Posted on 12/28/2004 4:11:38 PM PST by Howlin
Earlier today, responding to these remarks by the UN's Jan Egeland
But U.N. Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland suggested that the United States and other Western nations were being "stingy" with relief funds, saying there would be more available if taxes were raised.
"It is beyond me why are we so stingy, really," the Norwegian-born U.N. official told reporters. "Christmastime should remind many Western countries at least, [of] how rich we have become."
"There are several donors who are less generous than before in a growing world economy," he said, adding that politicians in the United States and Europe "believe that they are really burdening the taxpayers too much, and the taxpayers want to give less. It's not true. They want to give more."
I sent this email to Jan Egeland
You seem to be under the impression that the ONLY way that individuals can donate money to charities and disasters is if the government TAKES the money from them in the form of taxes and gives it to YOU.
Leaving aside the fact that the UN is the last place I want MY government to give money (see Oil for Food scandal), we don't need to be taxed into giving. The United States is a generous country and we WILL give a lot of money to this cause; we're just not going to give it to YOU to spend as you see fit.
The people who really need and deserve the money will get it, without you having the opportunity to cut your slice off of it.
Howlin @ FR
Raleigh, NC
P.S. Forget about a UN and/or world tax; it's not going to happen.
I feel better just reading your replies! Maybe we should be as generous as France with it's pledge of $196,000.00!
I am so proud to be a Freeper along with you. You have done us proud.
A genuine LOL!
he'll have the norwegian-english dictionary out for sure... ; )
This is to good not to ping.
Good job Howlin.
"As I am sure you know, I am usually a lot more tactful than that"
I am glad you added the LOL!
Still, you done good.
The UN seems to have its fair share of PR bungles. Oh how awful for them.
You said snarky, heh heh.
Good email exchange, way to go.
I have joined you now in the ranks of the UN emailers. I'm sure they'll be coming to get us soon. lol
I'm only a lurker but thanks. Youda superwoman!
You acquitted yourself well. Next we need to give that den of thieves the bums' rush from our shores.
Can you hear one lonely little Aussie FReeper cheering all the way across the Pacific Ocean?
AWESOME!
I saw that Krauthammer quip. It was a good one worthy of a LOL.
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20041228-122330-7268r.htm
Let him call Bill Sammon a liar.
The fact that the UN needed to respond at all speaks volumes for how much FR is a force and ho badly they have hurt themselves recently.
You've inspired me. I emailed him myself and suggested he contact "the J. Kerrys at the following address..." and that they would be "ever so happy to help as they are so unstingy....etc. providing he's back from Cambodia where he often spends Christmas......"
You weren't alone. She was waaay over the top tonight, even for her.
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