Posted on 09/02/2005 1:42:59 AM PDT by Cincinatus' Wife
VIENNA - From papal prayers to telegrams from China, the world reacted with an outpouring of compassion Wednesday for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in messages tinged with shock that a disaster of this scale could occur in the United States.
Islamic extremists rejoiced, giving the storm a military rank and declaring in Internet chatter that ''Private'' Katrina had joined the global jihad.
Venezuela's government, which has had tense relations with Washington, announced that it will donate $1 million to help the victims.
The money will be channeled through CITGO, a U.S. unit of PDVSA, the government oil company, the Venezuelan embassy said in a statement. CITGO has refining plants and other infrastructure in the Gulf of Mexico area, including the Lake Charles Refinery in Louisiana.
In addition, the Venezuelan government will send 120 specialists in rescue operations, two mobile hospitals, 10 water purifying plants, 18 electrical generators, 20 tons of bottled water and 50 tons of canned food.
Katrina was seen worldwide as an equalizer -- proof that any country, weak or strong, can be victimized by a natural disaster. Images of flood-ravaged New Orleans earned particular sympathy in Central Europe, where dozens died in raging floodwaters only days ago.
''Nature proved that no matter how rich and economically developed you are, you can't fight it,'' said Danut Afasei, a local official in Romania's Harghita county, where flooding killed 13 people last week.
Throughout Europe, people lamented the loss of life and the damage caused to New Orleans, often described as one of North America's most ''European'' cities. French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder sent messages of sympathy.
Messages of sympathy don't cut it. After decades of assistance is that all Europe can offer?
It tells me a lot.
And this Hugo thing is just so much publicity for himself. It's always all about Hugo Chavez.
You know what? It's a start, I'm thankful they express their concern. WAY TO GO VENEQUELA,THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Oops, hit the Q instead of the z. Venezuela.
Yeah, but the Europeans helping us rebuild is like your 6 year old kid brother offering to help you shine your car. One indulges the effort but does not expect much useful of it.
I was thinking the same thing.
It's not the most "European" city..it's the most "African" (i.e. corrupt). I'm sorry, but the behavior of N.O. is disgusting.
LOL! Oh that is precious! A 'RAT' CITY IT IS.
Compare New Orleaners, people and leadership, to 911 New Yorkers, people and leadership. WHAT A GLARING DIFFERENCE!
LOL! Oh that is precious! A 'RAT' CITY IT IS.
Compare New Orleaners, people and leadership, to 911 New Yorkers, people and leadership. WHAT A GLARING DIFFERENCE!
The islamic suburbs of Paris? Malmo? This behavior sure is not characteristic of any European city I have been in.
Perhaps this is why they don't care to help. We aren't a racist country but I believe we are seeing a lot who are.
I don't know, I kinda likes "Venequela". It sounded kind of exotic.
LOL,You are so kind; Could be the name of a liquor without the worm?
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