Posted on 09/01/2005 3:12:41 PM PDT by InvisibleChurch
20 countries offer Katrina aid From correspondents in Washington 02sep05
MORE than 20 countries, from allies Germany and Japan to prickly Venezuela and poor Honduras, have offered to help the United States cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Accustomed to being a rich donor rather than on the receiving end of charity, the United States initially seemed reticent about accepting foreign aid, but later said it would take up any offers. The hurricane devastated New Orleans and other parts of the US Gulf Coast, killing hundreds and possibly thousands. "Anything that can be of help to alleviate the tragic situation of the area affected by Hurricane Katrina will be accepted," said US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.
"America should be heartened by the fact that the world is reaching out to America at a time of need," he said.
Earlier, President George W. Bush said in a television interview that the United States could take care of itself.
"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," Mr Bush told ABC's Good Morning America.
Mr McCormack said there had not been a change of position over accepting foreign aid and White House spokesman Scott McClellan also said the United States would take up offers of help.
The State Department said offers so far had come from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Russia, Japan, France, Germany, Britain, China, Jamaica, Honduras, Greece, Venezuela, the Organisation of American States, NATO, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Greece, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, South Korea, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
Assistance ranged from medical teams, boats, aircraft, tents, blankets, generators and cash donations.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon wrote to Mr Bush offering medical teams that specialised in trauma and natural disasters and said they could be ready in 24 hours.
"During these difficult times, we, the people of Israel stand firmly by your side in a show of solidarity and friendship," said the letter, which was released by the Israeli Embassy in Washington.
Where the United States really needs help is getting cheap oil and the Bush administration will be approaching Arab nations and other oil producers over the coming days.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a vocal critic of the United States, offered to send cheap fuel, humanitarian aid and relief workers to the disaster area.
The State Department did not comment on Venezuela's offer but several officials smiled at the gesture from Mr Chavez, who yesterday called Mr Bush a "cowboy" who failed to manage the disaster.
Cuban President Fidel Castro, a close Chavez ally, led a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of Katrina in parliament on today. The parliament then returned to normal business with a resolution attacking Mr Bush over the Iraq war.
Upon reflection, you are probably right. Aid, as I pointed out in another post, doesnt have to be material wealth..
Send Peanut Butter!
None left in NO.
Castro is a pig who should be fed to the sharks. Nevertheless, he evacuated his people from the low-lying areas during this hurricane season.
It's pathetic that the city of New Orleans did not make available free buses for the residents and tourists to leave before the storm.
Even worse, the city did not have a rational evacuation plan.
1. They wouldn't be free.
2. Is it the government's responsibility to protect people from stupid behavior?
Do you think that leaving the sick, the elderly, and poor behind is the American way?
No of course they do; I should have been clear: it's a local or state responsibility not federal. I was thinking federal because of the reference to Castro, where the federal socialist leviathon does everything.
I wouldn't be too proud to take from those countries that offered help. Especially from the ones that never lifted a finger in Iraq.
"Fired our cannon till the barrel melted down
so we grabbed an alligator and fired another round"
That is precisely what I was hearing when I posted previously.
I was not rude to you and I appreciate the same in return. This is civilized discussion, right?
I certainly would hope when they have the means and the infrastructure to get the oil out of the ground and transported, we will have some claim, whether it be legal or moral.
Right now we should be thanking God we are a wealthy country. And thank those who have offered aid instead of poisoning our souls with anger towards those who have not.
I agree that their prayers are enough. We don't know how many countries have called to offer such to President Bush. And we shouldn't assume others do not have us in their prayers.
As I posted before, we should be thanking God for what we have instead of allowing anger towards others poison our soul.
At least you and I are alive, we have power and hopefully, family and friends around us. More than many on the Gulf can say.
That's what I was thinking, too. But let's not be afraid or hesitant to call in some chips.
Lets call them in from some who can really help. Let's start in the developed world!
I have faith many other countries will come forward. Too much energy wasted on hatred tonight. Pray for those in harm's way. And for those facing the grim prospect of rebuilding everything they have.
Maybe it was mentioned in a later part of the thread, but I heard Saudi Arabia mentioned as a country who offered when I watched the news earlier.
It is good to allow other peoples of the world to offer assistance. They want to help. The people stuck in this mess have no idea how much help is on the way. They'll soon find out how we can help them make an even bigger mess (for a little while). Sloppy charity, but charity nonetheless.
Today, Jacques Chirac offered France’s help for New Orleans. He said he would send in French troops to surrender to the looters.
The U.S. doesn't accept handouts. We didn't take any after 9/11, did we? If we want to be a superpower, we have to take care of these things without assistance.
MMy memory may be faulty but I seem to remember search teams and dogs from other countries at the WTC.
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