Originally posted by zgendron:
You know, we gave BILLIONS to help Florida during the hurricanes. About time we upped our aid to these countries.



Apples and oranges.

We didn't GIVE to Florida. The people of Florida recieved services PAID FOR with their tax dollars. The government fulfilled it's responsibilty to provide and repair infrastructure. Then the insurance industry, using money provided by premiums and earned from said premiums, fulfilled contractual obligations to provide payouts (yeah, and they screwed people, too, but that's another discussion).

Now, the aid we are sending oversees is, indeed, GIVING.

Look at the big picture.

Our aid will be in combination with the world as a community. Already, $35 mil in cash, millions more in supplies being sent, US troops are being sent to help (Marine exp. unit, USS Abe Lincoln is being sent), etc.

Bush stated this morning that currently, the concern is immediate aid (food,water, and shelter), coordinating relief efforts, and determining the extent of damage and rebuilding.

The total given by the US Gov't will go WAY up.

And that's not counting private cash donations, from generous Americans, to relief efforts.

By the way, the French have promised a little over $100,000.

Having said all that, give if you can, and no matter what God you worship, keep this people in your prayers.




former owner, 95 SE MTX 02 Ford Explorer