Why did the world leaders offer help and we didn't,

[ChicanoPwr]

As I was doing research on another topic I found this interesting article on the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. This article was written last month, but it does answer why Bush took a vacation while all the world leaders where giving aid to help those who are suffered from the tsunami.

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Biting the Hand That Feeds You
By Roger Bate
Posted: Monday, November 29, 2004
National Review Online

ARUSHA, TANZANIA: To confirm the massive international bias (especially within the media) against the United States, one has only to examine the headlines about the recent major AIDS meeting in Tanzania. Most nations have failed to live up to their international obligations, whereas the U.S. has delivered on them. Yet, by some odd twist, the U.S. is criticized and the rest are not. It's time for Americans to consider ignoring international forums (such as the Global Fund), partner with those who want to work with the U.S. (as they did in Iraq), and just save lives.

<snip>

The current chairman of the Global Fund board is the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson. When he announced that the fifth round of funding might be delayed by “five months,” the U.S. was immediately attacked by pressure groups for not doing enough. The Global AIDS Alliance accused President George W. Bush of crippling the fund by harboring “an irrational hatred toward all things U.N.-related.” European newspapers reported these attacks gleefully.

<snip>

The U.S. has been the harshest critic of the fund’s failings. First, it has criticized other donors for not doing their part; more important, it has complained that the fund was failing to manage projects efficiently. But apparently good-faith, accurate criticism is not allowed in the world of do-goodery.

http://www.aei.org/news/newsID.21615,filte...news_detail.asp
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Although the article discusses the fight on AIDS in the Global sense, it does provide some insight as to why the US delayed in giving relief funds. It is obvious Bush believes we are the World Bank and need to stop giving money, until other countries are not putting their fair share.

[Benhurst]

1. Bush is on vacation because he is a lazy stooge who has spent

a major part of his time in the office he stole either gathering up contributions (bribes) or lazing around Camp David and that pig farm of his he likes to call a ranch.

Much of BushAmerica's "aid" comes in the form of military assistance for corrupt puppet states.

As for the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, it's a right-wing "think tank" whose propaganda is not to be trusted.

[ChicanoPwr]

6. That is why I used AEI

You and I know AEI is a right-wing "think tank" who enjoys spreading propaganda. We also have to keep in mind there are those outside of DU who are fooled by these neo-cons. We have to educate the average Joe, because when somebody looks up AEI, this is what they will see:

"The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research is dedicated to preserving and strengthening the foundations of freedom--limited government, private enterprise, vital cultural and political institutions, and a strong foreign policy and national defense--through scholarly research, open debate, and publications."

I feel it is time to fight fire with fire. There is no doubt they are looking at our stuff and tearing it down. Now it is our turn to inform anybody who reads these treads to know the truth about any RW think-tanks, such as AEI.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

2. Ummmm, what's in it for U.S.? n/t

[Disturbed]

3. Shrub is a mentaly lazy Sociopath...

and he only responds to self-interest. Had no one said anything about the measly $15 Mill or his lack of response there would have been no response and no more offer of more money.

[aneerkoinos]

4. Fair share

EU and member states are giving over half of all the development aid in the world. Fair share?

There is all kinds of criticism, mostly constructive, also towards Europe, not only about the amount of aid but especially how it is used. US has severe psychological problems, if it can't handle criticisim but acts like a pampered brat. Well, when self-image and reality are in severe conflict, severe psychological problems arise...

[HysteryDiagnosis]

5. A "National Psychosis"..... what a concept.. I like it. n/t