U.S. Pledges Initial $15M for Asia

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON -- The United States dispatched disaster specialists and pledged an initial $15 million Monday to Asian countries struck by a massive earthquake and tsunamis.

"This is indeed an international tragedy and we are going to do everything we can," Secretary of State Colin Powell said.
...
American ambssadors released $100,000 each to India, Indonesia, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and Powell said $4 million would be given to the Red Cross.

"This is not just a one-time thing," Powell said. "Some 20,000-plus lives have been lost in a few moments, but the lingering effects will be there for years -- the damage that was caused. The rebuilding of schools and other facilities will take time."

U.S. government specialists in disaster relief were sent to Thailand and Indonesia, and others will be spread out through the region. Supplies of shelter, food and water cans kept in reserve in the Philippines and in Dubai will be distributed, according to Ed Fox, assistant administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Millions of people who were displaced will need shelter, food and clothing, Fox added. The $15 million U.S. contribution was an initial one, he said, issued while surveys were conducted.

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-us-quake,0,6435463.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

[goddess40]

1. Is this like the money promised for AIDS

that is still sitting in our hands?

[ashling]

7. Exactly my thought

beat me to it

[Gardeaux08]

2. Hey! I have an idea!

Maybe if someone tells them that Sri Lanka has been fighting a "war on terror" for the past 20 years, they'll find more money!

[matt819]

3. A comparison

That $15 million, which you just know for sure is going to American companies to provide a few tents and blankets, is 12 ten thousandths of the 125 billion dollars cost (at least) of the travesty in Iraq.

Here's a situation where the US can shine. Instead, what we're providing is less than a drop in the proverbial bucket. Proud to be an American now?

[Catchawave]

4. Very generous indeed....

...and it does come *only* 24+ hours after the other nations kicked into immediate action. But 4 million to the Red Cross? I'm sorry, after they directed those 9-11 funds to updating their offices, I'll never send them another nickel:mad:

[Tweed]

5. That's it?!?!

What a load of crap!

[daleo]

6. Canadian government has pledged 4 million so far

Canada pledges $4 million in aid
Last Updated Mon, 27 Dec 2004 18:39:38 EST
OTTAWA - Defence Minister Bill Graham defended the $4 million Canada is providing in relief efforts to Southeast Asia in the wake of the deadly tsunami, promising that more aid is coming.

"This is an immediate response not the last response," Graham said at a news conference to announce Canada would provide an additional $3 million to the $ 1 million already announced Sunday.

http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/12/27/graham-tsunami041227.html

[BRLIB]

8. If it would be $87 Billion it would at

least put their humanitarian aid in the ballpark of their genocidal aid for Iraq.