Katrina Relief

[Cthusker]

Kuwait has pledged 500 million dollars to help with huricane relief.... this is what Japan offered...

Japan has offered to provide $200,000 to the American Red Cross, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. Japan also will provide up to $300,000 in emergency supplies such as tents, blankets and power generators if it receives requests, the ministry said.

Do you think they can really spare the 500 grand? Rather pathetic and a slap in the face... if they need the money that bad I say keep it. Love my Runner, but that is really shabby!! I would guess that's not 1 hours worth of cars sales by Japanese auto makers in the USA....

There are lots of countries stepping up to the plate, Japan sure isn't one of them............

 

[gonzo]

We don't need their stinking money! Shouldn't surprise you though, Japan typically gives their foreign aid to countries that are actually in need. Keep in mind that we are the richest nation on earth, yet rank as one of the lowest 1st world nations when it comes to foreign aid as a percentage of GDP. Add to that the fact that we actually have the resources to handle this type of situation, how we choose to utilize these resources is a different story. I just read an article about how a group of medical staff from Vancouver, Canada, was the first medical team to arrive on the scene following the hurricane and begin offering assistance to the Katrina victims. Not the first foreign medical team, they were actually the first team! Funny how they could get it together and be more prepared then our own folks.

As for Kuwait's donation, that is terrific - even if it wasn't 100% politically motivated.

Since we are such a stingy wealthy nation, perhaps we should appreciate any assistance that is offered. We could also take the matter into our own hands (which we are good at) and donate ourselves. If you are interested, checkout the American Red Cross at http://www.redcross.org/.

 

[Cthusker]

Relief...

For the record my company that I own gave (generously) to the Red Cross, Salvation Army and HSUS (Humane) Disaster funds! Would the USA give to Japan (who

 

[gonzo]

I am glad that you and your company gave, hopefully that will be an example to others.

It is apparent from your tone that you do not appreciate any type of critique of our foreign policy.

I have studied U.S. foreign policy, in-depth, and I know that policy issues are very complex. To say the least, using broad generalizations to typify foreign policy would be asinine. That being said let me make a couple of comments:

Using foreign aid measured against GDP is an accepted measure since it takes into account both the wealth and population of each country. For example, you could not compare U.S. donations to those of Australia dollar-for-dollar because the U.S. has many more people. Comparing dollar for dollar is a tactic used to skew the truth about U.S. giving. In some cases, even if you compare dollar for dollars, the U.S. still comes up short. For example, Canada (1/10 the size of the U.S.) pledged more money to help the tsunami victims than we did.

Attempting to make U.S. foreign aid contributions appear to be larger by including military costs is ridiculous. Many countries contribute to peace keeping missions and global security in addition to their generous foreign aid. As for our military contributions, don

 

[sharp4runr]

Maybe this will make you feel better about the company that makes our trucks: http://toyota.com/about/news/corporate/2005/09/01-1-katrina-donation.html

 

[Cthusker]

Thanks..

It makes me feel much much better about Toyota! My company has been buying their products for over 15 years. I've always believed they've made the most reliable small trucks in the world. It's great to see Toyota respond to the folks that really need some help now! That tells me the company really cares about it's customers and more importantly has it's heart in the right place. Thanks for the info............

 

[psychoklr]

Man those Japanese are cheap the Province I live in in Canada (same as a state) just gave $5million !!