I was so angry, I had to vent . . .

by: BonnieBlueFlag

This article and the responses are from the 6th of this month, which made it too late for me to comment on the BBC website, but having just seen this only a few minutes ago, I am still so angry that I could spit nails!

When did President Bush, or anyone else from the United States go to Europe, Asia or any where else with a tin cup in hand?

In fact the President attempted to not accept help from others, especially the poorer countries, but that was seen as being less than gracious.

We didn't ask for anyone's help, and if they think throwing a pittance into their imaginary tin cup, entitles them to take us to task for being the victim of a horrendous natural disaster, they have another think coming!!

They know absolutely nothing of our economy, and yet they feel free to condemn each and every one of us as fifthly rich Americans. No doubt they are judging us by the behavior of the Hollywood, Social, and Political elitists, who like to go to Europe and talk disrespectfully about America.

We don't need their money, their help, or their hateful comments. Of course being the Christian people that we are, the next time England needs our help, we will be there without criticism.

September 6, 2005
From the BBC News Website

Why does the US need our money?
WHO, WHAT, WHY?
The Magazine answers...

The Red Cross is appealing for people overseas to contribute money to its Hurricane Katrina Appeal. But why does the world's richest nation need handouts?

The world's only superpower has been forced to turn to aid agencies to speed up the humanitarian effort in the wake of Katrina.

Seemingly unable to draw on its wealth at short notice to immediately respond to the disaster, charities in other countries, such as the British Red Cross, are now launching appeals to raise money.

In addition half a million military ration packs worth an estimated £3m have been flown out from the UK and more are expected to follow.

The public in many countries are accustomed to providing aid to poverty stricken developing nations, but the need to provide assistance to the most opulent country in the world may leave many perplexed.BBC News: Why Does the US Need Our Money?

I will not be giving to this appeal. The United States is the richest country in the history of the modern world. They should be diverting their wealth into domestic social care programs not into imposing their economic will on the rest of the world. Maybe this will be the wake up call that the people of the US need.
Alan, Herefordshire

As a British citizen who has lived in the US for over 20 years and as someone who has witnessed the outpouring of help and aid, both financial and material, that this country has always given to those in need wherever they are. I am disgusted and appalled that reciprocal aid to us would even be questioned. Unless you are here in the US you cannot begin to comprehend the enormity of this disaster. The American public has already donated millions and millions of dollars as well as their time, their homes and their cities to the refugees.
Dee Branigan, Cumming, Georgia, USA

Of cause people gladley gave after the tsunami, that is understadable. But surely there are enough people in USA that can charitable donations. Should the US government not spend it's own money helping these people? Even if it ment selling gold reserves. To ask other nations for help, and then retaining wealth makes my skin crawl. What % of the American defense budget is needed for aid I ask?
gareth bruce, warwick

I can understand that aid agencies, such as the British Red Cross, can provide the physical help in terms of food parcels and staff on the ground. But why does this need to be paid for via charitable donations? Surely the US Government can transfer money to these agencies easily enough, rather than it needing to be raised by charitable donations.
James Wilson, London, UK

Your article raises a good question. Although the U.S. may be the wealthiest nation, we have been shown to be the least organized and least prepared. It is a shame and a sin that the aftermath of Katrina was so harshly felt by so many who were otherwise powerless in its wake. We are furious that our government has been so unresponsive to the needs of its citizens. Thank you to those around the world that helped, we needed it but shouldn't have.
Linda Thornton, Sierra Madre, CA, USA

A quick staw poll of people in my office shows up a feeling of disgust that the US can't free up enough funds. I don't think anyone here is planning on giving...
Brian Cooper, London, UK

They don't need our aid. If they don't put their full backing to G8, how should they expect us to help? Although, we should help our 'across the pond' cousins need our help in this crisis. We would do the same...maybe they will give more generously next time.
Tyron, Kent

I think the fact that america is accepting aid from other poorer countries is very wrong & proves that the US & other developed countries i.e the UK use & abuse charity appeals i believe that the money donated to america will only be used to soften the blow as they have enough $$ to sort this mess out Bush just doesn't want to spend that money! I for one will not be donating
Luke, England West sussex Southwater

Yes we should help. The area devastated is the size of the UK, no government could possibly help all of those people without aid, regardless of being a superpower or not!
Andy, Wales

This is a disgrace. I am shocked by what happened to the people of New Orleans and surrounding area but To give to a country that obviously went to war for other motives and spent millions on this. A country that is the richest in the world and has the most resources. I will not be helping - Considering the country is reluctant to help the truly needy countries eradicate poverty.
Trevor Kingdon, Forest of Dean

The US has shown amazing generosity in the past both in humanitarian and military help. It is really rather pathetic that some people seem to almost be rejocing at the fact the US needs help not withstanding the fact that any other country in the world would be far less capable of dealing with a disaster of this scale. We should remember the help offered by the US over the last century and dig deep now.
steve, manchester

Article Continued - with additional responses BBC News: Why Does the US Need Our Money?

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