I want to clear something up because there’s a wee bit of confusion, and I want to ensure what I mean gets across. I appreciate any help or sympathy from anyone during the crisis of NOLA. I am thankful there are others in the world who know what the right thing is to do and then do them. Those people, as individuals, are to be considered friends. And the latest reports have 20 – 22 countries offering aid.
My comment earlier was directed more at the people who were upset that other countries weren’t swimming across the ocean with bottled water and dry underwear. The fact is America is the richest nation in the world. We have the resources, the money, and the backbone to do what needs to be done by ourselves. It appears that most of the people who bitch and moan about countries not sending half their GNP 15 minutes after a disaster strikes against us are in reality simply looking for a way to pin the blame on George “Fumbletongue” Bush.
“See how nobody cares about the US? Before Bush was in office, other countries would have sent their first born children to be used as sandbags.”
This is a lie and one that needs to be squashed before it makes it into folklore. America is powerful and rich. The richer don’t expect charity from the poorer, and that usually has nothing to do with the poor hating them. It’s simple utility that prevents most other countries from giving much more than lip service and a check for a few meals. And we, as Americans, should be (a) thankful for even the smallest act of kindness and (b) proud that we can go at it alone, if need be.
So, again, thank you to everyone who is helping, regardless of country of origin. Thank you to those who continue to do what is right because it is the right thing to do.