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KansDem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:20 PM
Original message
This is embarassing...so embarrassing!!!
Does anyone else find this...embarassing? I mean, we've given a lot of grief to some of these countries, like:
China
Afghanistan
Cuba
Venezuela
France
Russia
Iran

Look at the countries pledging aid to the United States. Every country is pledging monetary aid, but some are offering to send workers and supplies as well:

Africa

Nigeria has pledged $1 million to hurricane disaster relief, government officials told CNN. "Nigeria will be happy to pledge $1 million to the hurricane disaster fund in the spirit of brotherhood," Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said.


Asia

China offered $5 million in aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina. If needed, the Chinese government also is prepared to send rescue workers, including medical experts, officials said.

Japan has offered to provide $200,000 to the American Red Cross, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. Japan also will provide up to $300,000 in emergency supplies such as tents, blankets and power generators if it receives requests, the ministry said.

India is making a $5 million donation to the American Red Cross, Ronen Sen, Indian ambassador to the United States, said Saturday. In addition, Sen said India was willing to donate essential medicines to the relief effort.

The Singapore armed forces, responding to requests by the Texas Army National Guard, has sent three Chinook helicopters to Fort Polk, Louisiana, to help in relief efforts.

South Korea awaits a U.S. response after pledging aid, a government official said.

Afghanistan pledged $100,000 to help provide aid to the hurricane victims, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.

Sri Lanka will donate $25,000 to the American Red Cross.

Taiwan has pledged more than $3 million to the relief effort.


Americas

Canada has offered to help in any way it can, and its navy is preparing a ship full of emergency disaster relief supplies to be sent when a request comes.

Cuban President Fidel Castro offered to fly 1,100 doctors to Houston, Texas, with 26 tons of medicine to treat disaster victims.

Mexico has offered $1 million and is sending 15 truckloads of water, food and medical supplies via Texas. The Mexican navy has offered to send two ships, two helicopters and 15 amphibious vehicles.

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.


Australia

Australia is giving $10 million, most of it to the American Red Cross, according to the Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.


Europe

France has offered mobile help from rescue teams in the French Antilles in the Caribbean, including a civil defense detachment of 35 people, tents, camp beds, generators, motor pumps, water treatment units and emergency kits, two CASA cargo aircraft, a ship (Batral Francis Garnier) and the frigate Ventose with its Panther helicopter, and a hurricane disaster unit. France also has offered assistance from the French mainland, including several aircraft. In addition, the NGO Telecoms Sans Frontieres, which specializes in restoring phone lines and Internet service in disasters, is ready to send a team of experts and equipment. Veolia Environment, which has facilities in Louisiana, has offered to make its local water management resources available.

Germany has offered a range of assistance, including medical and transportation services, water treatment capabilities and aid in searching for victims and supplies. Germany also has said it is ready and willing to "dip into its own emergency oil reserves" to release some 2 million barrels a day for 30 days.

Italy has offered to send aid and evacuation specialists immediately, Italy's civil protection unit said. Authorities have prepared two military transport planes to fly amphibious vessels, pumps, generators, tents and personnel to New Orleans, Louisiana, and other areas. They were awaiting word from U.S. officials, the unit said.

The Netherlands will provide teams for inspecting dikes and for identifying victims if there is a formal request from the United States. It also will send a frigate from Curacao in the Netherlands Antilles to New Orleans shortly to provide emergency assistance, the Dutch government said.

Russia has offered to help with rescue efforts but is awaiting a reply from Washington.

Spain expects to receive a formal request to release gasoline stocks to the United States and is prepared to grant it, an Industry Ministry spokesman said.

Sweden's Rescue Authority said it was on standby to supply water purifying equipment, health care supplies and emergency shelters if needed.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has said his country stands ready to help the United States in whatever way it can.


Middle East

Qatar has offered the United States $100 million to assist in the humanitarian crisis triggered by Hurricane Katrina.

Saudi Refining, a Houston-based subsidiary of state oil firm Saudi Aramco, will donate $5 million to the American Red Cross to support relief efforts for hurricane victims.

Iran has offered to send humanitarian aid to hurricane victims, Reuters reported. "We are prepared to send our contributions to the people through the Red Crescent," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi told Reuters.


http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/09/04/katrina.world.aid/



And where the Hell is Saudi Arabia?!?!? You know, the Bush Family business partner and supplier of 75% of the 9/11 attackers? I suppose a "I gave at the office" type of monetary donation through a subsidiary in Houston is the least they could do.
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marmar Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:32 PM
Response to Original message
1. More proof that France is one of the best friends the USA has ever had...
Despite all the abuse they've taken from the simple minds in this country. Je t'aime, France. Thank you, Canada and the rest of the countries who've offered their help. One day this country will again be a good world citizen.
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lildreamer316 Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:34 PM
Response to Original message
2. I am crying in shame.
Their generosity is so very wonderful. I AM embarrassed.
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valerief Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:42 PM
Response to Reply #2
7. I'm not embarrassed
The crooks in the WH and Congress don't represent me.
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SomewhereOutThere424 Donating Member (497 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:36 PM
Response to Original message
3. It really shows us who our real friends are
And I suppose that doesn't necessarily mean everyone in our own nation's government...
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kerry-is-my-prez Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:43 PM
Response to Reply #3
9. We have friends? lol!
n/t
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Andromeda Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Sep-09-05 03:14 AM
Response to Reply #9
20. Seems odd doesn't it?
:think:
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redqueen Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:36 PM
Response to Original message
4. Our leaders who give these countries grief should be ashamed.
The people of this country, and the peoples of those... are always in solidarity with each other... or so I believe in my heart.
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Booster Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:40 PM
Response to Original message
5. Be prepared to watch Bush piss away all of this good will from
around the world with a "we don't needja help". What an asswipe.
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Blue_In_AK Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:45 PM
Response to Reply #5
10. He'll piss away the good will
just like he did after 9/11. He's an ass.
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tsuki Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:41 PM
Response to Original message
6. The Saudis are helping Rupert manage the news. eom
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freemen2005 Donating Member (226 posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:42 PM
Response to Original message
8. BUSH is turning the aid away
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tex-wyo-dem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:46 PM
Response to Original message
11. Amazing...within the first few days of the hurricane...
caller after caller on RW radio would ask sarcastically when we could expect disaster relief from other countries, which was usually met with a "don't hold your breath" sort of comment from the shill.

Haven't heard this even mentioned recently on RW radio...wonder why?
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kentuck Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:48 PM
Response to Original message
12. The world sees what a mess we are truly in...
and they feel sympathy for us. Dubya, tell them to go fuck themselves!
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Oeditpus Rex Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:50 PM
Response to Original message
13. Not embarrassed
A bit humbled. And proud to share the planet with 'em.
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slackmaster Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:52 PM
Response to Original message
14. Nigeria just offered to send me $65 million
I got an email from them this morning.
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raccoon Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:56 PM
Response to Original message
15. I was wondering the same thing,
"And where the Hell is Saudi Arabia?!?!?"
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AllegroRondo Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Thu Sep-08-05 02:56 PM
Response to Original message
16. Iraq has offered $1 Million
are they going to just send us our own money back?
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Behind the Aegis Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Sep-09-05 02:52 AM
Response to Original message
17. Even more embarrassing....
U.S. turns down Israeli offer of extensive humanitarian aid

The United States has turned down Israel's offer to provide more extensive aid for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina, Israel Radio reported Friday.

A special El Al flight departed for New Orleans on Thursday morning carrying goods for Hurricane Katrina refugees.

The Boeing 747 cargo plane was loaded with 90 tons of goods including food, bottled water, tents, diapers and baby formula.

Another El Al plane carried Foreign and Defense Ministry delegations.

...more
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SeattleGirl Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Sep-09-05 02:55 AM
Response to Original message
18. Don't be embarassed.
These countries are responding as many of us here are: we are following the human response to do something to help those in need. And besides, it is the * administration that acts in such a crappy way, not us. And I'll bet anything these other countries know that.

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donheld Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Sep-09-05 03:10 AM
Response to Original message
19. I'd like to know how much "those giving the grief" are giving?
Yes it is embarrassing.
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Corgigal Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Sep-09-05 03:16 AM
Response to Original message
21. I think it's beautiful
that these countries aren't holding the people responsible for the stupidity the Govt does. They see pain and want to help. Humanity wins.
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renate Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Sep-09-05 03:33 AM
Response to Reply #21
22. agreed--I'm not embarrassed one little bit
This kind of thing is what people do.
It's wonderful.
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SoCalDem Donating Member (1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore Fri Sep-09-05 03:34 AM
Response to Reply #21
23. The only bad thing is that any monetary aid will be
Edited on Fri Sep-09-05 03:34 AM by SoCalDem
funneled through DC, and most likely into the pockets of halliburton execs..

Some people railed at the OIL FOR FOOD SCANDAL..(the horrors) as if it was the Crime of the Century, and the AID FOR KATRINA money will be our very own scandal..but who will hear of it?? Will the rightwingers be DEMANDING a full accounting of the money we receive for the victims??? Will they flood c-span with angry tirades about how the poor people suffered because money was skimmed off at the top.. ??

It's too bad that the emergency of it all makes it all but impossible to get financial aid to the INDIVIDUALS who need it.. Hell we probably don't even know WHERE most of these poor people even are these days.. They seem to be "on tour"..Texas today..West Virginia on Thursday..who-knows-where by Monday.. and the sick part?? Most of these folks probably had RELATIVES/FRIENDS, less than 200 miles from New Orleans...:grr:
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