World Response

[DrummerDeanna]

This according to the Associated Press:

v20411tv-- r a AP-Hurricane-WorldRespon 09-01 0344 ^AP-Hurricane-World Response-Fact Sheet< ^ ^World's response to Hurricane Katrina

by Pat Fergus
^
OFFERS OF HELP

-- Venezuela: Offering humanitarian aid, fuel, soldiers, firefighters, volunteers and other specialists.
-- Australia: Sending two experts in emergency management who advised Indonesian officials in the aftermath of the tsunami.
-- New Zealand: Says it's ``ready to offer assistance, if needed.''
-- France: Foreign Ministry says it's considering ways of mobilizing relief teams from the Caribbean.
-- Germany: Says it's ``prepared to offer any help and support.''
-- Saudi Arabia: Pledges to increase crude oil production to replace any market shortages and help stabilize world crude prices.

STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT

-- French President Jacques Chirac sends message of sympathy to President Bush.
-- German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer says ``Our thoughts are by the family members of the countless victims.''
-- Queen Elizabeth says she's ``deeply shocked and saddened'' at the devastation.
-- Pope Benedict is praying for victims.
-- The head of the World Council of Churches says ``We pray for those who mourn, who suffer, who search for meaning.''
-- South Korea's President offers sympathy and condolences.
-- Chinese President Hu Jintao says ``the American people will definitely overcome the natural disaster and rebuild their beautiful homeland.''
-- Colombia expresses solidarity with the ``people and the government of the United States'' and the ``families of the victims.''
-- A waiter in Banda Aceh, Indonesia says ``I would like to help, but all I have is my prayers.''

STATEMENTS OF CRITICISM

-- A spokesman for World Wildlife Fund Germany says global warming has increased the intensity of hurricanes, and ``Americans have a big impact on the greenhouse effect.''
-- Islamic extremists on the Internet are rejoicing in America's misfortune, and declare: With ``God's help,'' oil prices would hit $100 a barrel this year.
^

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNT-09-01-05 1050EDT<

[GypsySorcerer]

Thanks for posting, Deanna. I've also read where W has asked his father and Clinton to spearhead the private fund-raising efforts again, as they did for the tsunami.

[DrummerDeanna]

Well I've been hearing a lot of "where the hell is the world" type thing -not necessarily here - but yeah. So there ya go - that's what's been done/said so far :o

[wondergirl9847]

Islamic extremists on the Internet are rejoicing in America's misfortune, and declare: With ``God's help,'' oil prices would hit $100 a barrel this year


Didn't expect anything less from the b*stards.

[chiliD]

-- A spokesman for World Wildlife Fund Germany says global warming has increased the intensity of hurricanes, and "Americans have a big impact on the greenhouse effect.''

Well, yeah, sure...but, the Brazilians chopping down the Amazon rainforest at a rate of about 1,000 acres a day isn't helping much, either.

[gldstwmn]

Thanks for posting, Deanna. I've also read were W has asked his father and Clinton to spearhead the private fund-raising efforts again, as they did for the tsunami.

Thank God.

[catinthedark]

Just want to wave my little Canadian flag...

From today's Globe and Mail:

On Wednesday, Mr. Martin [Prime Minister Paul Martin] said Canada is prepared to help out in any way it can as the full effects of the disaster become clear.

"Like all Canadians, I am distressed by the destruction and loss of life wrought by Hurricane Katrina.... We have made it clear that we are prepared to offer any and all possible assistance, and we will continue to work closely with our neighbours as they deal with this terrible event."

I believe EMS workers from at least one province have already gone down to help out...

[lbelle1214]

Many of our local merchant/companies has offered lots of funds:

Lowe's - Dollar for dollar donations, +1 mil
Target - $1 mil
Many, many....all the way down thru Petco for $$ for the animals.

It's all gonna come together. The American people are essentially kind and giving...and if it came down to it....we could take care of each other.
My hometown Concert Arena, Ford Park has taken in refugees, approximately 4,000 people and families for as long as they need. They've got a make shift nursery and L&D part, where someone is having their baby today. Nurses, physicians, volunteers, restauranteurs have all volunteered their services. Local grocers have brought in cases of water and food, airmattresses for sleep (and almost ALL of them were shown asleep peacefully @ 8:00am this morning!!) It was peaceful and controlled. They had directions with times for meals, showers, etc.

Now if we can get these irrational people with their guns to put them down, we can concentrate on getting the rest of these people @ the dome down to Texas. Texas has opened their schools for registration for displaced hurrricane residents so that children won't get behind.

This is was being an American is all about....we are free to help each other, voice our opinion....I'm rambling, but right now I am so proud of my City and my State. :angel:

[johndoe]

Not to like, be mean, we need all the help we can get, but Venezeula is the country that stands out here. I really think they're trying to get on our good side so we'll extradite Pat Robertson. They offered the most out of anyone, but yet have been on bad terms with us for a while. I guess its just the conspiracy theorist in me, lol...

[DavidMn]

Thanks for posting, Deanna. I've also read where W has asked his father and Clinton to spearhead the private fund-raising efforts again, as they did for the tsunami.
Yeah, I just saw the 3 of them in a news conference this afternoon. Hopefully it will be a big help to those people. :thumbsup:

[lbelle1214]

Not to like, be mean, we need all the help we can get, but Venezeula is the country that stands out here. I really think they're trying to get on our good side so we'll extradite Pat Robertson. They offered the most out of anyone, but yet have been on bad terms with us for a while. I guess its just the conspiracy theorist in me, lol...

They, via their company CITGO have donated $1 mil to us.

[irishgrl]

Those that HAVE pledged help are showing a true humanitarian spirit.
But overall, a pretty tepid response considering the US has poured billions of dollars into the rest of the world's countries, for various reasons.

And those that are rejoicing because of this misfortune are showing their true colors. They deserve no mercy from us.

As for the Global Warming argument, I must say, I agree. Bush and Co. had their collective heads in the sand from day one. All Monkey Boy cared about was undoing all of Clinton's environmental policies. What a DONKEY.

[dissention]

But overall, a pretty tepid response considering the US has poured billions of dollars into the rest of the world's countries, for various reasons.

I honestly don't think now is the time to condemn other countries for what they have or haven't offered us when our own bloody country did nothing for five days. We are in no position to criticize right now. These people need water and food, not checks, and we should be able to provide it. The evidence is out there that Bush & Co. politicized this hurricane to benefit themselves and held back aid because of it, but boy oh boy, it's backfiring big time.

[gldstwmn]

Kuwait gave us $500 million. :shocked:
The Saudis gave us $5 million.
Also, author John Grisham has donated $5 million.

[irishgrl]

Kuwait gave us $500 million. :shocked:
The Saudis gave us $5 million.
Also, author John Grisham has donated $5 million.
lets hope each penny goes to NO.

Diss, my point is that the US is always Johnny on the spot with offers of aid (all that is except Monkey Boy) to other countries, so, why arent they returning the favor? Yes its Heinous in the extreme that this Administration is so woefully inadequate. But honestly is anyone surprised? Not me man.

[GypsySorcerer]

US accepts UN hurricane aid
17 minutes ago

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The United States has accepted an offer of UN assistance following the Hurricane Katrina disaster which has devastated New Orleans and other communities along the US Gulf coast, a UN spokesman said.

He said in a statement that a UN Coordination team is in Washington "consulting with government officials on how best the UN can complement the United States own emergency efforts.

The team is working at the newly established USAID Hurricane Katrina Operations Center, where offers of international assistance are being coordinated.

"The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Program, the World Health Organization, UNICEF and the High Commissioner for Refugees are ready to provide emergency staff and a wide variety of relief supplies as and when necessary," said the statement.

Dozens of countries around the world, from allies like Britain, to longtime US adversaries such as Cuba and Venezuela, have offered support in the hurricane relief effort.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050904/pl_afp/usweatheraidun

[Mari]

Those that HAVE pledged help are showing a true humanitarian spirit.
But overall, a pretty tepid response considering the US has poured billions of dollars into the rest of the world's countries, for various reasons.



You're quick to jump to conclusions, too quick.
You don't know about other countries that weren't mentioned in that list. I know what my country has offered, expertise (we know a lot about dykes, duh) and at least one fregat on it's way already. Not trying to pet myself on the back here, but if my country as an example wasn't in that list, I bet a lot of other countries' offers to help weren't in there either. (For whatever reason. I bet it was just a quick summary).
Point of critique heard somewhere (Dutch news I think), those offers of help were very early and quick, but there was no response from the US at all.

[dissention]

Point of critique heard somewhere (Dutch news I think), those offers of help were very early and quick, but there was no response from the US at all.

The US only started responding to aid offers around Friday, days after this **** went down!

[michelle2677]

Point of critique heard somewhere (Dutch news I think), those offers of help were very early and quick, but there was no response from the US at all.


which would someone tell me WHY that is?? guess they just figured they could take care of it themselves.

that worked out well for them....

[Serrart]

I hadn't had time to comment on this before, but it really makes me feel surreal and helpless, seeing what's going on in another part of the world while and I have to cope with such futile issues right now.
By the way all my positive thoughts to Americans who had and still have to deal with this tragedy.

Romy

[gldstwmn]

The US only started responding to aid offers around Friday, days after this **** went down!

Condi had to buy shoes.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Condi had to buy shoes.

And you wonder why Nancy and myself, along with others...aren't taking one thing you guys say too seriously?!?

[irishgrl]

Oh please, the US government has done f*ck all, how can you condemn other nations? I doesn't list it there but I believe Australia sent troops, just to echo Mari's point. The issue is not donations, they've had plenty of offers from all over your country and abroad, but these are useless if they will not be allowed to help.

Just like with the tsuami hey?

Actually, Lux, Australia and New Zealand WERE mentioned as offering help, so dont be so quick to put ME down. As I said, overALL, a pretty tepid response.
Although, to be fair, as Mari said, some countries may not have been mentioned (why? I dont know...) and as was also mentioned, the US was slow in responding (even MORE perplexing) And if you read my post, you saw that I had nothing good to say about this administration, the Monkey boy is a farce. all his minions are scum. We got stuck with these dirtbags even tho they didnt legitmately win an election either time!

If the fault lies with Bush and Co refusing or ignoring aid, then shame on them.(in fact shame on them anyway) if not, then shame on the rest of the world.

[irishgrl]

You're quick to jump to conclusions, too quick.

actually, considering the time lapse, I dont think Im too quick at all. The world pointed fingers at Bush and Co after the Tsunami for HIS late response....looks like its about the same to me from other parts of the world.

Again, if there was some mention of a nation's contribution that didnt make the national news, then my apologies to that nation or its inhabitants. I get my news online which is basically instantaneous. There has been no news feed that I can see that mentioned YOUR country Mari...sorry. And as I said before, my thanks to all the countries that ARE helping.

[irishgrl]

And you wonder why Nancy and myself, along with others...aren't taking one thing you guys say too seriously?!?
well, that looked like a joke to me...:shrug:

[strandinthewind]

The US only started responding to aid offers around Friday, days after this **** went down!

That is not really true. FEMA acted on Saturday and Sunday prior to the storm and acted fairly well in that they helped evacuated thousands to the dome and fed them, etc. They also rescued thousands in MS and NOLA prior to the following Friday. Where they screwed up was in the follow up. There was no reason whatsoever for the second round of supplies of food and medicine not to get there prior to Friday, which was five days later. That anyone even dares to defend that five day lapse of time is laughable, esp. considering even the Pres. of the U.S. does not defend it and hundreds of private citizens and public entities have said they offered help as early as Monday and FEMA refused it.

[strandinthewind]

And you wonder why Nancy and myself, along with others...aren't taking one thing you guys say too seriously?!?

Well, if you would actually site to a fact that is actually that - a fact - you might stand a chance at more credibility :shrug: I mean you say all of this stuff and then when it is repeatedly disproved by the actual events, you never admit to being wrong and instead site to Ann Coulter, who would not know a fact if it hit her in the face :laugh:

said in a nice way and not in a finger snapping in your face kind of way.

[irishgrl]

A joke? Well that's no reason to not take someone seriously.
exactamundo. go to the head of the class! :woohoo:

[irishgrl]

I was pointing out how basic and non-encompassing that list was. This disaster was not a world event, this was not like the tsunami or earthquake in Iran. The world cannot possibly have been expected to pour money into the hurricane relief like it was for the tsunami. Aside from the fact that the original disaster was not on that scale, the country in question is also far more capable (or so they told us) than some Indonesian provence. The level of disaster and need for aid that has come in the aftermath is man made, specifically by the country's administration and so the fact that the world response was not like for other events cannot be a reflection on the world.

No, the world is not shamed for this, not any way you twist it. Look at it this way, when a cyclone hits northern Australia, we do not expect an out-pouring from all the world's nations and we don't not say they are shamed for not doing so. We certainly appreciate plenty of aid but do not pretend that we've been hit by one of the world's greatest disasters. Well, I hope I misinterpretted because there is no way the world is to be shamed for this.
Um...when 9/11 occurred, the WORLD responded......and the death toll here is comparable....so I dont think its out of line to wonder who our friends are thank you very much. Its not the cause of the disaster but the toll on human life that is at issue.

But, you are correct. The US should be able to take care of its own...or would be able to, had we not committed so much of our resources to an unnecessary war halfway around the globe...personally, I think we should concentrate on our HOME issues and let the rest of the world take care of itself. and we do the same. I have NO problem with that.

But: in light of the fact that all the rest of the world EXPECTS the US to ante up, I think it only fair to see who is willing to help now that WE need it. You dont have to agree. In fact, I'd probably have a coronary if you did.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

I mean, Castro is offering aid to a country that has a habit of invading his.

Now what a true hero he has turned out to be! :rolleyes:

[irishgrl]

Let's stop talking about this because it's stupid. The world has done nothing to criticise atleast as yet. Plenty of aid and people have been offered, there is no problem with the amount being offered, it is the inability to enter and deliver which has nothing to do with those offering. I mean, Castro is offering aid to a country that has a habit of invading his. Those outside the US federal administration can do nothing but wait to be given permission. This discussion is stupid, there's nothing more to say about people, organisations and countries offering aid.

Well, Im at a bit of a loss as to WHEN you think it would become crucial, especially in light of the deaths already occurring...again: My thanks to those who HAVE offered help. And my severest condemnation to Monkey boy and his minions for their ineptitude and obstructionism. I find it hard to believe that the US is turning down help however when Bush has actually tapped his dad and Clinton to organize the relief effort. Personally, I think you just CANT give the US ANY credit EVER. We are your favorite dart board.
hoo ha.

But: as you asked to stop talking about this, I am willing to comply. in the interests of world peace and unity :)

[irishgrl]

Truly heroic. The point is that aid is being offered from all around and so the blame can be directed elsewhere.
not to worry my dear, the "elsewhere" is getting ALL their comeuppance. oh yes.
:nod:

[Brwn_eyes0511]

You're an idiot

Why am I not surprised at someone on this board making such a harsh statement... :shrug:

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Make just one someone happy, stop speaking.


firstly...good job on quoting a very wonderful song.

secondly...why don't you stop speaking and make lots of someones happy?

[ryan8472]

:rolleyes:

[irishgrl]

You're an idiot, it's being offered so don't complain that it isn't and don't throw in that anti-America ****, it has nothing to do with what is happening here. Also I never said it wasn't crucial, it is, but it has become so after the failing of others have caused this event. Make just one someone happy, stop speaking.

Ah, to be called an idiot by the peerless Lux! how sublime! Tell me: how is it you manage to skirt the guidelines and make personal attacks? Is it your charm? your ingratiating manner? I think not. I think it is your ability to sink below the radar of good taste. Oh YES. Congratulations. :xoxo:
btw: your corner misses you.

[Brwn_eyes0511]

Ah, to be called an idiot by the peerless Lux! how sublime! Tell me: how is it you manage to skirt the guidelines and make personal attacks? Is it your charm? your ingratiating manner? I think not. I think it is your ability to sink below the radar of good taste. Oh YES. Congratulations. :xoxo:

OUCH! So very well said irishgrl...

[DrummerDeanna]

Ugh and we still can't steer away from name calling and such??

Come on people....

My mom taught me this....perhaps it's time to rehash the lesson...

"If you don't have anything nice to say.....then don't say anything"

[ryan8472]

<img src="http://tinypic.com/ddj600.jpg" alt="Image hosted by TinyPic.com">

I think it still bears the same message. Guys, plz. :rolleyes:

[irishgrl]

OUCH! So very well said irishgrl...

thank you *bows* of course you know this means the next round is on YOU!
Barkeep, Guinness all around, courtesy of Brwn eyes!

[dissention]

That is not really true. FEMA acted on Saturday and Sunday prior to the storm and acted fairly well in that they helped evacuated thousands to the dome and fed them, etc. They also rescued thousands in MS and NOLA prior to the following Friday. Where they screwed up was in the follow up. There was no reason whatsoever for the second round of supplies of food and medicine not to get there prior to Friday, which was five days later. That anyone even dares to defend that five day lapse of time is laughable, esp. considering even the Pres. of the U.S. does not defend it and hundreds of private citizens and public entities have said they offered help as early as Monday and FEMA refused it.

I was talking about aid from foreign countries.

[GateandGarden]

...the peerless Lux!Ah, but she isn't peerless. She's one of my very favorite pretend girlfriends and people with whom to talk about the wonder that is Lindsey. :nod:

[GateandGarden]

:) I feel special.Wow! You must feel pretty damn special to actually use a smilie and all! :laugh: :xoxo:

[Moony]

:) I feel special.
You are the most speshulist!

[strandinthewind]

:) I feel special.

that you can feel anything indicates it is before noon :wavey:

[irishgrl]

Ah, but she isn't peerless.
ok. have it your way.

[GateandGarden]

ok. have it your way.Uh, what does that mean, other than "eat great, even late"?

[irishgrl]

extra pickle.

[gldstwmn]

http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-234/0509067544000303.htm

Official says Iran ready to send oil to US

An Iranian Petroleum Ministry officials has announced Iran's readiness to send twenty million barrels of crude oil to the United States to help Washington deal with the consequences of Hurricane Katrina in the city of New Orleans and two other southern US states.

According to a report by the US Dow Jones economic news agency, Iran's envoy to Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Ali Kazempour has by phone proposed to US concerned officials that Iran can send urgently ten to twenty million barrels of crude oil to the United States, should the US sanctions against Iran permit.

According to the report, Kazempour added, "If the sanctions are lifted we can immediately send that quantity of oil to America." Dow Jones has not given any further details about Islamic Republic of Iran's help offer to US, put forth by Kazempour.

Hurricane Katrina has in addition to billion dollars of material damage and claiming thousands of lives in the city of New Orleans and two other southern US states, disrupted the activities at US offshore oil rigs in Gulf of Mexico to the south of the United States, due to which the oil refineries in southern US states do not receive the crude oil they need.

[gldstwmn]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/20050905-1506-mexico-us-katrina.html

Mexican Navy sends rescuers, supplies for Katrina victims

[gldstwmn]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/7598_1482845,000500020001.htm

Bangladesh, one of the world's poorest countries, has pledged to donate $1 million (euro797,830) for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia declared that the assistance to the United States from Bangladesh was a "token of goodwill and sympathy for the victims," according to spokesman Zahirul Haque. Bangladesh has also offered the services of trained rescuers and disaster experts, Haque said.

[amber]

Yeah, Bagladesh, how about that? Warms my heart.
Anyway, if anyone else says other countries could be doing more, I may have to slap them. :) Excuse me, respectfully slap them.
Wow, we're taking at least 300 victims up here, committed to helping at least 1000. San Jose, too. That's great, they are moving all over the country. I'm suprised, yet very glad.

[gldstwmn]

Wow, I really don't think they need to do that.

No, they don't. I almost started crying when I read this. They are one of the poorest god damn countries on earth.
Damn this administration to hell.

[catinthedark]

Yes, this is horrible what's happened but there are other sources of money to take care of it. Other regions suffer daily and it never makes the news, they should not have to suffer just a tiny bit more to help aid the most able country's f*ck up.

I completely agree with this. I haven't read this whole thread, but my overwhelming feeling is that the United States is one of, if not the richest country in the entire world. There are floods and typhoons and other horrific natural disasters happening all over this globe. Trouble is, the countries where they happen are too poor to have international TV coverage. I think it is really shameful that the US is accepting so much charity. One example: a Canadian business tycoon, Frank Stronach, has donated his massive training facility in Florida as a shelter for several hundred people til November. By that point, he expects to have constructed a new mobile home park for them. A CANADIAN businessman is doing this. Where is Donald Trump? Or any of the other hundreds of American billionaires? (Sorry if I've missed that they are doing something). I'm really just stunned by this.

[skcin]

Wow, I really don't think they need to do that.


Agreed. 1 - why does one of the world's poorest countries have a million dollars to spare and 2 - if they do, shouldn't they be helping their impoverished citizens with it?

Just a thought. A nice thing to do, but sheesh. :shrug:

[SuzeQuze]

Agreed. 1 - why does one of the world's poorest countries have a million dollars to spare and 2 - if they do, shouldn't they be helping their impoverished citizens with it?

Just a thought. A nice thing to do, but sheesh. :shrug:

I doubt they have it to spare and it may be politically motivated. We should respectfully decline a contribution from such a poor nation.

[strandinthewind]

I doubt they have it to spare and it may be politically motivated. We should respectfully decline a contribution from such a poor nation.

I think in the world of politics, it would be considered highly insulting if we declined it. In fact, it may be against State Dept. policy. I think the more prudent route would be to take the donation and then give it bakc tenfold in aid. That way, they are not losing anything and we save face. Ah politics :laugh: