I started writing this yesterday, but then decided to give our Dutch Government an extra day. But now I'm really wondering why there is so little help offered to the US after the tragedy of hurricane Katrina. We had our biggest flood in 1953. Only a day after the flood the US (among many other countries) offered their help. But now, 2005, it's already been 3 days and all that was offered was a 'dike inspection team'.... how about money, food, water, pumps, tents etc etc.
A lot of people in The Netherlands seem to argue that, first of all, the US is a rich country and therefore should take care of itself. Second they say as long as the US spends billions on a war they don't deserve our help. I strongly disagree with that. When the Dutch recieved Marshal plan help, we where fighting a Colonial war in Indonesia at the same time. That was our biggest, most expensive and probalby wrongest war ever. But that did not stop the US from helping us financially. That might in some part have been out of self interest. Probably a combination of that and the Golden Rule. And that's what we should do. We should offer help, just like we would help to be offered when we need it.
If you want, donate some money to the American Red Cross now.
What a great blog! I think you wrote it very well! There are many people here in the US that are disgusted as well (me included) with the lack of response by the Federal Government (but you know, the bigger you are the slower you move, it's a fact), but thankfully they don't let that keep them from donating to the Red Cross and other relief organizations.
The discussion here: http://www.prikpagina.nl/list.php?f=6 really upset me and I hope you don't mind I quoted you anonymously (if you want credit for the quote, I'll add it). I just think you wrote a very true statement and a lot of people justify their stinginess with righteousness.
Nice...The weatherman is Chad Myers, and he is kind of an easy-going guy who kids around sometimes with the anchorwoman. I watch it quite often. Thank you for your feelings about helping our country. A lot of misguided people voted this man in office because they think he has the same values and will look out for our welfare, but I believe he is the worst kind of politician who goes whichever way the "wind blows". There are alot of innocent, decent people affected by this storm. Our country is not what you see on tv. We are hard-working, generous loving people for the most part, who get intense satisfaction in helping others less fortunate. The criminals you see in the streets of New Orleans are the gangs who are displaced and criminals who lurk in every city- brought to the surface by the storm with the sewers. Thank you for your kind words and if you come to America, come to the heartland where the real Americans live. The small towns, the beautiful countryside and the spectacular place we love. Movies and television are not what we are. No one I know supports this war. The ones who did, well, they don't now for the most part. We were preyed upon by a politician who used our bruised emotions from 9/11 to get on with his and his cronies personal agendas. Now we are stretched with this hurricane and he is in the hot seat. It will be interesting to see what comes of it. Always look out for yourself and your family. Don't depend on governments that is for sure.Sorry this is so long.