Pope, Europe Leaders Call for Quake Aid

[Chicago Democrat]

Pope, Europe Leaders Call for Quake Aid
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: December 26, 2004

Filed at 10:21 a.m. ET

ROME (AP) -- Pope John Paul II appealed for swift international aid to help thousands of victims from Sunday's massive tidal waves that swamped coastal areas across southern Asia -- triggered by the world's most powerful earthquake in 40 years.

(snip)

In Brussels, European Union Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Luis Michel said it was important to deliver aid ``in those vital hours and days immediately after the disaster.'' The 25-nation EU will deliver $4 million in emergency aid as a start.

``For all the huge advances in the control of our lives through science and technology, an earthquake on this scale is truly humbling as well as profoundly tragic,'' said British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

British consular officials were called from vacation and aid efforts were being organized.

rest at....
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-Earthquake-Worldview.html?oref=login

[Chicago Democrat]

1. Meanwhile George is clearing brush and defending his 'vetting' process

and John Kerry? busy counting his (our) recount money.


Where is the Tsunami Aid? Where is the military? Oh I forgot, too busy stealing oil from people who want us out of their country..

I feel so great and proud America. Superpower my ass.

[Pithy Cherub]

2. It used to be that America would be the first to help...

* is only involved in what he thinks affects him and his agenda. Little thoughts from a little man.

[cal04]

3. Venezuela to send aid to countries affected by Asian earthquake

Pope John Paul II called on the international community to offer help to the victims of this terrible tragedy.

The Venezuelan national director of Civilian Protection, Colonel Antonio Rivero, stated that Venezuela will be sending humanitarian help to those Asian countries affected by the worst earthquake in the last 40 years.

During a phone contact with state channel Venezolana de Television (VTV), Rivero said he had spoken to the Venezuelan deputy foreign minister, who informed that there are ongoing efforts to express solidarity with the affected nations.


http://www.vheadline.com/readnews.asp?id=24067

[Gregorian]

4. What about Iraq, you MORAN!

Couldn't they use a bit of aid? Utter hypocrites. Is it just me? Am I too immature to get it? Is Iraq BAD? And everyone else deserves kindness?
Sorry, nothing makes sense in this new world disorder.

[DrDebug]

6. We are helping in Iraq

Rummy is there right now telling the Iraqi what a wonderful future they have install from them!

[Gregorian]

7. If we're not lucky, someone's going to do the same "for" us.

Today's the day I have realized that if someone supports Bush, they cannot call themselves a conservative. To support Bush is to be a fascist. Just had to say that, even if this isn't the right place.

[DrDebug]

10. Since the coalition of the willing can't conquer Iraq

It's highly unlikely that anybody can conquer the US. It's even bigger with even more people...

This is always the right place to say that Bush supporters are fascists...

[InvisibleBallots]

13. love your sig - that's from the Christmas Truce right?

I had posted that song and the story yesterday, it's great.

[Gregorian]

18. Hey. I think so.

I was listening to WUSB last night. And that tune came on. And that line struck me so. I mean, it really did happen. On top of that, I could philosophize on and on about it. Who's fighting, anyways? And why are we fighting their wars? And do we really need government. I have always thought not. But then, I didn't realize there were so many monsters on the same planet as myself. Yes, that is a powerful story in a song.

[burrowowl]

17. The Flag of Corporatism

is a good one. When will be bar coded?

[donheld]

23. Utter hypocrites my ass

The US broke Iraq against the wishes of Europe, the US should pay to fix Iraq not Europe.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

5. I don't think sending computer games will help

GAAAA sorry I couldn't help myself.

What a fucked up thing. You're living your life calmly, minding your own business, then a giant wave comes and destroys everything.

Sorry. Outrageous jokes are a kind of defense mechanism I use to swallow such news a little easier. I think it's a Brazilian thing.

[VegasWolf]

8. Interesting since only 22% of people in europe are considered "churched"

[Chicago Democrat]

9. Hey! White House 'dep. press sec.' gives 'condolences' and little else:

Statement by the Deputy Press Secretary




December 26, 2004

STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY

Earthquake and Tidal Waves in the Bay of Bengal

On behalf of the American people, the President expresses his sincere condolences for the terrible loss of life and suffering caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunamis in the region of the Bay of Bengal.

The United States stands ready to offer all appropriate assistance to those nations most affected including Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, and Indonesia, as well as the other countries impacted. Already relief is flowing to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. We will work with the affected governments, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, and other concerned states and organizations to support the relief and response to this terrible tragedy.

Again, we extend our sincere condolences to all the people of the region at this time of suffering.

[MaineDem]

11. Ummm, what about India?

Oh well, at least they said something.

[Chicago Democrat]

12. I wrote CNN about it... might as well be talking to a wall

Its Christmas and not 10,000 but tens of thousands have died in an instant. Huge areas of coastline in Burma are completely isolated and the reports of casualties are absent from whole swaths of area. Islands. Whole communities gone. So get going on actually covering the devastation. What about Burma? What about India? What about Thailand? What about all of them and what is the USA doing about it?

Secondly, Please report on the underwhelming and inept and perhaps politically motivated NON RESPONSE of the United States Government to this crisis. The Pope, Europe, England and even Venezuela! are putting us to shame by providing generous and timely aid! Bush is to blame for this, no doubt this is some political game. Why is the USA not helping?

Merry Christmas Aaron Brown. Please pick up this story.

[demnan]

14. Such a horrible disaster

and those who predicted global warming were quick to dissern that these areas of the world would be in the most danger. Although we can never predict a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, we can do something to assure that low lying areas are not so vulnerable.

More blood is on our hands for not signing the Kyoto agreeement.

[iconoclastic cat]

15. A sure bet: The US pledges aid--then says it can't do it due to tax cuts!

[Chicago Democrat]

19. US finally pledges aid... almost 24 hours later

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States has pledged an initial offering of about $15 million for relief efforts in southern Asia,

(snip)

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell told reporters Monday that the federal government sent $400,000 to embassies in the region and would likely have negotiated the release of an additional $4 million to the International Red Cross by the end of the day.

And USAID spokesman Ed Fox said the remaining money would be made available as quickly as possible. Powell said it was a "quick infusion to stabilize, get supplies in and plan for the long haul."

The U.S. Pacific Command has also sent three Navy P-3 Orion surveillance planes from Kadena Air Base, Japan, to Utaphao, Thailand, to help survey the area

Rest at...
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/12/27/quake.aid/index.html

About time King George!

[iconoclastic cat]

20. Considering the devastation, 4-5mil is a pittance.

I am not impressed.

[Bridget Burke]

21. US aid: $4,400,000. Next Bush Inauguration: $40,000,000.

Just keeping things in perspective.

Of course, much of the inauguration money will come from Bush "supporters"--but I'm sure they'll be reimbursed in the long run.

[pacifictiger]

24. pretty small considering

Australia put up $10million immediately.
And the gdp of the US is how much larger than Australia's??
Oh, silly me, I forgot we need the money to pay for smart bombs and starwars missiles.

[gratuitous]

16. Sorry for your troubles, Asia

But we in the United States have chosen to spend our time, treasure and talent on an elective war of petro-conquest. Bad timing for a big disaster like this, but pip-pip and keep a stiff upper lip, wot?

[Chicago Democrat]

22. Plus we only help coalition of the willing.

So if you are not willing, go F yourslf!