hungary, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, China, South Korea, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, NATO and the Organization of American States, the spokesman said.
Still, Bush told ABC-TV: "I'm not expecting much from foreign nations because we hadn't asked for it. I do expect a lot of sympathy and perhaps some will send cash dollars. But this country's going to rise up and take care of it."
"You know," he said, "we would love help, but we're going to take care of our own business as well, and there's no doubt in my mind we'll succeed. And there's no doubt in my mind, as I sit here talking to you, that New Orleans is going to rise up again as a great city."
Historically, the United States provides assistance to other countries experiencing earthquakes, floods and other disasters.
Germany, which was rebuilt after World War II largely by the U.S. Marshall Plan, offered its help in a telephone call to Rice.
"The German Government is prepared to do all that is humanly possible," the German embassy said. In his call, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer assured Rice of Germany's solidarity with its American friends in a difficult time, the embassy said.
Israeli Ambassador Daniel Ayalon called Wednesday at the State Department to offer condolences and assistance. Israel is the largest recipient of U.S. aid, about $2.2 billion a year.
"The hearts and prayers of Israel's people are with the people of the United States and the many millions who are suffering in the regional devastation resulting from hurricane Katrina," the Israeli embassy said in a statement.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Put it in escrow and the next time you feel like
given to the Palys give them out of that pile instead
of our wallets.
Or the U.N. will said aid....then bill the U.S.A. for it.
Jan Egeland, UN undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator (AP)
This is good to see. While I love America with all my heart we can tend to be a little too arrogant. It is wonderful to see so many other countries offering help and wonderful to see we will accept it.
To only be charitable to others and refuse to accept help when needed is very prideful. I will be happy to see my country humble itself and accept help. Those people down there need all the help they can get. I fear it will only get worse.
uh oh...watch your wallet..UN eyeing disaster aid funds..
I realize this is a common taunt, and a trite phrase. It is very popular with academia, and the media.
Are some (and I emphasize some) Americans arrogant? Yes. I have served and traveled with them. I have also lived in Europe and the Middle East for years (not days or months--years). I will tell you that Americans are a much more humble lot than these overall, by far.
The problem is the white hot spotlight of the world is always on America, because of jealousy.
I apologize that I cannot be more eloquent on the matter, but that is that.
Remember that $1.2 Billion?
So sorry but, our taxpayers have suddenly found a more immediate need.
We're sure you'll understand.
U.S. Congress
Achmed, go and stand in that building and press this button...never mind. I'll just use my cellphone...
"Under Secretary-General Jan Egeland said his office had offered the services of the U.N.'s disaster assistance"
He said if the US gives $20 Bn to the UN, he will send $20M to the us after taking out Kofi's cut of 90% for handling.
Sure>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"Or the U.N. will said aid....then bill the U.S.A. for it."
So true. LOL.
"I think he meant he'll send AIDS."
They got enough of it. LOL.
Thank you for this...I was just going to post something along the same lines, but I doubt I would have said it as well as you have. At a time like this, when others are willing to offer help we should be gracious enough to accept it with thanks.
Maybe we should send the hurricane victims to the UN building in NYC and the UN they can have their building in NOLA. Wanna bet Goffy Anan would turn that down????
Stated perfectly.
Ozarkgirl has perhaps not traveled out of the Ozarks enough. In Asia, there is nothing but ridiculous testosterone induced hubris. Nobody ever called Zhu Chenghu "arrogant" in the western media.
That's nice, but what did she think of "SPAMALOT"???
You are right, I haven't. But then why mess with God's perfection, why would I want to go anywhere else?
I may have stated incorrectly, I think it is because America has been so blessed, and others are jealous as SkyPilot stated, that others perceive America, not individually but as a nation, to be arrogant. This would be a perfect situation to get the help needed for the people down there, build relations with those who want to help and also be humble. Everyone wants to be the big one and give help, what's wrong with that? We do it, it makes us feel good. Let others do it and make themselves feel good while helping people who need help.
I still think it's a good idea to make sure we get something from the countries that offered help with the hurricane but didn't lift a finger for us in Iraq.
Gracious and thankful, the perfect words for this situation. I would bet there are thousands of individuals down there, if they weren't so darned hungry, thirsty and angry, who would agree with you.
Americans are suffering and we owe it to them to be gracious about any help offerred.
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