Earlier today, I posted a message asking for info on what people had heard about any international relief efforts that may be underway in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Since then, I’ve been reading some posts both in the blogosphere and message boards which are discussing whether or not the international community will offer assistance to the US in light of the Hurricane Katrina devastation along the Gulf Coast, where entire cities are entirely devastated. Well, the first answer to that is yes they are but I want to talk about it a little bit more.
The comments I’ve read that some on the left have been posting read something like this: "Well, considering all the name-calling the US did to other countries during the run up to, and after, the Iraq war, it’s understandable why they wouldn’t want to contribute."
I take a different view. I guess it all depends on whether your grudges would prevent you from doing the right thing when the chips are all on the table. During tragedies, rifts should be put aside and help should be offered. I’d rather give money, clothes, food, etc. to those families in need rather than hold on to my grudges and contribute to their starving to death in the aftermath of a tragedy.
If our petty grudges keep us from helping people in other countries (as well as people here in our own backyard) in their hour of need, then shame on us. And if the grudges countries overseas have towards the US prevent them from offering assistance in our hour of need, then shame on them.
Of course no individual or country should feel obligated and you certainly shouldn’t donate just to expect something in return when things happen to you where you may need a helping hand, but it’s times like these when we realize that we’re all human beings worthy of compassion when devastating times strike. This is one of those times and my hat is off to any country and/or person who has issues with the US who rises above their personal feelings towards this country and extends their hand in a gesture of good will. Regardless of our differences, there will be individuals as well as countries that are going to step up to the plate and offer assistance and here’s my big thank you to those individuals and countries who do so. Even if the offer of assistance from countries is graciously declined, it’s the offer itself that is symbolic and important.
Entire cities are devastated, hundreds of thousands without homes, untold number of lives lost. The mayor of NO is saying the death toll could be in the thousands once the water clears and the major cleanup can begin. Now is not the time to let prior grudges stand in the way of a helping hand. The people in the affected areas need help and lots of it.
Whether you live in a foreign country or right here in the US, in times of tragedy - whether it’s a hurricane or terrorist attack - it’s best to put aside your grievances and do what decent people do in the aftermath: offer assistance. And making excuses for people who don’t help by saying "I can understand why XYZ wouldn’t help, after what was said about them …" doesn’t cut it. No matter the nationality and no matter the religion/faith, as human beings, we can and always should rise above our differences in times like these.
(Cross-posted at BlogsForBush)
Linking up with OTB’s Traffic Jam
Update: Michelle Malkin has the latest on aid efforts here at home.
Update II: Here’s a list of Katrina charities.
| Email This Post | Print This |
I’m with you Sister!
I contributed to the tsunami relief and you bet I will be contributing here!
Regardless of the fact that people were warned that the levees could break, some were forced to stay and yes, some CHOSE to stay.
I lived on the coast in the Houston area and we all knew that hurricane season was a roll of the dice.
I see pictures of these poor people and it breaks my heart.
The children, the elderly, all of them displaced and mourning those that are lost.
There is a part of me that says:
What folly of man, to build something below sea level.
But the shock of seeing all these poor people with no where to go saddens me to the core.
There are places close to where I live that refugees (I cannot believ I am saying that word in this country!) are being brought to.
My husband, son and I were talking tonight about how we (our family) could assist locally. I want to get some supplies together and take them to one of the areas that have taken in folks.
Regardless of religious or political and affiliataions, as Americans, I believe we should help each other.
As human beings, wherever there is suffering, we should help.
Comment by Melissa in Texas @ 8/31/2005 - 11:54 pm
- Gotta love the way the left can suck it up and twist it to fit no matter what the occassion. Not only are we stingy for only giving 750 million plus to the tsunami combining gov. and private contributions, we don’t deseve anyones help when we have a desaster because we had the temerity to point out their lack of support in the WOT. These people must spend all their time with 5 year olds.
Comment by Big Bang Hunter @ 9/1/2005 - 8:21 am
Did anyone watch the TV movie - “OIL STORM”. Came out a couple of months ago. Makes you wonder if they had a crystal ball when writing the script. My family too, looking how we can help. Best way is to give to the RED CROSS. That is what we are doing……… And praying for them…
Comment by gary @ 9/1/2005 - 9:19 am
Chirac said if we asked for help, France would provide some.
I know I’d be banned from this blog if I said what they can do with their help! Besides, what help are they going to give? One hundred kilos of stale pate and Coq au vin? Will they send their one carrier with their navy help evacuation of NO?? Last I heard the screw (propeller) fell off the thing and it was being towed. Nevermind, froggies we’ll be just fine. Go surrender to the Belgians or the Swiss!
BTW I’m sure not all of the tsunami $$$ have been sent to Sri Lanka and Indonesia or Swiss banks yet. Hmmm, any thoughts on how that money might be redirected?? I haven’t seen any demonstrations of gratitude from those places, have you??
Comment by Shooter @ 9/1/2005 - 10:47 am
Thanks so much, Melissa!
Comment by Sister Toldjah @ 9/1/2005 - 11:18 am
Here’s an idea;
My daughter works for an energy company with an operation in Alabama. The co. has offered to match relief contributions $ for $. So rather than writing my check to a charity, I gave it to her to donate. I don’t care about the tax deduction.
Perhaps finding an organization that matches contributions would be a way to double up on a donation.
Comment by Shooter @ 9/1/2005 - 5:18 pm
Quit crying…..Hugo Chavez will help us as well as other generous nations.
LINK
Comment by GodBlessAmerica @ 9/1/2005 - 7:34 pm
Great idea, Shooter!
As a side note, I’m watching the numbers roll in at TTLB this evening … the blogosphere has done a fantastic job so far!
Comment by Sister Toldjah @ 9/1/2005 - 9:42 pm
Hi There Sister,
I am in UK and ready and able to do something. I have practical skills engineering, building, Im a boat handler etc First Aider But I cant find anyone needing volunteers. Does anyone have any idea of International Volunteers sending to US ??
Thanks Jay
Comment by Jay Blackburn @ 9/2/2005 - 2:02 pm
Hi Jay - I’ve not heard of any coordinated effort on the part of any private citizenry there in the UK to bring over groups of people to the affected areas. I think what individuals overseas are doing at this point is logging on to charity websites to make contributions at this point … not sure what else they can do. If I hear of anything I’ll pass it along and if you hear anything, please pass it along to me as well so I can alert those from other countries who visit this blog.
Thanks so much for the offer - we love our brothers and sisters in the UK
Comment by Sister Toldjah @ 9/2/2005 - 9:38 pm
HI,
Frankly i can see such beautiful global co-opreation after Katrina
A tiny country like KUWAIT is granting 500 millions $
U.S embassador to Kuwait said it’s the bigesst donation ever.
GOD bless all victims.
Comment by Mike @ 9/7/2005 - 2:27 am