Sorry, Rob, please take no offense, however, I guess I feel that America does do its part to fight hunger, disease and poverty all over the world. American physicians, nurses, medical supplies, food, etc. and plain old backbreaking laborers show up to assist whenever and wherever they can all over the world. One of my best friends just returned from a heart-wrenching relief effort in Ethiopia. I'm not disappointed in the amount of $$ the government has pledged to send. I feel more concern in wondering if the $$ will actually trickle down to the poor and needy and not just line the pockets of those in governmental positions in those countries.

 

Yes, I agree. That is always a concern. Often the people who really need the aid most get the least.

 

Ya' gotta' try.

 

I'm pretty sure that America sends out one of the largest amounts of foreign aid, but one of the smallest percentages as far as GNP is concerned. Kinda throwin around chump-change compared to some European countries.

 

[QUOTE=78roadrocket,Dec 29 2004, 08:43 PM] I'm pretty sure that America sends out one of the largest amounts of foreign aid, but one of the smallest percentages as far as GNP is concerned.

 

Measured another way, as a percentage of gross national product, the OECD's figures on development aid show that as of April, none of the world's richest countries donated even 1 percent of its gross national product. Norway was highest, at 0.92 percent; the United States was last, at 0.14 percent.

From CNN.com

 

Thanks Ulrich, those are the figures I was thinking of.

 

Rob -

I agree with your feelings on the aid. Bush didn't even address the disaster personally until today. I guess he felt that it was more important for him to clear brush on his ranch (I'm not being facetious) than it was to speak to the world personally.

Billions for a pointless war vs. a drop in the bucket for an international tragedy.

The response from the American people has been heartwarming. From our administration? Pathetic.

 

Yes. It is a sad day when we wake up hearing the news of this natural occurring tragedy. Nature has its own way of taking good people away.

It is also sad to know that some of these looses could have been prevented with proper warning systems...

As well, it's sad to know that America has other plans. Now back to our originally scheduled war on terror.

 

My Oh My. Have you read any of those posts?