Hurricane Relief

[cappykat]

Certainly the Red Cross does a phenomenal job in situations like this.  
Another great organization-- IDES (International Disaster Emergency Services) is the organization that sent funds directly to those that suffered during the Tsunami.  They are also active with a number of churches in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.  These churches are feeding refugees by the hundreds.  If you feel so led, you can make a direct contribution to IDES online at www.ides.org.  ALL funds will go DIRECTLY to relief efforts; be sure to designate your gift with the word “Katrina”.  

[wmccall]

 I'd like to start a groundswell of support for an idea. Whenever there is a natural disaster in this country, FEMA rushes in and the US Govt hands out "Low interest disaster loans" which aren't much better than some of us can get with credit unions.  Yet, we give away billions, 11.4 Budgeted for this year ,to a long list of foreign nations with no obligation to pay it back. Well, this time we need it and we shouldn't expect hand outs from foreign governments, but I would like to propose we reduce our entire foreign aid budget by 10% and spend it on ourselves with the idea of rebuilding a devastated region.  We could use to the 1.4 Billion dollars on NO INTEREST loans for home owners and rebuilding roads, power grids, and businesses.

Just an idea.

[Rayman]

Great ideas guys, I just have a thought to share .  Americans are always there to help every country struck with a disaster whether it be poverty, famine or a natural disaster.  Why then iin America's time of need will the US government not accept foreign aid, Canada wants to help, France wants to help and so on.  

God bless all

Ray

[cappykat]

Man, don't get me started!!  Wmcall and rayman you have hit the nail on the head!!  The US got criticized when we didn't pledge "enough" aid for the tsunamis.  Where is the international community when WE need help???  I read that Canada was offering help with their refineries but they were already at peak production.

We need to start taking care of our own citizens...what's the saying..."charity begins at home"!

[Rayman]

Canada has the emergency response units and military on standby awaiting US approval (they are ready to go).  Even if means Canadians doing the smallest function, like handing out relief packages standing guard or cleaning up so the Americans can do the big stuff who cares, let's get it done.

Ray

[East_TX_Spa]

Our delivery guys just stopped by on their way to deliver some spas to Shreveport.  They said that traffic on I-20 is bumper to bumper with military convoys, utility company vehicles, private contractors, and highway patrol all headed east.  New Orleans is about 6 hours SE of here.

Terminator

[Rayman]

Our delivery guys just stopped by on their way to deliver some spas to Shreveport.  They said that traffic on I-20 is bumper to bumper with military convoys, utility company vehicles, private contractors, and highway patrol all headed east.  New Orleans is about 6 hours SE of here.

Terminator

GODSPEED

[Lablover2004]

Foreign countries need to be merciful to the Victims in the United States. The United States has always been generous and kind to EVERY other nation who needed us.



NOW IT IS OUR TURN TO ACCEPT HELP, OTHER NATIONS NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND HELP US OUT!

[Guzz]

The rest of the world cannot comprehend that America actually needs help, afterall the U.S.A is the utmost superpower and has been the global caretaker ever since Great Britain lost its empire and handed the job over. People around the world are SHOCKED to see the images coming out of New Orleans. How can a country that can police the globe and feed starving people on the other side of the world not be able to provide water to a baby dying in the streets of a major city! Now that realization is setting in, help is on the way and being offered by countless countries. As a Brit living here, I can assure you that people around the world are digging into their pockets to send relief to the victims of this terrible tragedy.

[cappykat]

Thanks, Guzz.  It's comforting to know that people outside of the US recognize that we have been humanitarians to the world.

It's even more comforting to know that as human beings we share each other's pain and sorrow no matter where we live.

[Lori]

There are people who work at my company who have taken people in who have nothing.  They are also matching any cash donations.  They are offering services of anyone registered in the company by the Red Cross to assist 10 days of paid leave time.

I'm so proud of the new company I work for!  More than generous.

You guys brought up a few points I was thinking the other day!  Glad I'm not the only one!

[JcDenton]

Canada wants to help. It appears that part of our efforts will include some minor military help. As well, there have been other significant offerings as well - just a matter of co-ordination and protocol.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050902.wcanship0902/BNStory/National/

[aaahhh]

All 1st world country's should step up to help the United States in this time of historical need. We have helped them out bailed them out and rebuilt there country's. Reguardless if it was Money, Medical, or Military we were alway's there to be counted upon. ALWAY'S!!!!

Those country's that do not step up should never expect to see a penny of American funds or help.

But we all know this will never happen. We will never have a President that has the gut's to tell the the give me a hand out country's to get screwed.

Our country gives other country's free money. But will only lend money to it's own.  Hay It's our money Mr. Past Present and Future President. You all Write checks with our money just a bit to willingly.

[Chas]

Well, here's an organization which does more than it promises:

http://www.convoyofhope.org/

[Guzz]

An update on foreign aid:

THE first British aid flight to New Orleans took off from an RAF airfield this morning. A further 15 flights are due to leave soon.

Britain is sending 500,000 emergency ration packs to the US after America asked Nato and Europe help with supplies.

Other counties, many poor, have joined in the relief effort. Afghanistan has pledged £70,000. Even US enemy Iran wants to help. Cuba's Fidel Castro has offered 1,100 doctors and 26 tons of medicine.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a harsh critic of the US, has cheap fuel, aid and relief workers to send.
Foreign aid includes:
EUROPE


BRUSSELS: The European Union and Nato have received official requests from the US for emergency assistance for victims of Katrina. The US has asked for first aid kits, blankets, water trucks and 500,000 prepared meals. Other needs are being identified.


FRANCE: Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said France was ready to offer help, telling TF1 television: "We have rescue teams based in the Caribbean and we are naturally ready to provide aid to the Americans, and that is what we have told them."''


GERMANY: A German Army Airbus landed in Florida on Saturday with 10 tonnes of food rations to be transported to the disaster area; a second plane was being prepared, a Defence Ministry spokesman said.


ITALY: Has offered aid and evacuation specialists. Two military transports have been prepared to fly in amphibious vessels, pumps, generators, tents and personnel. They are awaiting word from US officials.


NETHERLANDS: Will provide teams to inspect dykes and identify victims if the US makes a formal request. It will also send a frigate from Curacao to New Orleans.


RUSSIA: Has offered to help, but still awaits a reply from Washington. It will send heavy transport planes, which can be loaded with helicopters and generators, vital as there is no electricity in the area of the disaster.


SPAIN: Expects to receive a formal request to release gasoline stocks to the US and is prepared to grant it, an Industry Ministry spokesman said.


SWEDEN: The Rescue Authority is on stand-by to provide water purifying equipment, healthcare supplies and emergency shelters if needed.


AUSTRALASIA


AUSTRALIA: Will provide £4million - most going to the American Red Cross.


ASIA


CHINA: China offered £3million in aid for victims ahead of President Hu Jintao's US visit. It is also prepared to send rescue workers and medics.


JAPAN: Will provide £300,000 to help victims and provide emergency supplies if it receives requests for such assistance.


SINGAPORE: Has sent three Chinook helicopters to Fort Polk, Louisiana. They will ferry supplies and make airlifts.


SOUTH KOREA: Has pledged aid and is waiting for a US response.


SRI LANKA: Will donate $25,000 to the American Red Cross.


AMERICAS


CANADA: Three warships and a coast guard vessel are being loaded with supplies and 1,000 personnel to sail to Louisiana.


CUBA: President Fidel Castro offered to fly 1,100 doctors to Houston with 26 tonnes of medicine to treat victims.


MEXICO: Is sending 15 truckloads of water, food and medical supplies via Texas. Mexican navy has offered two ships, two helicopters and 15 amphibious vehicles.


VENEZUELA: President Hugo Chavez has offered to send cheap fuel, humanitarian aid and relief workers to the disaster area.


MIDDLE EAST


IRAN: Accused of being in "axis of evil" by the US, it is prepared to send aid via the Red Crescent. America has helped Iran after disasters such as earthquakes.


ISRAEL: Sending health and defence officials to help coordinate aid.


QATAR: Pledged £55million for victims, the official QNA news agency reported.


SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Refining, a US-based subsidiary of state oil firm Saudi Aramco, will donate £3million to the American Red Cross.


KUWAIT: Is donating £280million of oil products and other humanitarian aid.